Each boat was early for our already early start on day 2. The waters in the marina were calm, flat, and we all made it safely out of the harbour. A calm reward after yesterday afternoon’s rough entry. Approaching Active Pass, we monitored the ferries and snaked our way through the narrow pass, all the goslings in a row.

Entering the Strait of Georgia, our day turned from overcast to bluebird skies. Each yacht looked quite miraculous in the sunlight, generating very sparkly wakes. We spotted some harbour porpoises. Then two humpback whales. Some more porpoises, and another humpback. We remarked about the rebound of porpoises and humpbacks on the coast, in the absence of anthropogenic influence (whaling, pollution, aquaculture). There were quite a few big logs to dodge. Many of which are strays from BC’s logging industry – including over 60% of the driftwood logs on the west coast. The smooth, relatively light, rootless logs roll around much easier than natural source logs, unfortunately degrading beaches and intertidal creatures on rocky shores.

Further from land, the ocean became flat and expansive around us. Admittedly it doesn’t look like much – but trust that below us is teeming with life.

We encountered some more humpbacks, so the flotilla slowed and watched, quieting our engines. At this time of year, the humpbacks are in BC waters to feed and regain strength with our energy dense forage fish and krill. Mating and calving occur south, in Mexico and Hawaii, and mothers make the long northern journey while sapping their body’s resources to nurse their growing calves.

We made it into Garden Bay, and each boat found their spot to anchor for the night. Popped into a small local shop to top up on some essentials – ice cream & ice. Today was a big day on the water. An early night for all.