Sointula Harbour, Malcolm Island

We left Port Hardy after a good nights sleep and laundry. The government dock was a tight fit, requiring us to spin Talos IV with the help of some others to get away from the dock. I think we were fortunate that we didn't have to raft up for the night. We had heard about the port community of Sointula from our dock mate in Seattle, Don Johnson. Sointula was 24 nm from Port Hardy, so that was our next stop.  The weather conditions were promising for sail, so we headed out about 10 AM with wind on our minds. The wind never got much above 6 kts until we were close to our destination. Oh well, we ran with the current under motor making about 6.5 kts.

Sointula is a Finnish utopian community from the turn of the century. Now inhabited by all demographics it seems very laid back, artsy and peaceful. We have discovered a great bakery, wonderful art gallery and the promise of some great hiking trails to view the orcas. Check out the local link to find out more about the orca whales that hang out in this area, you may need to cut and paste into your browser. (http://www.orca-live.net/community/).  docks are well maintained and supply the boater with bikes to get around town. We are so comfortable here we are staying an extra night.

It was an interesting occurrence that our dock mate had mentioned Sointula before we left Seattle. DJ was preparing his vessel to sail with Finnish friends to Alaska leaving Seattle in mid June. We had wondered if we might run into him during our own passage making adventures. Walking the dock in Sointula we were surprised to see him and his vessel tied to the dock. We hailed him and soon were catching up on his adventures while sipping tequila aboard the Flicka with his Finnish crew. It was an enjoyable happy hour and we returned to Talos IV glad to have encountered him but sad to hear he would be returning south in the morning. 

Pultney Point light house on the north west tip
of Malcom Island.

Paul with the really cool mauve bikes in front
of the bakery and latte shop.

Janet and the really cool mauve bikes.