Well, what can I say... we have had a very long day that started at 0600 and is just about to end at 2130. Alas, no wind to sail with but that was OK. We are making a bee line to the Comox Valley to be there for Juliet's fourth birthday (our grand-daughter).

Today has been a full day of motoring to our very dear friends dock on Salt Spring Island. Bud and Pat also known as Mom and Bud had us rummage through some nautical books no longer needed at the Friele home. We now have lots of reading material.

No sooner had we made our selections of true boating stories, marine engine maintenance and weather books and it was time to board L'il Viking and head off to Thetis Island for burgers and sweet potato fries. On our return, we just had to stop and pull the prawn traps. We are now the proud owners of 100 prawns to enjoy as we sail north.

Tomorrow morning we get an early start - 0500 - to catch the slack water at Dodd Narrows. We will then make our way to Comox Valley and expect to arrive about 12 hours later.

Needless to say we are a bit pooped and ready for bed.

Winston says to all his doggy friends that he is doing great and had some fun running around with his friends Truffy and Shorty.

Until next time - smooth sailing everyone!

Here we are, Friday night, August 28/09. We have the larder packed, the water tanks are full, the holding tanks are empty and plans to leave at 0800 tomorrow. The weather report calls for a gale warning in Juan de Fuca - Mother Nature calls the shots. We just might not be leaving tomorrow but we will get up and be ready to head off.

We have just been to our neighbours to wish them well for moving aboard. They, too, will be setting out to circumnavigate Vancouve Island. We will catch up to each other at or just north of Campbell River.

My chores now are to put a few items away so we can just get up and go in the morning. I wonder if we will sleep mucy. Perhaps we will be up earlier than when we go to work.

Good night for now. Will update soon.

O My Goodness, where do I start? Well here we sit anxious to be done work and ready to pull out on Saturday morning - August 29.

First and foremost - THANK YOU - to all who have supported us in our adventure and to all the well wishers.

Some of you may not know that our original plan was to leave on June 15. That plan changed when we entered a 'too good to be true' deal to purchase a new boat and three feet longer.

Figment Too, our previous boat, a 42' Hunter Centre Cockpit was our home for nearly 5 years. We now own Ta Daa - another Hunter Centre Cockpit but she is a little longer and a little wider. What is great about Ta Daa is her sailing ability, she balances nicely and the overall newer technology.

A lot of people ask what have we done to prepare. Well, here is our list so far:

• stainless steel arch to hold solar panels
• 3 large solar panels
• SSB
• Hydrovane
• Upgraded VHF and...
• just getting to know Ta Daa before setting out on such a journey.

This journey around Vancouver Island is a milestone for me and Ron. It is our dream transitioning into reality. The VI 360 voyage is our shakedown cruise for heading off shore. That trip will not happen for a couple years but we are getting there.

What is next - grocery shopping for our trip. My plan is to stock the freezer and non perishables for what we need for the trip. The perishables we will acquire as we progress; likely stopping in Port Hardy and then again in Tofino.

Ron and I have both talked about how this trip will be a test: physically, mentally, emotionally and a test of our skills. Thank goodness we compliment one another.

Yes we have filed a sail plan. Our primary holder of the plan are good friends and fellow boaters Len and Dawna Burton. Len is very familiar with the whole of Vancouver Island and the owrking of Coast Guard. We have no doubt we are in good hands with Len.

We will also be checking in with Barbara Hodgson of the Great Northern Boaters Net. Barbara is on the net (SSB 3.870) each and every morning at 0800.

Stay tuned for updates as we merrily roll along. Updates will be pending internet connection and technical stuff.

Cheers

The Crew of SV Ta Daa

Janice, Ron and Winston