April 21, 2006
Jan's Journal- Day 3 Nanaimo
 The Canadian Gulf Islands spread across the skyline as we dock at Nanaimo… a quaint Victorian town on Vancouver Island. An early start meant breakfast, coffee and off by 8.00! Our Crew busily put up the gangway while two very distinguished Canadian Mounties, and several townspeople were ready with maps and local papers to greet us. We all wanted a picture with the Mounties so they patiently stood while Meriwether snapped the shots. The jackets made sure we were all wide awake; scarlet red really stands out in the early morning light.
The morning was chilly but our guide Nick from tour guides “Tracks” was bravely in just shirtsleeves. Our group was the adventure group, which meant a longer walking trip and more stairs. Yes, we were the  largest group…again the true colors of Cruise West travelers shone. Our walking trip took us around the town looking at the historical buildings and sites of interest. Nanaimo began with the First Nations People but was later added to when coal was discovered and mined. British coal miners were brought over by Hudson Bay to start the mines and share their expertise. We learnt just how many tunnels and passages there were…many, they traveled in a fan like plan out from the city center and even as far as Protection Island which was well into the bay. Nick was full of great information, for example the local theater was scheduled to be built for 5 million dollars but unfortunately the foundations capsized into unmapped mining tunnels forcing the cost to almost triple. We were able to visit the only remaining Bastion, built with no nails and standing three stories high. The Bastion was a refuge, a military storage facility and office for the miners to buy supplies and get paid.
 We made a visit to the local museum before walking back to the Endeavour for a welcome lunch. Cim McDonald boarded and joined us for lunch; Cim has been a frequent visitor to Cruise West, sharing her artistic insight to watercolor techniques and acrylic painting. Guests were able to watch, learn and try out her methods, some coming back with real treasures!
While blossoming artists were taking instruction in the dinning room fellow passengers were relaxing in the lounge with binoculars at the ready. Captain Mike was gliding through the many Gulf Islands in search of exciting natural sights. Both Copper and Meriwether were  up at the bow spotting many different water birds and describing features and habits of each species. Copper spotted an island with several light colored harbor seals, the Endeavour slowed and turned, taking us back in closer for a second and more detailed look. There on the island were about five seals lying in the afternoon sun, one just a pup and still close to mom. We learnt that these seal pups were only attached to mom for about three weeks till they had grown teeth, enough fat and more fur to survive out on their own. The teamwork of the sailing crew and natural experts is just so perfect; they each just know how to provide the most entertaining information while constantly moving closer to new sights.
Cim left us on a dib later in the afternoon traveling back to her island home. Not much later Meriwether was kind enough to share some of her research photography of Killer Whales with me. What can I say, her photography was spectacular, discussing further with her I discovered that Meriwether was not the only photographer on board but Captain Mike along with Larry another crew member also have the same passion. I will make sure to share some of this wonderful photography as I persuade them that my keeping is very safe!!!
Dinner was delightful, Roast Pork or Halibut followed by Chocolate Cherry cake with cherry sauce. No one goes hungry that’s for sure! Dinner was followed by a Killer Whale presentation and fellow passenger conversation, all fascinating and I still have four days to go.
Posted by Jan on April 21, 2006 9:00 AM
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