Adventure 33: Tree Island Camping Trip

Buff Buddies

I believe it was last fall that an article appearing in the local newspaper. The subject was an announcement of a new park on Denman Island, called East Beach Park. This park is on the north end of Denman, in a large area that was logged a decade or two ago. A developer had purchased the land and was hoping to carve it into many separate lots, acreages of various sizes. The developer donated land to the Regional District to create this park, and a staircase was built to allow safer access to the shore below the Komas Bluffs on Denman, and an easy drop in for a hike to Tree Island. In reading this article, another adventure was spawned, before the adventure list was created.

Waiting for the ferry at Buckley Bay

Tree Island has a long history for me personally. As a child, some of my earliest memories include boating to Tree Island with my family. Back then it seemed like everyone in Union Bay had a boat and would cruise over on the weekends. We would randomly have large groups all hanging out in the sun, kids and dogs and grown-ups. I spent many hours snorkeling, digging in the sand, clamming, beach combing, batting rocks, and once getting a mean case of sunstroke. Tree Island was also where I learned to hunt ducks with my uncles. Many days we spent on the islands(the Seal Islets are part of Tree Island, and are called by the locals Shack and Protection) in the fall and winter harvesting mallard and American widgeon. This was my beginning of learning about waterfowl and a love for wildlife watching.

Trailhead

It was decided early this spring that Natalie and I would make the trip over and hike to Tree Island for an overnight camping trip. Hanna was invited along, and with Marshall leading the way we made a "Fantastic Four" of camping machines. We left Cumberland about 8am to catch what ever ferry we could. Low tide was at 12:45 and I wanted to be well on our way before then walking the beach, as I was unsure how long it would take to walk, with the distance not being exactly known. I had pre-scouted the location of the trail head on a previous visit to the Island, so locating it would not be a problem, wasting precious time. We parked and shouldered packs that were pretty heavy. Unfortunately Tree Island has no fresh water so we had to pack it all in. I brought 12 liters, which was probably just enough, we could have used more. Marshall had his own pack on, to shoulder the load of his water and food, plus some of our stuff.

114 of those to come back up??

The hike ended up being about 3.5 kilometers from the parking lot to our campsite on Tree Island. We scored a beautiful spot close to the outhouse, and a couple nice Douglas fir tree with hammocks that someone had hung in them. The walk over was pretty warm so we wanted to get in the water asap. I instructed Natalie and Hanna on how to set up their tent, and with little help from me, the shelter was up and beds were made. It was remarkable how they could work together to finish the task. When they would say "We can't" I would tell them to figure it out. Kids give up much too fast when something gives them a little difficulty. The persevered and soon we were swimming. I had my snorkel on and determined to find a crab that was big enough to eat. Hanna bailed right in the water and was quickly in the deep water with her snorkel and fins, floating along with a life jacket. Natalie was having technical difficulties with her mask and finally gave up on it. Before I had a chance to look around much, Hanna was already cold so they went in. I went back and forth through the eel grass looking for a good eating size crab. I took pictures of some smaller ones and lots of starfish and sea stars. Suddenly, I spotted a big one, I mean huge. It would be a great meal for the three of us. I got excited, swam myself around for the perfect angle to snatch him from the grass. Down I go, and give it a poke. Nothing. Ah man, it was dead. That was very disappointed. I kept trying for a little while more then decided to check on the crew, so called it an incomplete mission to attempt again.

It was time to eat. Hunger had set in, so we munched on some smoked salmon, the last from 2011, and cheese. Energized we decided to try our hand at clamming. We hiked across the island to the mud flat between Protection and Tree Island to find some manila clams. The other side of the island all I could find were sand dollars and varnish clams. We cooked some varnish clams and they seemed spawny and not very palatable. We loaded up on manila clams. It was so easy, just raking my fingers through the mud pulled up two or three everytime. This was the clamming I remember as a youth! I pulled them up and tossed them to Natalie and Hanna, who scoped them into their containers. In the end we ate my one liter camping pot full of clams 4 times. What a feed. Natalie told me she didn't like clams, but fresh and boiled in sea water, she was in love with them. That made me happy to say the least. A wild foraged snack, how cool.

Your not big enough.....

