She's packing the leash, she's packing the leash …. Yup, going on a boat trip, … going to …. THE CITY?? WOOF WOOF?! After an endless winter of cold and miserable weather, … it seemed to take forever to get to the Easter long weekend. It is truly the weekend that seems to kick off boating season for most of us. Although the weather looked ominous, that didn't stop approximately 12 boats from making the trip. Friday's sky proved to be pretty decent, … even prompted some shorts and flip flops to make an appearance (nice legs Palmer). Quayside marina truly puts you in the centre of the hub with the creek at your bow and the city at your stern. The urban flair of the runners, walkers, designer dogs and coffee shop seekers, brings about a different kind of excitement around you, it's truly “alive” and makes you feel that way too. It was a great day enjoying each other's company on the dock, and doing some exploring with our dogs (can you say Urban Fare?!). We even managed a dinghy ride into the creek to say hello to fellow squadroners anchored in the bay. Saturday brought about some new adventures. A posse of about 11 crazy women and Abby boarded Aquabuses and headed over to Granville Island for some retail therapy and a nice lunch. On the other side, several of our guys headed to a nearby pub to watch the Canucks win their game, it was all good. Trying to keep track of 11 of us girls however, dipping in and out of the shops and market, … what a feat in itself! Back to the marina, and we were soon joined by several great friends and couples who arrived by car to join us for the late afternoon and evening. Our newly appointed Cruisemaster Tony Gojevic (and his lovely Admiral Arlene) began the festivities with a boating scavenger hunt. We all had a large and humorous list of items that we needed to gather within a time limit. The judging was held aboard the Buoy n' Sea, … which included a lot of laughs due to some strange ideas of what exactly is what. Now who really has the original instructions to their macerator still aboard …. ? Well, Jim Church did …. And the Boatini team won the entire event. Congratulations and a big round of applause to Tony and Arlene for hosting such a fun event! Anyways, time to get fluffed up, and we were off on a hike, almost 30 of us, cruising the streets of Vancouver, heading over to Rodney's Oyster Bar. They had opened up a back party room for us for the evening, which was great. A fantastic dinner including lots of fresh oysters, chowders, great music, … and the beer and wine flowed. At one point there was so many women dancing and cheering, that I overhead Dave apologizing to the strapping young waiters for the “cougar attack” … nice …. Well I think they were quite entertained! A late but really fun night, … followed by a long restful sleep …. Awakening to a miserable rain storm. There is some sort of nice comfort waking up for coffee in your cozy warm boat, … while the weather outside tries to break your spirit. Well at that point, the Bubble and a few others had to return home, but many remained for another night, which I'm sure was another good one. It was a great marina and best of all it allowed family members and great friends to come join up with us as well. I managed to read over ½ a novel and polish off ½ of box of Peak Freans, could it get any better? And a note to the beautiful vessel - the After Eight come join our Squadron, we'd love to have you! Thanks for the great Easter memories everyone, and until next time! Grace Burrell, Big Bubbles, No Troubles.

Photos Courtesy of: Grace Burrell, Cheryl McGuire

Copyright 2009 - Port Moody Power & Sail Squadron

Site Last Updated March 15, 2010