Sailing and Snorkeling

We followed a whale and calf.

Female osprey on huge nest with two chicks in it.

Some of our group.

After being scared off, she came back.

Final group shot.

We had fun on the rope swing.

A crab.

Friday, July 8^th

We had breakfast at 7 again and then after the sun arrived at our spot we went snorkeling. It was a really good site with lots of fish and healthy coral. Scotty fed the fish from the dingy and there were lots swimming all around us. When we got back to the boat Lindsay took a group of us out to see a giant clam. Then as we were motoring to our last snorkeling site at Black Rock Beach we saw a whale and calf that were just a little way away so Lindsay followed them. I got a few photos but only the backs. At the beach we were supposed to see lots of turtles but unfortunately I only saw one in the water. But right on the edge of the beach there was a rock formation with a huge bird's nest on it. An osprey was in it and had two chicks with her. I snorkeled for a while and saw lots of fish and more good coral. Then we returned to the boat again for lunch. 

After lunch we put up the triangular sails and we headed back to town. On the way I had Scotty tie a 'Turks head' (an ankle bracelet) on my ankle. The trip back took a couple of hours. I hung out at the stern with Lindsay for a while and asked him if there was anywhere to get photos of the boat under sail because it's impossible to get shots as we sail. He said he had a few and texted four of them to me.

It was amazing watching Lindsay park the boat especially because he is steering it from the helm and has limited vision. Then it was time for our sad goodbyes. Just before we docked the crew quickly put on their company shirts to avoid fines from the marina. We boarded a bus that took us back to our hotels and hostels.

After checking in with my YHA Hostel, I went to the Beach Backpacker's location to meet up with some of the people from the boat. Solway Lass had a table reserved for us and we got a $15 meal for $12 and a free beer. The five Canadians showed up and the two Australia women with their four kids and Glenda my roommate. Timmy the ship's cook dropped by to say hi, but the rest of the crew were at a party at the captain's house. After the families left we went to the Down Under Pub and had another drink. Then we all walked a up a couple of steep hills to go to Lindsay's party. He lives with his brother and a friend in a beautiful condo overlooking the harbour. They have a bbq, a pool table and a hot tub, all on the huge outdoor balcony. There were about twenty people who were all crew members from different ships in the fleet owned by the same company. I stayed until around 11 watching a couple of people play pool and talking some more to Lindsay and Lance. Then I excused myself and walked back to the hostel as I have to get up early.