Rats?

So a couple of weeks ago we attended the Orientation which is mandatory for people entering Gwaii Hanas. The orientation consisted of a short movie showing some of the beautiful sights in Gwaii Hanas, as well as a relatively short presentation about the local wildlife, the protocol for landing on the islands, a reminder about the complete lack of services and the likelyhood of rotten weather - and then there was the advice about rats. Seems some of the islands are overrun with rats and they are trying to eradicate them from other islands as they are affecting the shore bird population - so they would greatly appreciate it if you didn't bring rats from the infested islands over to the islands that aren't infested.... ummm - okay! Rats? (shiver) - bleck! Apparently we will be constructing rat guards (bleach bottles and duck tape apparently) for our anchor line and our dock lines. I am not sure I can think of anything that grosses me out more than the idea of sharing our close little quarters with rats - uggghhh.... we will definitely be doing everything possible to be sure that they are not joining us on our cruise! In the meantime, we need to get ready to get up there - unfortunately, 3 back to back weekends of regattas has kind of put a pause on the boat work - this weekend we will get back into it.... lots still to be done!

Excitement is building....

A friend of Owen's who has spent time in the Charlottes stopped by this week.... as he was describing an evening floating in the waters of one of the pools on Hotsprings Island, while the stars and the Northern Lights competed for his attention - my anticipation level certainly started to rise. Good thing probably, since I will spend this weekend scrubbing, power washing, sanding and, if the weather cooperates, painting and caulking... I need good thoughts to get me through all that work!!! Also of importance was the fact that the clouds do seemingly part up there - I had visions of never seeing the light of day, other than as it filters through a dense, ominous blanket of clouds - perhaps there will be stars, northern lights and, dare I hope? - sun?!