First-Time Sailors Cross Their First International Border!

First-Time Sailors Cross Their International Border!

Ahoy, Canada!

It’s Official! We’ve crossed into Canada! My Humans are now International Sailors, and My Female Human was overjoyed.

We started early, and—as is typical in the San Juan Islands—there was no breeze, so My Humans motored to Pender Island, British Columbia, Canada. A drizzle fell, but My Humans were thrilled. They docked me smoothly, and then my Male Human went to the Customs & Immigration Check-In Point at Bedwell. He used a phone, gave details to the person on the line, and got entry. The whole process took under 15 minutes!

My Female Human raised the Canadian flag with great excitement. We then moved around the corner and anchored easily. It was time to mark their day’s achievement. My Humans celebrate every chance, big or small. It keeps them grateful and appreciative of the life they’ve made.

They went ashore, mailed postcards, used an ATM, and found CarStops. What’s a CarStop? Well, the island is small–about 13 miles across, with just 2200 people. There’s no public transport and picking up hitchhikers is illegal in British Columbia, but, Humans can get rides at special CarStops; benches where Humans wait for passing drivers. CarStops have signs with rules:

Drivers can choose who to pick up.

You don’t have to take a ride.

Riding is at your own risk.

The ride is free—treat it as a gift.

My Female Human was so intrigued, that she made a video. She’d never seen this in her home country.

They had the best poutine ever. Poutine is a rich dish of fries covered in cheese curds. So many carbs! If I were Human, my Hull would expand. They loved it so much, they ate it again.

There, they met an old English sailor. He told my Female two things. 1) The World Series is named after The World Newspaper, its early sponsor. My Female was happy to learn this, even when he said she ‘was American and should have known that.’ But, he was friendly and they chatted well. He also said ‘Awe–no doubt Missy, you’ll be off shore sailing on the West Side. Get those tethers and gear set. Offshore, you’ll go.’ Such words might have worried her but for his tone. His eyes sparkled with joy and she sensed his fond memories. She was ready to embrace the adventure.

If you dug this story–check out the next piece–Sailing 700 NM AROUND Vancouver Island.

5 Songs For New Adventures!

“Every Day Is A Winding Road”  Cheryl Crowe

 “Ramblin’ Man”  Allman Brothers

“Going Up The Country”  Canned Heat

“Runnin’ Down A Dream”  by Tom Petty

“Road Trippin’” Red Hot Chili Peppers

Until Next Time!

Fear Less/Adventure More!

S/V Gypsea Explorer 

Me & The Kiwi

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