We would have been north in Desolation Sound by now had our water maker held out, but repairing or replacing the old one overrode our plans. One thing we’ve been reminded of again and again on this journey is patience. Be prepared, but when things don’t go as planned, be willing to wait until the time is right. A Sidney boat yard has the water maker we need and can start installation July 17, so we continued exploring southern Gulf Islands.

We spent two nights anchored in Port Browning on North Pender Island. Did a bit of hiking and found a winery that supplies to the Four Seasons and stocked our stores.

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From Pender, we made our way to Brentwood Bay to spend a day at Butchart Gardens, a stop that had been scrapped due to our much delayed start. The gardens were begun by Jennie Butchart in the exhausted limestone quarry resulting from the family’s cement business. It was worth waiting for and we’re so glad we did not miss this oasis.

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The next morning, we took the dingy into Tod Inlet, the backside of Butchart Gardens, where we will anchor on our next visit. The pilings used by the cement plant were repurposed into bird condos.

Next stop, Delta Marine boatyard.