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It’s our last night with the flotilla. In the Pacific Northwest, the days are long this time of the year and rain (such as it is here) is falling. Inside the S/V PUELCHE, a great dinner is wrapping up and the wine has loosened the mood. Someone has finally turned on some decent music and a great conversation with our new friends and neighboring boats has erupted. I can’t help but notice what an eclectic group we are: The Captains Macaya (married couple both with Captain’s License) from Chile and US, Nick and Sasha (England and Prague), a gentleman from Poland and a recently retired stage manager from Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas. What an odd little group we are and all suffering from the same affliction: love of sailing. Great conversations, sea stories, laughter, and memories were well represented. In an odd way, the rain added to the atmosphere.

This was our first flotilla charter. Naomi and I didn’t exactly know what to expect. It did not disappoint. It was perfect for us because no matter what your level of interest or skill, you could participate as much or as little as you wish. Of course, we expected to sail and to see eagles and sea lions and otters. The scenery was amazing. But for me? It was these unexpected moments such as our last night that linger in my mind. And there were so many of these moments that could not have been anticipated but seemed perfectly normal, as if they happened with frequency.

June 20: We finally arrive in Bellingham, WA only to discover that the airport and Uber don’t like each other! We did finally manage to arrive at the dock and get our first glance of PUELCHE. She is a Jeanneau Sun Odessey 45.5 and will be our home for the next eight days. Following the meeting of all the boats (there are ten sailing vessels in our flotilla), we skip the scheduled dinner at a local restaurant and get immediately underway en route to Echo Bay located at the Sucia Islands. Our sail, scenery, and sunset give us a very good feeling about our decision to go on this trip.

June 21: We sleep in and have a late breakfast, getting to know our shipmates a little better before getting underway en route to Port Sydney, Vancouver Island. While the rest of the fleet is catching up with us, we make the decision to check in with Canadian Customs at the smaller facility at Pender Island rather than the busier option of the Port of Port Sydney. Although small, it is obvious that the Canadians take a lot of pride in this remote location and is worth the visit.

June 22: Naomi takes an Uber down to Butchart Gardens this morning while we sail around deciding to meet up later in the day. Leaving Port Sydney and heading north, eventually turning back southward and dropping anchor in Brentwood Bay in Tod Inlet. The only thing exceeding the incredible scenery is the absolute quiet. Without prompting, people find themselves speaking in hushed tones. Captain Macaya rows us around to the dock for Butchart Gardens where we go ashore and enjoy the day, reconnecting with Naomi. Of the two of us, she insists that she had the more enjoyable day at the gardens. While I can see her point after an abbreviated tour of the gardens myself, we are just going to have to call this one a tie!

Sheltered in the bay and under a mountain, the evening sky produces an effect where the stars, mountains, boats, and their masts all reflect a near mirror image in the water. After viewing the photos, it occurs to me that the photos could be upside down and it takes a moment of careful examination to realize it!

June 23: Up early and the weather is chilly and clear; we depart at 0830 en route to Maple Bay Marina located in Bird’s Eye Cove. We plan to do laundry here since we packed lightly. We enjoy a nice dinner at the shipyard, and just walk around and relax.

June 24: Destination: Telegraph Harbor located at Thetis Island! We have some very nice sailing weather today as PUELCHE stretched her legs. Starfish and jelly fish put on quite the show. It was here that a scheduled potluck picnic was enjoyed by all. We had the opportunity to meet the rest of flotilla crew members and enjoy good food. Getting up early the next morning, I was greeted by baying sheep and other wildlife. There is a store here which sells a wide variety of goods but has no one working there! A sign on the wall explains that customers should use the calculator laying on the table to tabulate the sum of their purchases and put the money owed in a box in the corner. And if you ever go? Be sure to check out Solar Bob.

June 26: Today will be our longest day underway. We are headed to Galiano Island to anchor at Montague Harbor. We stopped in Ganges for provisions and some great ice cream! A pleasant little town to walk around. But be careful of the bookstore on the corner. Not only can you spend a lot of money there, but you also still must get it all back home! A dangerous place for a bibliophile with a credit card.

June 27: After departing Montague Harbor, we pick up a mooring ball on Cypress Island after clearing customs. This is our last night aboard PUELCHE. And as mentioned above, it’s an amazing evening. Just watching the sea otters play in the water and compete for their dinner was amusing.

June 28: We have a short sail back to Bellingham, WA and our trip is coming to an end all too soon. Our hosts and shipmates were an absolute pleasure to be around and the Captains Macaya are charming, hospitable, and definitely makes you want to do this again. Nick and Sasha have incredible stories which we will longer remember.

Before every stop, you could have turned right, or left, explored yet another fascinating cove. You could sail past an island or decide to visit. There really are no bad choices.

The big upside to doing a flotilla is that no matter what your skill or interest level is, you will enjoy this trip. Regardless, if you are there for the sailing experience or just to enjoy nature, you can’t go wrong. We very much enjoyed our experience and are already planning our next one. While we certainly enjoyed the PNW, there are similar opportunities in the Carribean, the Mediterranean, and multiple places in the South Pacific. And it’s not as cost prohibitive as you may think! The downside? You eventually have to say goodbye and return. (Or maybe not!) This is a great opportunity for those of us who may have a certain level of experience on lakes and inland waters but aren’t quite ready for the whole blue water experience. This is a great middle ground.