Moon Snail

The rest of the afternoon I lazed in a hammock while Natalie and Hanna talked and sang songs. I was allowed to read a book and doze briefly before realizing that Marshall had wandered off. He wasn't far, but that was it for my little snooze. Originally my plan was to sleep on the beach like I had done at Raft Cove, but the weather forecast for a possible shower convinced me to raise my tent. With Hanna's help my very little cottage was erected and my bed made. As dusk settled in it was time for bed. The day trippers had all left for ports unknown, mostly Union Bay and Comox. I was sleepy and the girls were too. I stopped hearing them after about fifteen minutes and went out shortly after.

Clam feed

I was awoken around 1:30 am with Marshall growling and woofing at something. Telling him to be quiet as he was sleeping right beside me. I left the door of my tent open so he could be close. He will not sleep outside without company, and he wasn't about to come in my tiny shack. He continued growling quietly in his throat, I couldn't sleep. Damn dog. What could be be getting worked up for. I must have drifted off again and suddenly he was up and full out barking. I scrambled out of my tent, searching frantically for my headlamp. I have never heard of a bear on the island before, nothing else has made him this loud before at night. I shine my light at the beach. A single refection back. Light blue in color. What the heck? Too big to be a bird, absolutely not a bear. Alien? Sasquatch? Giant duck? Zombie? Nope, I turned off the light and I could just make out a form. It was a common critter that does exactly what we did to access Tree Island. It was a Black Tailed Deer. They cross the land bridge between the two islands on a regular basis to feed on the grass and sea asparagus. I could hear his hooves clicking on the rocks, and that was probably what set Marshall off. I got back in the tent, Marshall was still on edge for quite sometime and I didn't sleep all that well after wards. Of course the kids didn't hear a thing.

Nice spot to sleep if it wasn't for the deer on the beach

We packed up rather early in the morning. The skies didn't rain on us over night, but the wind was picking up and the clouds ominous, and I wanted the tents packed up before they potentially could get soaked. We ate breakfast of homemade granola soaked in tea(that the kids didn't appreciate) and I had some terrible coffee. It was a tough morning on me, and the kids were really good helping to get ready. At ten I announced that we were going for it. I could see land forming between the islands as the tide receded, so we would be good to go.

Making the crossing

The hike out was pretty good, no problem getting across at all. I offered to carry Natalie's backpack about a third of the way to help speed her up so we could get back to the car. Hanna was keeping up with me even with her pack on, and Natalie empty couldn't. She just doesn't move fast. Maybe if she was with Hanna's family the roles would reverse, I don't know. But we made it back, up all 114 stairs to the car. We were almost perfectly in time for the ferry and a much deserved coffee for me and an ice cream for the kids.

Cute puppy pic

Introducing Natalie to Tree Island camping was fulfilling for me. I really like to incorporate adventures that I had as a child into ours, it lets me re-live a little of my past and build tradition and memories for her to share along in her future. Find Adventure.

Adventure 32: Comox Valley Farm Cycle Tour

With Natalie having gained the skill to ride a bike, it has opened up so many doors for us as far as adventures go. No fewer than 10 of our adventures have involved two wheels and a variety of terrains and vistas. This weekend we participated in the Comox Valley Farm Cycle Tour.

Tsolum River bridge

With three different loops taking place over two separate days, the bike tour was accessible by riders of all ages and abilities. I saw mountain bikes, commuter rides, rusty old machines and full carbon racers. We all had something in common. Either you were for the farms, the ride or for both, this event was a unique experience for foodies and riders to intermingle and see where our food comes from. Of course, as you all know, I am a proponent of both entities. And what a perfect day we all had to ride and eat and smile.

Natalie and Prince

The sun was bright and hot in the Comox Valley. The weather has actually been gorgeous since mid June, with temperatures in the mid twenties and no rain to speak of. A beautiful summer so far and the forecast if for more of the same. Natalie and I took a quick browse around the Comox Valley Farmers Market, and purchased a few bits, including a bottle each of Island Soda Works delicious beverages, as a post ride refreshment. Strawberry and black pepper together, who knew. We registered for the ride and set off on the Dove Creek loop, aptly named the "Rural Ramble"

Natalie and Alice

We crossed the Tsolum River on the pedestrian walkway to avoid vehicles and followed the river along Dove Creek road. Our first stop was McClintock's Farm. This one time dairy farm is being re-born as such. After nearly forty years with out cows, the family has now brought in a water buffalo herd, and have installed a old fashioned milking system for the water buffalo. We got to visit with the grown animals and have a look and let the babies lick our hands. "Alice" the calf really like Natalie and I am sure she could have made herself right at home if we brought her with us. "Prince" the bull came to us, got his head scratched and showed us the pretty thistle flowers on his head. Gerry, the owner, told us that this is a common occurrence with the critters, walking around with foliage on their heads. What docile, handsome animals. The milk is being turned into cheese at Natural Pastures Cheese in Courtenay. The McClintock's also have a large crop of blueberries and raspberries for u-pick.

