Salish Sea Pilot

10/15/2026

This Thanksgiving we did something we haven't done for many years, if at all, since we stopped being liveaboards - a short two night sail. Normally we are gone for many weeks or months, and this just felt so easy! We have moved Silom to Ladysmith, a 25 minute drive from home. We're no longer rafted to another boat like we were in Campbell River, which we found a real deterrent to going out for a day or two. Here are things I noted that made it all very fun and easy:
1) The fridge was not crammed full and I didn't curse it once!
2) We just grabbed some food from home for meals and didn't have to do a major shopping trip.
3) Once we left the dock I started to stow away all the lines and fenders, then I had an AHA moment...I could just leave them neatly on deck.
4) Fresh water policing was not a concern...and we didn't use the salt water foot pump at all.
5) Since we were not going far, and with no schedule, we just sailed all day until we decided to find a nearby anchorage.

The weather was a fabulous bonus and we really enjoyed Preedy Harbour in spite of the bit of ferry wake. A lighter boat than ours might find it more uncomfortable than we did. A lovely open view, walks to the marinas in Telegraph Cove, even a quick dip off some warm rocks to cap off the day.

Oh, and another good difference... barely any laundry to bring home after 2 nights! I think we're going to enjoy Silom in a new way going forward...even if we did eat chicken pot pie three nights in a row. (We did change up the veg each night lol)

08/20/2026

Company’s coming… don’t fret

Planning cruising itineraries is difficult. No two people enjoy doing the same things. But planning routes for guests on your boat can be a nightmare....

Planning cruising itineraries is difficult. No two people enjoy doing the same things. But planning routes for guests on your boat can be a nightmare.

08/19/2026

Curried Quinoa Salad

This curried mix is both spicy and crunchy. This is another of those salads that is perfect for life afloat, made with ingredients that stay fresh far longer than leafy sorts of salad vegetables. Recipe: 1 cup quinoa cooked with 2 cups water and 1 tsp curry powder 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained…...

This curried mix is both spicy and crunchy. his is another of those salads that is perfect for life afloat, made with ingredients that stay fresh far longer than leafy sorts of salad vegetables. Re…

08/18/2026

Boatie Burrito Casserole

Boatie Burrito casserole is difficult to resist. This is a delightful Tex-Mex-y sort of meal, made with ingredients you can store easily. Usually made ahead with little fuss while underway, this casserole is a favourite among crew and guests alike. Serve it with salsa and, if we have it on board, a handful of cilantro. It goes well with a Greek Salad, or a can of corn on the side....

Boatie Burrito casserole is difficult to resist. his is a delightful Tex-Mex-y sort of meal, made with ingredients you can store easily. Usually made ahead with little fuss while underway, this cas…

08/08/2026

Unfortunately named “F” button

The F and I buttons are featured at the top right of almost every page. When Jim decided to include a page with a map for each region of the Salish Sea indicating where fuel is available, he wanted to include a link to it from every page. He figured it would be a great addition for when boaters wanted to instantly know the closest place to fuel up....

The F and I buttons are featured at the top right of almost every page. hen Jim decided to include a page with a map for each region of the Salish Sea indicating where fuel is available, he wanted …

07/14/2026

We've moved closer to our land home!! Here's our fun and private new berth at Ladysmith Marina, end of B dock. More central for research and updating our guides. Campbell River Fishermans Wharf was great, but mandatory rafting was deterring us from short trips, and was a long drive from home. We're feeling excited!!

07/14/2026

07/11/2026