Dear friends,
Rikki-tikki-tavi joined long-time friends on Juniata, Valhalla and Millennium Dragon on August 28 at Rebecca Spit, Heriot Bay, Quadra Island. Rikki-tikki tried to sneak up on the group to arrive unannounced and unexpected. We left French Creek under sunny, cloud-decorated skies, smooth seas on the Strait of Georgia, after 25 to 30 knot winds the previous day. RTT was away from the crowded marina at 9:30 AM. Motorsailing up the Strait, we were overtaken by a freaky-looking thunderstorm that poured rain and frightened crew (Nina) with thunder claps and lightning.
The sun came out about 5:30 PM just as Rikki-tikki approached Rebecca Spit from the outside. We spotted our quarry through a narrow break in the trees. We knew everyone would be there because we'd heard them on the VHF while still south of Hornby Island. We weren't going to call; we wanted to surprise them all.... just then the VHF crackled "RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVI, RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVI, Juniata". The tone in Dave's voice was gleeful. He'd just happened to glance up while sitting in the cockpit of Juniata sipping wine, and he spied the top of RTT's mast. We were found out! Our cover blown, we returned the call, and soon rounded the corner of the spit to anchor off Juniata's starboard quarter. We threw a few things together, launched Darzee and rowed over to big hugs– and a great porkchop dinner! What a memorable occasion– we talked and sipped wine until 10 PM. Next, Desolation Sound in company of friends.
Fair winds,
Clark & Nina
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