It's about the people

Each day we are amazed at the warm and wonderful people we have met on this crazy trip. From the first night fisherman that shared his live shrimp with us to the water angels we met in Kelsey Bay that helped us get our Mojo back after a cold night huddled on a log.

After Eric transported us to Kelsey Bay we learned his helper, Randy, the self appointed "Mayor" of Kelsey Bay also managed the 6 place RV park and kayaker camp site we'd store the boats at while Lauri and I got some rest at the Mt. H'Kasum Lodge. We felt secure with Randy's watchful eye on our boats nestled at the retainer wall of the RV parks owners house. The owner carved out a tent site, fire pit (complete with match ready fire pyramid) and picnic table for wayward kayakers. Very nice.

Julie, the owner of the Mt. H'Kasum Lodge, picked us up and shuttled us to the spacious family style lodge where we met Violet (3), Raven(5)... Julie's kids, two dogs, two cats and Julie's Mother in Law, Helena. We felt at home immediately and were soon offered the family car to run errands and rebuild our food cache. We also enjoyed hearing Julie's stories of her 4 month bike trip from Oregon to Belize.

With laundry completed, sleep deprivation staved off and full bear vaults of food we were ready to get back to the boats Thursday night. Angel Julie gave us a tour of the town of Sayward and dropped us off at the boats. Violet and Raven didn't look so happy as we said our thanks and goodbyes.

Randy and all the other RV people said their goodbyes and good luck!

Friday, was a brutal 10 hour day on the water... against a steady wind our speed averaged slightly less then 2 Kts... arghhh. Not an ideal first day back, but with no camping at a shorter distance... we had no choices. Fortunately, there was one Oceanside camping spot at Naka Creek after long slog and we were soon chatting with all the neighbors when the call went out that a humpback was swimming in the channel.

Nothing unites a campground like a humpback. We soon heard stories about the Orcas using the gravel beach to "rub" themselves on and all the whale, seal, dolphin activity when the salmon run. We also learned of a kayak couple we "MUST" meet up with at Prince Rupert. Crazy nice people.

Today after our third Bear sighting of the trip we got to talking with another bear observer and he grew up in Little Current, Manitulan Island, Ontario, Canada. He was a dock hand and his father ran the marina there. There is a 100% chance he and his father have assisted my parents in their 30 plus sailing trips that always included multiple stops at Little Current. Small world.

So it's almost July 4th... and Lauri and knew this would be the hardest time away from family and friends... first time missing the family 4th... in, well... I can't remember if it has ever happened. Tomorrow, with luck, we will be in Port Hardy and planning the next leg of this odyssey, but we will be thinking of, and missing all of you.

Enjoy the 4th and Happy Birthday America and to my Big Brother!