Bear, Barn and Berries. Perfect day

After our taste of delicious water buffalo mozzarella we carried on along Dove Creek road. Natalie had a close encounter with a deer that allowed her to ride past within ten feet. The deer didn't run away until after she passed. It was another neat wild animal experience for her. We stopped for a snack of blackberries on the side of the road before continuing towards Tannadice Farm. We enjoyed the open vista that Casawood Farm allows with a view of Mt. Washington and Forbidden Plateau. After we crossed Condensory road we made a brief stop on a shady spot on the "One Spot Trail". This trail runs from Condensory road to the Tsolum River. A snack of pepperoni and water energized us for the last push to Tannadice.

Great vista of Mt Washington

We were the lone cyclists at the time we arrived. Friendly greetings from owner Heather McWilliam, whom I had been having email conversations with, nice to put face to name. She shared with us a map of the farm and we wandered down to see the Black Angus beef cows and the chicken tractors. Chicken tractors are a wonderful invention. The birds are housed in an enclosed pen with plenty of room for them all and the pens are moved each day so the birds have fresh grass, insects and bedding to keep them happy and entertained. This is a safe and healthy way to raise chickens. With protection from predators and the sun it keeps loss down for the farmer. I admire the use of tractors and any kind of chicken pens that have grass and are not just dirt yards. The cows were plenty happy with loads of grass to eat and room to roam.

Chicken Tractor

 We returned to see Heather and I was talking to her about Edible Valley. We ate a bratwurst sausage and purchased some bacon, eggs, pork steak, and sausage. Hans Peter Meyer also was there and introduced himself to me. Hans and I have been twitter friends for a few weeks and have common interest in these kinds of events. He spends a lot of time promoting food happening in the Comox Valley, and was tweeting along the way as he rode. Allen McWilliam appeared on his bike from somewhere else on the farm and we struck conversation  Soon we were following him to the hog barns. I asked plenty of questions about their hog farming techniques and Natalie enjoyed watching the bright pink hogs play and "talk" to each other. It is hard not to smile hearing the unusual noises that the pigs can make. Who knew.

Where are we? at Tanadice Farm

We bid farewell to Tanadice and cycled back to the Fairgrounds. We decided to follow the One Spot Trail back to Piercy road. Before we had left the border of Tannadice we had an Ursine experience on the trail. A large black bear was standing in the middle of the road. We gave him some time to leave, and making lots of noise, we quickly cycled past him and kept on our way. He was long gone. Shortly after we had a deer burst out of the woods in front of me, giving Natalie quite a start. The rest of the route was uneventful and we got back to the car with some great food and memories. The Farm Cycle Tour is a great event for all that are able bodied enough to ride a bike. The "Rural Ramble" is flat enough for parents to pull a trailer with a young child in it without having to work too hard. Keep it in mind for next summer and participate. Showing your children where their food comes from is so important, and this is a fun way to do just that. Find Adventure.

Our Ursine friend

More Frustration

Here is the article I reference. It is a good one, I fully agree with the content.

I read an article today written about the drought in the corn belt of the USA and Canada. It was nothing that I didn't know about before. The fact is that mono-culture of a high input annual is not sustainable. The article talks about farmers wanting more and more money from the government for assistance for their failing crops. I agree these poor farmers are heavily invested in this system and only make ends meet with subsidies from the federal government(in America anyways), and can barely meet the pressure to grow more bushels per acre to increase their yields, which also drives the price down, giving the advantage to agribusiness, the chemical companies, seed companies and processed food producers. The farmers are "stuck" in the middle of these entities, with high debt loads, unable to see outside the box and make changes to the way they use the land. Hundreds of acres of corn that needs countless liters of water and petro chemical fertilizer to maintain the crop. The aquifer of fossil water that is under this part of the continent has been pumped to the point that it can no longer recharge itself with the steadily decreasing rainfall. Rainfall decreasing because low  ground water creates a desert like dry zone, with no water available for evaporation to create clouds and rain. Algae blooms in the Gulf of Mexico are making square kilometers of dead zones that are so oxygen depleated, directly because of the nitrogen draining into the Mississippi River off the corn and soy fields.

