These last few weeks have gone by so quickly, and it is absolutely shocking to say that we have been sailing on the Carlyn for over two weeks now! I have a good feeling I can speak for everyone by saying that this trip so far has been absolutely incredible- in so many different ways. Friendships have been rekindled, new friendships have been made, and so many incredible sights have been seen.
After Princess Louisa Inlet, we headed to Powell River. We arrived early that day (Friday, August 3), and docked next to this huge, 91-foot fishing boat called the Curve of Time. We started our chores, which consisted of cleaning the boat, doing laundry, and grocery shopping. Once our chores were over, we got to do what I think most of us were looking forward to- showers! When showers finished, we all went to dinner together and had our evening meeting, where we talked about how the next day would include heading into town in the morning, and then heading off to Galley Bay. Galley Bay, in my opinion, was absolutely gorgeous, with a beautiful sunset, view of the mountains, and tons of bioluminescence.
After our overnight stop at Galley Bay, we then headed off to Tenedous Bay. It was a short sail, and we arrived in nearly two hours. On an island in Tenedous Bay, about an eight minute walk inland leads you to a lake. The water was extremely warm, and everyone had so much fun swimming in the lake, that we decided to come back the next morning before leaving for Toba Inlet.
Toba Inlet was one of the highlights of the trip for me so far. We stayed the night at Wilderness Marina, where we were welcomed by the owner, her daughter, and her daughter’s friend. The two girls were near our age (one thirteen and one fifteen), and they were kind enough to show us the best swimming spot at the marina, and joined us for a swim as well. The water was so warm and so clear, and was simply amazing to be swimming in. The rest of the day at Wilderness included a short walk up to a waterfall. When we woke up the next morning, greeted by the clear water, we went for a short hike up to a viewpoint. It was high up, but you could see almost everything from there, and it was 100% worth the uphill hike.
After Toba Inlet, we headed off to Walsh Cove. We anchored in Walsh Cove and the next morning headed off to Octopus Islands. We spent the rest of the day hanging out with one another- reading, writing letters, and playing poker. We needed a good nights sleep, not knowing that the next day was Gypsy Day! The campers were woken up by song, and were welcomed into the Cockpit by many knots and Four Winds Westward Ho flags. Once breakfast was over, we played a game. We were split into four groups. Three of the groups were put on different islands, essentially “stranded,” and the fourth group had to come and rescue them. Once our game was over, we had the Carlyn version of Gypsy Court, and spent the rest of the day swimming , playing more games, writing letters, and of course, appreciating camp and all it does for us.
The rest of the trip has yet to happen, but everyone is having a great time, enjoying the experience and making the most of the time we have on the Carlyn.
-Molly Seneker, Carlyn Crew 2018