Wednesday 27 May 2020

Off for a summer (?) cruise... despite COVID-19

Heading towards Texada Island/Welcome Passage

After weeks of deliberation and occasional disagreement, we have left Whistler and Vancouver for a 1-3-month cruise North/West. 

British Columbia had seriously "flattened the curve" and business and provincial parks are opening up, especially June 1st. An interesting change is that only BC residents are allowed to camp in BC Parks this Summer (David is not 100% in favour of this idea; they should be open to other Canadians... and vice versa), and USA-Americans cannot cross the border for non-essential purposes until at least June 21.That means 60-70% fewer boats in Desolation Sound. Finally we can visit in high season and not fight for space in our own province! 

We had originally planned to go to Haida Gwaii (for a 4th time), but that is very very unlikely as the Haida are currently not welcoming visitors. Indeed, how far we do go will depend a lot on whether communities start to welcome boaters. We shall see... certainly Desolation Sound. 

In the meantime, we have fully provisioned Pelagia, so no need to shop in small communities.    

Stocked up for the trip

Currently at the Vancouver Rowing Club outstation in Pender Harbour, where the resort has been very welcoming. 

Motoring past Howe Sound, Mt. Garibaldi in the distance (Whistler is past Mt. Garibaldi)