What I am getting at is that these farmers need to quit the mono-culture system now. The topsoil is being blown away and is nutrient deficient. Corn is a hungry critter, it needs to feed heavily if it is to produce. Using fossil fuel to feed corn to create so-called sustainable fuel is completely ridiculous. Only the government could figure out that this is a good idea. It takes more calories of fossil fuel energy in the making of ethanol than you get from the resulting alcohol. Bass ackwards? You bet. Turning corn into everything from sweetener, to livestock feed, to plastics to fuel for vehicles is happening because the corn is so cheap for corporations to buy. It is a commodity, not the sweet corn that you crave for late summer BBQ's. It has a high starch content that is tasteless and only useful when heavily processed. More energy input to make this corn "edible"

The thing that made me want to write about this article was the reference to the government fixing the problems with global warming. I wonder when "Joe Public" will realize that the government will not ever fix the problem with global warming, peak oil, the growing debt crisis, obesity, cancers, violence, and poverty. These should be what our elected officials are doing, instead they are just status quo, allowing the same old thing to keep happening. The popular parties are afraid to be the one to make the decision that the world needs to do things differently. Why aren't farmers subsidized for having poly culture farms, feeding grass to cows instead of corn, for conserving water and fossil fuels. It is because the Big corporation lobby have nothing to gain, they are the ones with the money and the say in what happens.

We need to remember that our government is hundreds controlled by dozens with billions. Everyone of us is a revolution waiting to happen with an army of millions. Maybe we don't have the money that the corporations do, but you know where that money comes from? From you and I. Stop feeding this system. Eat better, exercise more, leave the car at home once in a while, ride a bike, walk! Plant a garden, stop eating this absolute SHIT food that our grocery stores are full of. Support local farmers, especially ones that use organic practices and pasture their animals. Consume less crap, don't shop at dollar stores. Buy good quality and buy it once, not every year. I just can't stress it enough. The government WILL NOT fix this. We are the only ones that can, and not with our votes, but with our wallets and our voices. Tell people and make sure they understand. The status quo isn't going to work anymore.

In the words of Jack Spiko "The revolution is you"

Adventure 31- The Ripple Rock Trail

My sister, Mandy, and I were talking early on in the adventure planning. I was mentioning the different possibilities that Natalie and I would undertake as adventures, and I mentioned Ripple Rock Trail. She told me that her late husband, Mark, had wanted to do the hike and didn't get a chance, as he was taken from her way to soon. She really wanted to join us on the adventure to see what Mark didn't get a chance to. She got the idea to invite Marks sister, Leanne, and neice Livia on the trip, as well as our mom and step-dad. Mom also invited her friend Lynn to enjoy the day with us. Step-dad Brian couldn't make the hike because of a fishing caused toe injury. His friend and the captain of the boat accidentally stepped on Brian's foot, causing him a very painful injury. Such an unusual way to get injured.

We all arrived at the Ripple Rock trail head just after 10 am on the Sunday morning. Natalie and I left early from home, taking the Inland Island Highway to Campbell River. Since we were nearly an hour early we pulled into The River Sportsman store on the banks of the Campbell. I wanted to show Natalie all the taxidermy. All of the big game animals, birds, fish, and little fur bearing critters are on display in the store. She got a real thrill from the grizzly bear in the glass case with salmon laying on the rocks. She really wanted a cool camo jacket for hunting, but I refrained from buying it for her. We browsed the camping gear and fishing tackle and we purchased a bear bell for Marshall. I forget his at home and he was joining us on the hike. I wanted to make sure that other hikers were warned before he came up behind and scared them.

Ripple Rock was a marine hazard in Seymour Narrows that caused many marine accidents over the years including the loss of 110 lives between 1875 and 1958 when a plan came together to drill a hole down into Ripple Rock from Maude Island and pack it full of T.N.T. 1375 tons worth. The blast was the largest non-nuclear explosion in history. The rock previous to the explosion was only about 9 feet under the waters of Seymour Narrows at low tide, causing more turbulence and larger vessels could run aground and sink in the treacherous waters. The explosion blew forty feet from the top of the rock and now the marine hazard, while still treacherous is much safer. If you haven't witnesses Seymour Narrows or any of the other tidal narrows on the coast of B.C., I recommended having a look, and seeing the power of the ocean.

