Cortes Island June 3

Today was great. It was 27 degrees and we knew that a swim was going to be part of the plan. First we went back to Manson’s Landing to dig some clams and get some oysters for dinner. I was surprised that when the tide was low the clams were just under the sand. We each grabbed an abandoned oyster shell to scrape away the surface tidal debris and within 10 minutes we had pulled up the 75 clam limit that Deb could take with her license. She also picked up 15 oysters within moments. She put the clams into a pail of water to clean themselves out during the day. We tucked that pail into a garbage bag so that the salt water wouldn’t slosh into the back of the car while we drove and then we headed off to see the rest of the island.

She took me to a place where I could kayak tomorrow if I want to, then on to Smelt Bay Provincial Park, past the museum for a visit with Lynne, a good friend and quick look around. Finally we were hot enough that we headed for Hague Lake, the same place I had been swimming yesterday. This time we took a different path to the beach and came out at a huge rock where there is a nude beach. My biggest concern wasn’t public nudity but sunburn. Having thought of that, Deb brought a beautiful umbrella for me to sit under until the shade came around. Hotter today than yesterday, the water sure felt good. I met a couple from Victoria. They do all their traveling and camping in a 1994 Dodge Caravan. I was excited to see how they had outfitted it. I took a few pointers for Vincent.

We stayed at the beach for 2 hours and then went to visit Lynne and Joe at their beautiful ocean front 10 acre property. Lynne produced some wonderful root beer floats. I haven’t had one of those in years and it really hit the spot. We were invited to stay for dinner but those clams and oysters were calling to us from the back of the car so we headed back home. Deb prepared the shellfish, I made salad and we enjoyed the cooling evening. Early to bed.

I am sure missing my cell phone and internet connection but even so, I am finding it nice not to have them. Talk soon.

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