We made here at about 2;30 just as the winds were building; we motored the whole way. We could have sailed at about the 2/3 point across but the wind angle was such that we would not have made much progress and would have added at least another 3 hours to the trip.
The directions to our slip at the marina were clear but the signage was very bad; we ended up having to do 3 U-turns; one in a slot about 44' wide with us at 40', boats either side of the slot and a wind blowing us sideways. Fortunately there was no insurance claims or personal harm! There are 2 marinas here and we are in the one furthest from downtown; the Point Hudson marina is adjacent to the PT Marine centre/wood boat building crafts,etc and near more coffee shops...no room but definitely the preferred destination. I have learned that US marina's don't take same day reservations, you need to book the day before at least.
We walked to town, lots of buildings from late 1800's, funky stores and many art galleries, in addition to the wooden boat associated businesses. At the first coffee shop we stopped at, Richard was mistaken for being my brother... I suppose that is an improvement from being my "wife" ?!? I told the clerk that he was actually my father...
This is an active place: free concerts on the waterfront on thursdays, wooden boat show the week after the Victoria show, then a film festival, etc.
We dropped in to sample some beer at an unassuming local brewery that had a sandwhich board sign in industrial area near the marina that had a silhouette of a bee and the word "Ale" on it. Turns out they brew beer according to some ancient method, using herbs,etc ( think of this as being medicinal!). Some of their beer is aged for 2 years.... I bought a bottle to have with Mike when they show up later in September. I was told that I could not buy unless I promised not to open it for at least 2 weeks. However, we HAVE to go back as I found a math error on their label need to point that out...and maybe get a free sample?? Check them out at http://propolisbrewing.com/
The plan is to stay here tomorrow, then depending on weather , cross back to Canada on Saturday or Sunday. Ideally, we will be able to change our Oak Bay reservation from Sunday to Saturday and all will be well. Whatever we do, we need to check in a Canada customs location before we can even think about anchoring,etc.
Photo's will be posted separately.
Over and out
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