"I have lived in the most beautiful place in the world for three years, yet I have visited fewer places than many tourists!"
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I was so inspired by my family’s last adventure, that when the opportunity arrived to take an overnight sailing trip to Gabriola Island, I jumped at the chance. I really didn’t know what to expect, but details didn’t even matter to me at that point. As an ex-Albertan, just the idea of sailing from one island to another seemed like the perfect adventure.
Our adventure began at the Newcastle Marina, in Nanaimo. A company called Island Dream Sailing, operated by George Bush; no not THAT George Bush, but rather Canada’s George Bush, graciously offered to transport us on his gorgeous sailboat from Nanaimo to Silva Bay Marina, Gabriola Island. Island Dream Sailing is a company that takes groups of people out sailing for day trips or weekly trips to various areas around Vancouver Island. Not only do you get to sail, you also learn how to sail; which involves the raising and lowering of sails, docking, anchoring, maneuvering the vessel both under sail and power, flying a spinnaker and learning safety. Now, when I heard we were sailing to Gabriola Island, I was very excited, but had no idea we would actually have a lesson in learning to sail! George is an educator by profession and it shows through his patience and kindness during all of our fumbling due to the lack of knowledge of sailing terminology. “I’m sorry, you want to do what, with the what, on the where?” Let me tell you, there are a lot of ropes on a sailboat. Sailing is part of a lifestyle that I could get accustomed to. Even though the forecast called for rain, we lucked out and had great weather. There really is something about the sound and smell of the ocean, with the rocking of the waves, that makes all of the tension leave your body and a quiet calm washes over you.
Our first stop was The Haven for a tour and a quick lunch. The Haven is a resort that offers accommodations along with programs in personal and professional development, with emphasis on human connection and recognition. These programs promote self-responsibility, effective communication, healthy relationships, and integration of body-mind-spirit through experiential learning. People from all over the world, including Europe and Asia, visit The Haven. Even though we did not have time to take part in any of the sessions, we toured around the facility with its gorgeous setting of forest and flowers right on the ocean and I noticed that there is a feeling of peace and tranquility amongst the guests. I can certainly see the benefits of such a place and can understand how it has helped enrich people’s lives for more than twenty-five years.
Next, we loaded ourselves back onto the sailboat to continue to Silva Bay. We docked the boat and headed to shore by dingy to have a quick drink, and then off to our accommodations for the night at Gabriola Gables waterfront estate. Gabriola Gables is a 4500 square foot mansion, on five acres, located on Gabriola Island. The property is spectacular, with cedars, cherry trees, flowers, manicured lawn, hot tub, a fire pit, and a patio overlooking the ocean and mountains. The house is professionally decorated, with great artwork, very comfortable beds, huge bathrooms, and a kitchen that will impress any aspiring chef, with plenty of counter space, two convection ovens, two dishwashers, and all of the usual appliances. The house is available to rent all year. We were entertained by the owners of Gabriola Gables, Anne Loesch and Robin Parker. They are a very interesting and worldly family, who were gracious enough to provide us with dinner and some of their own- wine, as well as many incredible life stories, and breakfast the next day. |
overlooking the ocean and mountains. The house is professionally decorated, with great artwork, very comfortable beds, huge bathrooms, and a kitchen that will impress any aspiring chef, with plenty of counter space, two convection ovens, two dishwashers, and all of the usual appliances. The house is available to rent all year. We were entertained by the owners of Gabriola Gables, Anne Loesch and Robin Parker. They are a very interesting and worldly family, who were gracious enough to provide us with dinner and some of their own- wine, as well as many incredible life stories, and breakfast the next day.
  
In the morning, we returned to Silva Bay, to sail back to Nanaimo. The weather was perfectly sunny, but there was very little wind, so some of the trip back was by power, not by sailing; which is still just as enjoyable. Most of my time was spent lazily sunning myself. I am definitely hooked, and I highly recommend trying it! What a perfect venue, not only great for bonding with family and friends, but also for meeting new people, drinking great wine and seeing new sights. I already can’t wait for the next adventure! Thank you to all of the people who made this trip possible.
For more information on sailing with Island Dream Sailing, visit www.islanddreamsailing.com. For more information on The Haven, visit www.haven.ca. |
