We have been here a while now, first we had a spot towards the outside, with the stern to the wind, which ended up being not so comfortable, its blows like crazy here, a cold, cold wind, so when it became quiet, one sunny day, we moved the boat more to the inside, with the bow into the wind, so much better.  Also, we have excellent internet in this new spot.

Once settled, it was time to look around, start exploring, Bert bought an old car, rides like a dream,( everything working!) , so we first drove to Port Hardy for some goodies from the Overwaitea store there, then headed to  Telegraph Cove, a wonderful small settlement on the coast, no one lives there anymore, there are just two boats in the marina, and they built a modern motel near the village, which looks very much so out of place.   This really is the best time to go there, no tourists, (except us), fall colors every where, and a haven for photography.   The drive there winds near the Nimpkish river valley, which is surrounded by mountains and hills.( we noticed new snow on the tops already!)  Near the ocean lies the huge logging  area of Englewood Logging Division, which operates a railway on northern Vancouver Island. The railway line runs 90 km from Vernon Lake ,past Nimpkish Lake Provincial Park, to Beaver Cove.  Its the last railway which is still in operation in North  America.     When we were there, huge logs , mainly cedars were loaded on the railway cars.    Nearby stands a very old, rusty train engine, a picture of days gone by……It even had an oil lamp for light , on top of the engine.( would be quite the job to climb up there and keep that going!!!)

On our way to Sointula, after a long look at everything we needed, we decided to head for Port McNeill, there was no answer on VHF 16, or 66A, so we decided to head in, the marina had tons of space, all the new docks were empty, so we grabbed one of them, got settled, and talked to the harbor master the next day.   We basically could pick our own spot, where ever we wanted to be, where we are right now, we get the SE wind right on the stern, so we will move to a better spot next week, where the bow is in the wind, and we are a bit closer to the shore.  I have mixed feelings about being here, settled, no more anchoring for a while, there is  such a freedom in that, i loved this summer, and we are making plans for next spring, to go around the island, towards Tofino, boaters we have talked with  mentioned that the west coast of Vancouver Island is in their eyes even more beautiful and wild then Alaska.   In the meantime, i will keep writing, and keep posting photos, the blog will continue……..