Sailing Holiday of the Week- The Salish Sea
by Sail-World Cruising on 23 Aug 2010
Adventures on the Maple Leaf SW
Love sailing but don't want to bare boat charter?
Want to combine a sailing holiday with a magnificent nature experience that ISN'T the norm?
Think about sailing the remote areas of Salish Sea on the west coast of North America on the splendid 92ft schooner, the Maple Leaf.
If you live somewhere near, you will already know that this recently named sea is really Puget Sound, Strait of Georgia, Hood Canal and Bellingham Bay, along with the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and straddles Canada and
the USA.
The trip includes visits to remote islands and wildlife colonies, away from the well commuted areas, with exotic names like Cabbage Island, Tumbo Island and Isle-de-Lis.
Salish is also the name of the indigenous people of the area, and this October, an elder will accompany the sailing trip.
Penelakuth elder Florence James will be aboard as a special guest to share her people's history of the islands.
As a child, James was regarded as a keeper of her people's memory, and she carries with her the history of the local areas - Galiano
Island, Kuper, Thetis, Valdez and Saltspring Islands, as well as many more in the Salish Sea.
As well as the delights of such a sailing trip, the journey includes walks on wild beaches, in forests and to bluffs with spectacular views and there are kayaks on board for personal exploring.
An expert onboard naturalist helps everyone understand and enjoy the natural world.
Naturally, as with any sailing trip, the itinerary will vary through a number of factors. There's the weather, the wildlife, and, of course the interests of those on board.
However, here is a sample itinerary to give an idea:
Day 1:
Orientation, cruising. Seabird island visit, wildlife watching, porpoises. Anchorage Saturna Island.
Day 2:
Morning hike on Saturna Island, forest ecology learning. Cruising, beachcombing a remote island, sea lion haul out.
Day 3:
Village visit, sailing in Georgia Strait or one of many channels in the area, walk to visit Canada's largest arbutus and Garry Oak meadow.
Day 4:
Intertidal life, First Nations shell middens, wildflower meadows, remote island anchorage. Optional kayak.
Day 5:
Sailing, island anchorage, evening kayaking.
Day 6:
Cruising to Sidney.
It's not cheap, but it is a wonderful six day journey, and once you pay for the trip, you won't have to put your hand in your pocket!
For more information, go to the www.MapleLeafAdventures.com/gulf-islands!Maple_Leaf_website , and see more pictures below:
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/73673