Some grey days

We’ve been totally spoiled this summer, and we know it. Desolation Sound especially is known worldwide for its warm water temperature, and it did not disappoint. But it was still a bit of a shock when you realize you’re swimming in 14° water (especially after the 24 water in Desolation Sound). 

More than anything it was the gray clouds, that hit us the hardest. We’ve had some really boring days feeling trapped in the boat while the weather is cold and wet outside. I’m not gonna lie, we’ve had a few hard days due to weather. It’s then you realize we use the outdoor space on our boat, like the cockpit, as a secondary living space most of the time. There is usually enough space to feel like you have your own space, but when the weather is foul, you all just have to be in each other’s face. I think we would have similar struggles like this at home, but there are certainly fewer escapes when we’re all stuck in the same space. This is not a surprise, but it was a little tough. 

Luckily, we were still able to do some exploring even despite the bad weather. We able to give the kids spaces. a really good clean and tidy, and it gives them a real sense of pride to have their own space and make their own. Those really dreary days, we would keep ourselves busy by dreaming up spectacular dinner ideas, like chilli dogs, using up yesterday‘s chilli and decorating hotdogs like professionals. It was also some of those days that we got closer to salt Spring Island, which was a pleasant surprise. Piper and I had a really nice morning exploring Ganges Harbor, taking in all the little shops and artists while Matt stayed on the boat with Digory fixing things.

Another nice stopover was Port Browning on Pender Island, where we could get in a nice walk and take in some sites before the sprinkle started happening again. We all loved checking out boat passage on Saturna Island, having it be one of Matt’s childhood memories. It’s always a worthwhile visit if you’re ever in the area. 

We were lucky to be able to connect with Matt‘s oldest sister and family and found a spot where we could all meet up and catch up. For our kids to be able to see their big cousins was a real treat for a couple of days. Again, we had some lousy weather, but it’s always fun to squeeze an absurd amount of people on a small little boat for dinner, The sun was out the next day and we all enjoyed the beach and a nice walk.

Then it was on to visiting Matt’s next oldest sister was able to meet us near Victoria with her husband and we took in a busy city day together with lots of good food and really interesting things to see. We always enjoy Victoria with its mix of history and harbour sites. 

It’s now that we’re starting to truly plan to head south and begin looking at timing to make the “big left turn”. We are aiming to be in the States in the next week or so, but that all depends on the weather. I think once we are in the US it’ll start to feel real that we’re actually going on a big adventure. So far this has felt like a really lovely extended summer holiday, but it’s nothing so far out of reach that we couldn’t do it over again another year. Once we cross that American border, we will be in new territory, and on a proper international adventure. We all really hoping for a smooth transition to full-time travelling again, because lately it’s been full-time island hopping or visiting family or friends and I think we’re all itching for the adventure to begin. I know we might regret these and easy day adventures, but it’s time to really get going.

The kids have also dipped their toes into online school as well. I think there is a lot for us to learn over, as it has been a long time since we’ve been a homeschooling family. Piper especially has quite the learning curve to do all of her courses online, but she’s tackled it quite responsibly and is keen to give it a try. Both kids are missing their friends now that it’s September and they’re hearing about the first few days at school, which sorta cements the idea that we’re not gonna be here this year. Both kids have really good core groups of friends and I’m sad that they’ll miss them for a year especially for Digory as this is his first year of high school. I’m so proud of the kids for being up for trying something new, even though it’s tough.