We have had many beautiful days out on the water since our season started in early May. Although we are not seeing as many whales as we do in other years by this time, the trips have been lovely. There is always lots of wildlife to see and the colours are fantastic at this time of year.
We are now open for the 2014 season. Join us to see the fabulous wildlife and scenery of Barkley Sound and the Broken Group Islands!
After pampering the Raincoast Maiden for 3 months in a boat house in Sidney we made the trip up the coast this weekend. It was not the smoothest ride but we made it and are happy to be home in Ucluelet! Our tours start beginning of May.
In an effort to keep up our boat we take on one or two “beautifying” projects each year. This year we decided to paint the house and cabin. After many days of prep we finally got the first coat on and it looks great! Two more coats and the job should be complete.
Our lovely old girl, theRaincoast Maiden, passed all 6 inspections with flying colours and went back into the water last Thursday. Now we’re busy waxing, polishing, oiling, painting, scrubbing so that she will look her best by May when our season starts.
The annual haul out always means the start of a few days of high activity! On Tuesday the Raincoast Maiden was lifted out and the life raft taken in for inspection. The fire suppression system was tested today, followed by another two inspections (radios and electrical circuits) early next week, all of this leading up to the grand finale: the Transport Canada Inspection. This year we have not only our annual inspection to “worry” about but also an underwater inspection which is due only once every 4 years. If all goes well the boat will be floating again by next Thursday! 
Last weekend Al & I made the run down the West Coast from Ucluelet to Sidney. The weather was nice enough but COLD ….. but nothing that long underwear, a t-shirt, fleece sweater, fleece vest, TWO jackets, a hat and double pair of mitts couldn’t fix! We’ll be in Sidney for the next 2 months, getting the boat ready for the upcoming season.
We are now closed for the season. Thanks to all of you who joined us on a cruise this year and also to those of you you sent your guests our way – we really do appreciate it. We look forward to another year of adventures, starting in early May 2014!
Returning from an evening wedding charter on August 21st. Congratulations to Jessica & Leigh who tied the knot on August 22nd. We enjoyed having you and your family aboard and being part of your special celebration.
Ooh la la!! On Monday the Gray whales were in rare form. Two males, jostling for position with a female. It was fascinating to watch, something we had never seen since Gray whales usually mate in the fall once they reach their wintering grounds in Mexico. Apparently these three could not wait! 
Now there’s a happy smile!!