The first kilometer of the trail is a hill going down along a powerline, with some stairs built to assist on the steeper parts. At the bottom a fun suspension bridge crosses a small creek. We all had fun crossing the wobbly bridge. Marshall really didn't know what to think of the catwalk across the stream as it swayed under his feet. Natalie and Livia were checking out the large spruce trees growing on the other side of the creek that were much bigger that trees they usually see. Soon the trail came out at a protective cove on the edge of Menzies Bay. The sun was high and hot but the tide was low so we couldn't get to the water. The mud flat was very soft. Marshall ran out on it but didn't take the opportunity to swim.

The trail overall is moderate in difficulty. Some fairly steep climbs with roots and loose rocks are present and not for someone with any physical difficulties. Narrow and bushy in places make this route seem more remote than it is. We played on the old growth rotting stumps and ate fist fulls of huckleberries. We saw a strange plant growing in the understory. Everyone handled the hike really well. We took a few breaks so the kids and grandma could catch their breathe before climbing. One steep staircase brought us up onto a manzanita and pine covered rock bluff, the arrid plants growing right in cracks in the sand stone underneath. We made our way to the look out over Seymour Narrows for lunch. What a view! Perched about a hundred feet or better above the water, making the boats below look tiny, but the whirlpools didn't. The vortex would form out of nothing. It is understandable how a boat could be swallowed into the abyss.

Lunch was great and we stayed for about an hour before deciding to move on and head back. I promised Natalie a treat once we arrived back in Campbell River and we needed to walk at a good pace to get back to the Element. She ran out of water and that caused her a little bit of an issue, so I shared my hydration pack with her. Feeling like a cow feeding a calf, I hesitantly let her suck some water from the tube. She thought it was pretty funny that I felt like a cow! The lifted her spirits and get her feet moving a little faster. Natalie can be really good at dragging her feet when she wants to. It can be very frustrating. She did really great, but by the end of over 8 kilometers she was spent. We got back to the car and enjoyed some cold water and air conditioning. I followed through and we stopped for "frosties" at Wendy's on the way to Leanne's house for an after adventure dinner.

The Ripple Rock hike was another on the list of adventures that was added early. I had been aware of the trail for many years, since I worked in Port McNeil after high school. Seeing the signs on our drive back and forth peeked my interest. It only took me fifteen plus years to accomplish the hike. It was well worth the wait. Find Adventure.

Adventure Number 30- Salmon fishing

Successful Trip

I had an abrupt about turn a little over a week ago. Asking one of my co-workers and long time friends about weekend plans for the B.C. Day holiday. His plans included going fishing at the Eve River with our boss. Suddenly the wheels began turning. The original plan was to do a solo weekend tour on the Devinci north on Vancouver Island, close to Eve River. Quickly my plans changed to include fishing and Natalie. A plan was hatched and Natalie was free to join me for a few nights of camping and fishing on the North Island. We had not done a solo camping trip before, and she has never the chance to catch a salmon of any kind. A pink salmon was pretty much a sure bet with thousands of them milling about in this area. During the week previous I had heard reports of great fishing at Naka Creek, a half hours drive from Eve River, and better camping. Time to change plans again. Off to Naka we were headed.

Fishy looking beach

Thursday morning, after a couple appointments and getting our appropriate licenses purchases, we headed north on the Inland Island Highway. We buzzed through Campbell River and beyond, stopping only to pick up water at the year round freshwater spring just past Browns Bay. This spring always has ice cold water, even in the hottest days of summer. Before long we were past Sayward and turning onto Eve River main. We stopped and chatted up a few fisherman who were pulling out and heading home. They were super excited about the fishing and told us that Naka was empty of people! Excellent. I was charged up. Natalie was playing on her ipod. Eve River main is a nice wide forestry road with few potholes and opportunity to get lost. By passing Eve River all together we turned and climbed the hill towards Naka Creek. Thirteen kilometers and we pulled into the Forest Recreation Site. The site was empty and we got the best site. Ocean front free camping. You can't beat that.

Blackfish Sound?

