Ganges Harbour, Salt Spring Island

Ganges Harbour, Salt Spring Island

13 July

At about noon we upped anchor at Russell Island and headed off for the 90-minute run to Ganges. Ganges is the largest community on Salt Spring Island, offering plenty of funky shops, restaurants and galleries. Those of you who followed our blog may remember that we spent a couple of days here last year.

The channel into Ganges was not overly busy this year but one still needs to be watchful for the sea planes landing along the same stretch of water.

After securing Kaos at the dock, we checked in with the marina, which is now under new ownership and management. With the absence of American vessels due to the borders being closed, the marina was not busy but plenty of renovations and dock repairs were being accomplished.

As we headed up the ramp towards town, we were greeted by a delightful RCMP reserve constable. Apparently the arrival of a US vessel (us) had been reported and CBSA (Customs Border Services) were en-route to chat with us. We sat outside the marina office for two hours, chatting with the RCMP constable while we waited for CBSA to arrive. I guess we were being detained because the constable had to remain with us until CBSA arrived. 

Even though we have done everything required correctly and are Canadian citizens, a face to face meeting is apparently required each time there is a report filed. After satisfying everyone that we are here in Canada legally, the CBSA officer said that we will likely meet again, to which I answered that we would soon be on first name basis. He replied by saying that his name is Roger. Au revoir, until we meet again Roger!

We walked this quaint, funky town, enjoying lunch outside on the patio at the Oyster Catcher. 

After a visit to Mouat’s amazing hardware store, we picked up a few provisions at the local grocery store. To Alan’s delight, many of the stores are closed on Monday.

We tried to get fresh Dungeness crab for dinner but the Fish Market is closed on Monday and would not have crab until Tuesday evening when we would be gone. Maybe next visit.