Here is the first of the narrative only blog entries. More pictures will follow after we solve our camera problem.
Friday, September 5: Sailed to Reid Harbor on Stuart Island. Stuart is a place where time has been frozen since the beginning of the 20th century. The island has no ferry service, but an intrepid population of 30 lives there year-round without electricity, and in many instances, without modern plumbing. The school house serves a population of 2 students, who are siblings. The school, one room of course, is an archetectural joy with open beams, a wooden floor, a woodstove for heat. The "teacherage" - a 15 foot square cottage was once the teacher's living quarters, but is now a museum. The original 19th century school house now serves as the library.
We hiked 5 miles round trip to a lighthouse, and walked through verdant, heavily forested and meadowed countryside that reminded me of Norway. Along the way, there was a "treasure chest" filled with t-shirts, postcards, etc. that could be purchased by taking an item home, and then sending the absentee shopkeeper a check in the mail from home. Talk about trust!!
Saturday, September 6: After a peaceful night and an indescribably beautiful sunrise, we sailed for Poets Cove Marina in Bedwell Harbor on South Pender Island. We cleared Canada customs by phone - no inspections or boardings. Poets Cove is part of a very fancy resort with a hotel, spa, etc. that appears to cater to the rich. We are again docked next to enormous boats that can consume 160 gallons of fuel an hour traveling at 30 kts. Not exactly green! Tonight we witnessed something really unique - A large sailboat with its sail up was docked next to a 3 story tall motor boat in the marina. The sail served as a projection screen for the audience that had gathered on the third floor of the motor yacht. A movie was being shown. Ahh, inovation!
We are seeing many varieties of birds, and seals often swim near our moving boat, seemingly oblivious to our presence.