Before we even unpacked, I saw fish jumping down the beach, so we had to wet a line. I had a fish on in minutes. Natalie got some practice casting. No fish for her as they were out a little to far. We played on the beach a bit, but the wind was picking up so we decided to set camp. I was talking to a couple that just showed up when Natalie asked me where her backpack was? It was forgotten at home. Big drag. A cool thing about Naka Creek is there is cell phone reception due to a clear shot down Johnston Strait to the cell tower in Alert Bay. I was able to call Natalie's mom and arrange for her to send up the backpack and shoes with her friends who were also coming to Naka. Lucky days! You can tell this was our first solo trip. We arranged camp so that Bill and Barb could set up in our site with us, ate dinner, and got back to fishing. I nailed four fish before dark and started loading the cooler. Natalie played a fish that I hooked and successfully landed her catch. First salmon! I had a first that night too. A seagull flew into my line as I made a long looping cast. It got all tangled up in the poor things wings and it made a huge mess. I brought it to shore and was able to cut the line away from the bird and it safely flew away, unharmed. I barely avoided being bitten by my patient. What a crazy evening.

Naka Falls

The next morning Bill let Natalie and I use his little dingy, an 8 foot fiberglass boat. It was a treat to be allowed to fish out of this vessel. I rowed us out towards the point and started casting. I looked south and saw the unmistakable black fin heading our way. Soon there were orcas all around us. A giant bull and cow swam by about 50 meters away. Absolutely breathtaking. Porpoises were also mixed in with the pod, chasing fish about. Natalie's first experience with whales that were not at an aquarium. It was so exciting. And we never felt worried about being in such a small boat. A brief slowdown in the fishing lead to a school swimming right by us and Natalie nailing one on her buzzbomb. She played that one right into my awaiting net and it went in the cooler. She didn't want to touch it, but she was so proud of the accomplishment of catching  another salmon.

A mornings work

Before high tide and an opportunity to launch the big boat, Bill and Barb guided us to the waterfall on the creek. What a sight. I had no idea that this waterfall existed. That afternoon Bill invited us to go trolling down the strait for chinook and coho. We hooked three undersized chinook, three wild coho and two pinks. Just the pinks went in the box. A little disappointing not bringing in groceries. I was thrilled because I got to reel in two beautiful wild coho, my first in many years. They are amazing fish. Natalie decided to not try to reel in a fish on the big rod, content to watch the adults have fun. Back in camp I decided to bring out the fly rod and a Gartley Poacher. I nailed four fish in no time and the other flycasters didn't touch a thing. I felt pretty awesome to do so well. That was my first time with a flyrod in a year, and it was just like riding a bike. That feeling of a salmon on a fly in exhilarating. A beautiful sunset capped of a fantastic day of fishing and great weather.

Gorgeous

The fishing was slow in the morning out in the rowboat. Nothing wanted to bite the line so we decided to retire. I did get one on the fly later on that morning that was to be dinner that night. Natalie and I spent sometime at a cool gazebo on the grounds. I napped in the hammock as she whittled a fork for dinner. Previously we browsed the beach looking for natural plates so we could avoid dishes after supper. My new favorite way to eat while camping. Dishes go in the fire after eating. Back at camp we discovered a school of pinks had made their way close to the beach in easy casting distance. I saw a flash and tossed the lure in. Bang, fish on right away. Everyone else hit the beach and everyone was catching fish. Natalie hooked one that I ended up landing because it was leaving the country, in a bad way. We almost ran out of line on the reel. I hit a couple on the fly rod and the hot pink Croc before it was all over. Fast and furious.

Fishing in Pajama pants

We got the fire going early to cook a salmon over it for dinner. Salmon served on a driftwood bark platter. Beautiful presentation and delicious fish. The whole salmon was devoured in short order. A Payday bar warmed over the fire was desert. That was surprisingly tasty and it didn't fall apart on us. Back to the beach to get one more and after releasing one on the fly I got one with the spinning rod to fill our limit and end our excellent weekend of fishing.

Dinners served

I woke up that final morning to cold fog and hot coffee. Two tug boats with booms passed by. Nothing was out of the normal. While I was lighting the fire to warm things up for everyone when they got up, I saw Bills boat coming in towards the beach, only Bill wasn't driving. The driver yelled to me at the shore "Anyone lose a boat". At that moment I looked out and realized that his boat was gone. With a really unusual high tide and the steepness of the shelf where the anchor was set had caused the anchor to lift and allowed the boat to drift. Luckily that boat drifted close to the tugboat and the crew realized that no captain was in the vessel. It could have been a very stressful situation that unfolded with out anyone even realizing it! With boat safely on shore Natalie and I packed up and headed home, with tanned skin, wonderful memories, a cooler full of groceries and well rested. We will revisit this place again soon I am sure.