We were soon on our way to Ganges, about an hour's run from Bedwell. Julie K was going there also to join friends for the weekend so we traveled with them. As we got ready to cross Swanson Channel between North Pender Island and Salt Spring Island we saw a BC Ferry bearing down on us.
The AIS display said it was going 17 knots and the CPA (closest point of approach) was about 200 yards. Since we were running with Julie K, we decided to slow down and divert to the east rather than speed up to cross the ferry's path.
The BC ferries certainly know how to market. This one is advertising the upcoming Olympic Games in 2010, being held at Whistler, a winter playland near Vancouver.
Safely by the ferry, we continued on to Ganges where we were greeted by the SJIYC welcoming committee who helped us get tied up at the end of B dock at Ganges Marina.
Friday night was "heavy hors d'oeurvres night, which meant we feasted on some magnificent offerings brought by the 70 attendees.
Saturday morning, we went to the Ganges Saturday Market
Here we found wonderful goat cheeses, breads, jams, and a lot of other calorie laced goodies. One highlight of the morning was to encounter this little girl playing the harp. She kept us spellbound for several pieces that she played.
And of course, no trip to Ganges is complete until you browse Moats. Moats is a store that if they don't have it, you don't need it.
Back to the boat with our booty and of course, it was dead low tide; one of the lowest tides of the year. Jan could not resist snapping my picture after I had negotiated the steep ramp.
The second night, we took the dinghy over to Moby's dinghy dock and walked accross the street to have dinner at the Harbor House. We could have walked, but the dinghy is way more fun. The Harbor House served us a very nice buffet and all 70 club members enjoyed themselves.
The rest of the weekend, we spent relaxing, reading, visiting and most importantly showing Nor'wester to the many members who wanted a tour. I think that nearly everyone there came aboard to see the boat. I think that there were a couple of people who may be interested in having us build a boat for them. Time will tell.
Our trip home on Monday was uneventful, though the current was running against us nearly the whole way. Our timing was not good for our arrival back in Anacortes as the CBP (Customs and Border Patrol) agents had just left to clear in the Sydney Ferry and it was over two hours before they returned to check us in. Before we go to Canada again, I am getting the I68 and Nexus pass applications in so we don't have to be delayed.
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This coming weekend, May 30 and 31st, we will have Nor'wester at Shilshole Marina in Seattle for their first summer "open house". We will be the guests of SAS Yachts. If you are in the area, come on down to Shilshole and say hello......... 
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