Montague Harbour, Galiano Island

Montague Harbor was great! We arrived around noon and executed a near perfect anchoring. This is a huge protected harbour that has a Marine Park off the NW end. There is a marina with food, supplies and a dinghy dock. The stop offered lots of hiking and some really friendly people.

The ladies at the Marina cafe fixed us some lunch and while dining we observed a medical evacuation by boat ambulance from the dock. Locals told us the only have a nurse practitioner 2 times per week for medical care. Occasionally they have a Locums doctor come in. Serious medical issues are transferred by boat to Victoria if they are urgent but not life threatening. If life threatening, the helicopter will come for faster transport to the hospital in Victoria.

We had several trips to the marine park for hikes. The shoreline holds lots of middens from Salish Indian camps. The weather was really almost perfect for exploring. The marina manager told us of a hike to the top of the ridge above the marine park. Access was on the paved road above the marina. We then transitioned to a private dirt road straight uphill to a new subdivision. The area had survey stakes for new home sites but not much activity otherwise. I guess with the economy not many people are buying cliff edge 180 degree view lots. The views were fantastic and well worth the hike.

Later that afternoon the weather was so nice that Paul even dragged one of the cushions from down below out to the cockpit and enjoyed a nap with the cats.  It was really a perfect day.

The morning of our departure I awoke to see the Bakery Barge had arrived and anchored! They had come in the evening before. The bakery is a 1929 motor ferry which a couple and their pug dog has made into their home and business. He maintains and motors the vessel, she bakes on board and sells the goodies at the bay Thursday – Sunday. As soon as the banner was placed declaring they were open we dinghyed over for some goodies.

The bakery has fantail seating (a table and umbrella), a very warm cozy kitchen with wood burning stove and oh!, the table was full of homemade pies (Dad, she had fresh strawberry rhubarb!), cinnamon rolls, scones, gorgeous cakes, cookies and homemade breads. We indulged, as fresh is always good. More dinghys were arriving as we departed.

The couple suggested we stop at the Telegraph Harbour Marina during our stay on Thetis Island when we needed a dock.

Louie enjoying the afternoon sun

Middens from the Salish Indians

The Bakery Boat had arrived!

Who could resist.