Time with Friends

Trial Islands Lighthouse with Olympic Mountains backdrop

From Esquimalt we made our way around Gonzales Point past Victoria and the beautiful Trial Islands Lighthouse via Enterprise Channel.  Turning north through Haro Strait, we stopped at Saanichton Bay, located behind James Island south of Sidney, and noted that this large bay would serve as a nice option for anchorage, protected from most winds except northerlies; charted depths of 20-30 feet. 

Princess Anchorage at Portland Island near Sidney

Before arriving at our planned destination of Sidney, we continued a short distance north and circled Portland Island, which offers a couple of cozy anchorages.  Princess Bay, at the south end of the island, has limited anchorage (10-foot depths) that may require a stern tie; drying shoals are at the head of the bay where we saw a sailboat a bit too close!   

Stern-tie Rings are found at Royal Cove, Portland Island

A better option in our opinion is Royal Cove on the north side of the island, which has three stern tie rings along the northeast shoreline; identified in red. 

Red Stern-tie Ring in Royal Cove

Transiting the rocky, narrow channel of John Passage, we arrived in Sidney for the 1 p.m. check-in time, and awaited the arrival of our friends coming from Anacortes.  Knut and Christine, who keep their boat in Anacortes over the winter while residing in South Africa, had planned to meet us in Sidney to spend some time together. 

Enjoying coffee and pastries with friends Christine and Knut

It was so nice to see them again; Knut of German descent, and Christine of Swiss descent, are great company and we enjoy their perspective on life and world travels.  The lovely town of Sidney has lots to offer, including parks, cafes, and boutiques, a great place to spend time with friends. 

Having Fun along the Promonade

We had fun going for coffee at a local bakery and spending an evening together over dinner at a Swiss restaurant in town.  The sun-filled afternoon was the perfect time to walk the promenade south along the waterfront. 

It was a nice break from writing and research; we enjoyed having a few days to just relax.