Lyn's Log, 10th December 2007
Sidney, British Columbia, Part 1

Sidney, BC.
N48º39', W123º24'
16,718 miles.

Back at Anacortes, the repaired transmission was finally returned to us after two weeks. After fitting it back in place and with a few adjustments on November 18th we were able to make our journey to Sidney on Vancouver Island, Canada. There was sufficient breeze to sail much of the way, and by making two short hops, we traveled during the warmest part of the day and enjoyed our trip. The San Juan Islands through which we passed were rich in wildlife, including sealions and Dill's dolphins. Sentinel was tied up in our pre-booked berth in Sidney marina and we settled into our new environment.

After a few days we had a warm sunny day and thought we would sail out to Sidney Spit for lunch. We slowly drove the yacht out of the berth and moved the gear lever forward but could not engage forward gear. As the call for forward motion grew more intense and the engine revved, the gear lever was thrust back and forward, we realized that our newly repaired transmission had failed. We drifted about until we could throw a line ashore and get back in our berth. The repair guy was very apologetic and has promised to send a new transmission at no extra cost when we return from our winter break, even though they are in America and we are in Canada. We'll see.

Sidney is a pretty little tourist town, with the main airport and ferry port for Vancouver Island, which could supply our needs. The island capital, Victoria, is just an hour’s bus ride away. I think the Christmas decorations in Sidney are better than those in Victoria, and nearly all the shop fronts are decorated with window displays and snow scenes painted on the glass. One early evening we joined the crowds to watch a Christmas carnival procession of floats and decorated vehicles and candies thrown to the children. Then it was a saunter down to the water’s edge to watch around a dozen yachts and motor boats parade past decorated with various displays of Christmas lights, some moving mechanically and some by hand, as good as any on house fronts. It was a wonderful introduction to Christmas. Another day we went to the world-famous Butchart Gardens where the entire gardens were decorated in lights and displays depicting the Twelve Days of Christmas. As we wound our way along the paths, people were singing the song and working out what the next display would be. It enthralled both adults and children alike. Other attractions there were an ice rink with Santa on his blades, and entertainment by carol singers and a brass band. I was really glad we went, especially as we had no trouble with the buses there and back.

It snowed. The cold weather means all the liveaboards stay indoors and so we don't socialise as easily as usual. Even so, we were invited on one boat one evening, and then someone organized a get-together in a lounge area in the marina building, where about a dozen couples brought food and drink and had a very pleasant evening. On December 10th it was time for us to fly back to England for Christmas and meet up with all our family and friends.