French Creek in September

I have a fascination with boats, ships, and all things nautical. French Creek is always an attraction for exactly those reasons. And, if a mid-September day is pleasant, French Creek is all the more worthy of a photo excursion. On this particular day, along with the usual assortment of boats to be encountered, my attention was drawn to miscellaneous "nautical knots and dockside details".

The characteristic red railings of the government dock at French Creek (2009-09-15)

Knotted dockside details (2009-09-15)

The vessel "Patrol No 1" showing her good side (2009-09-15)

Jerry-rigged nautical details (2009-09-15)

Rusty nautical details (2009-09-15)

MV Cape Cockburn of the Canadian Coast Guard (2009-09-15)

All's Quiet at Genoa Bay

One of our favourite day excursions is a trip to Genoa Bay. Primarily, we go for the excellent food served at the Genoa Bay Cafe. But, the drive through Ladysmith, Chemainus, Crofton, and Maple Bay has a charm of its own. And, of course, the winding road that connects Maple Bay with Genoa Bay is always fun to drive; particularly in the fall when autumn colours brighten the journey. On this particular visit, in  May, things were awfully quiet in the bay. Clearly, the boating season was just beginning and the docks weren't nearly as full as we've seen during summer months. Nonetheless, Genoa Bay is also worth a visit in the "off season". In my opinion, if you love Vancouver Island as much as I do, there's never an off season!

Cute houseboats line the Genoa Bay docks (2009-05-05)

In May; not many boats moored at Genoa Bay (2009-05-05)

Are these "boat houses" or "boat garages"? (2009-05-05)

All's quiet on the Genoa Bay Cafe deck (2009-05-05)

Clearly an area waiting for the summer season to arrive (2009-05-05)