Off to Madeira Park on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, named in the 1900s by Joseph Gonsalves who settled there. He arrived by boat from Madeira Island near Portugal. 

Passing many Madrone trees on the shoreline, it was noted that the Madrone or Arbutus tree is the only broad leafed evergreens on the Pacific Coast in Canada. The berries were once used for cider, necklaces and as bait to catch Steelhead fish. The madrone hardwood is expensive in Canada. 

On our way to Maderia, we passed an island with a number of big, brown, sea lions lying on a rocky shore. The sun was shining, the seas were calm and all were happy.

A large lumber mill was visible by Powell River. With binoculars, we could see the complex industry. The export value of lumber from Canada is approximately $7 billion and the majority of that lumber comes from BC. 

As we rounded the corner into Pender Harbour, beautiful homes dotted the coast line. British survey vessels mapped the harbour between 1860 and 1868 and settlers began building homes along the waterfront during the early twentieth century. A few young children, by the water’s edge, waved at all the boats and tried to get us to honk our horns. Most obliged and waved back. A nice welcome to Pender Harbour also known as kalpilin, a traditional territory of the shíshálh Nation with a population of 3000 people. Madeira park is in Pender Harbour.

Boats were tied at the dock at the park with help from a passenger on Arctic Star, as they had arrived ahead of the flotilla. Most guests quickly made their way into town to discover what Maderia Park had to offer. An art gallery, a few shops and some local history. The fire station posted new message, lifting the July 7 fire ban for campfires only. They had experienced a week of rain, and the locals said and they were nearing the end of the fire season. 

A game of cribbage took place before dinner for a few passengers and a large table was reserved at Painted Boat Resort and we all enjoyed a beautiful meal together.