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From her Nautical Notes
Pages
by A.V.Y.C. Member Marilyn Guille
I was sixteen the first time I stuck my toes in
the Pacific Ocean, and I recall being awestruck that such an incredible body of
water could exist on our planet. Having been born in Nova Scotia (but too young
when I left to remember it), I believe I already had a love for the water "in
my bones," and I knew then that I'd never again want to be too far away from
it. After eleven years in Victoria, during which time I never tired of sitting
on the rocks at Clover Point or going for windswept walks in Cadboro Bay, I
finally went boating for the first time. That's when a new dimension of my love
for this water came into being.
However, having young children and no
money (a combination that often seems to go hand-in-hand) precluded spending
much time on the wonderful Pacific . . . and the years passed. Except for a
short stint with a 16-foot runabout, my husband and I remained "boatless" for a
long time. Then economics forced a move to sunny Alberta in 1982; that marked
the longest stretch of time I've been away from my ocean since finding it in my
teens. The only consolation in Alberta was that we found a home with a river in
the backyard, so we weren't completely landlocked.
Finally, in 1988, we
moved back to Vancouver Island. (Since settling here in the Oceanside region,
I've remarked on numerous occasions that I don't care if I never see that side
of the Rockies again.) Within weeks of arriving here, we had a boat in the
water again.
Needless to say, we spend as much time as possible "out
there." Our friends all know that from April until October, we're pretty much
unavailable, unless they're interested in cruising. If you can't come along
when we leave the dock, swim out to us in Parksville Bay or at Shingle Spit
while we're anchored and picnicking, or raise us on the VHF, forget it - leave
a message at the tone, and we'll get back to you.
Well, the kids have grown
up (in spite of us), and now we can look forward to the next stage in our
lives. We've carried this love affair to its logical conclusion - living aboard
permanently. Soon we'll be able to motor off into the proverbial sunset, with
"no forwarding address." It's the next best thing to heaven. Re-printed
with permission: Wind
Walker Site |
About the Author's Site and Charter
Service
You can join them for a spectacular day-trip
sightseeing along Vancouver Island's east coast. Lighthouse, Sea Lion and
sightseeing tours are their specialty.
From May to September, you can also book a
Sunset Dinner Cruise! All trips are designed to be family-oriented and
women-friendly. There is no fishing , and no alcohol allowed aboard.
Walk on magical beaches, rescue the graceful nudibranch from an
outgoing tide, watch the bald eagles soar . . . and return home with a better
understanding of the world we share. Experience 'SuperNatural BC' in an
intimate way -- instead of watching TV's nature documentaries, you'll be
watching the real thing right before your eyes -- while traveling in the luxury
and comfort of a fine classic yacht.
Wind Walker Site
Thanks Marilyn for allowing us to print your
story!
Jim |
