Waiting in Nanaimo

May 13, 2016

Latitude 49°10’00.64” N
Longitude 123°56’04.96” W

Nanaimo

Tuesday was a relaxing day for me.  We took showers and did laundry at the Nanaimo Yacht Club.  I was able to download a couple of the blog entries.  Vaughn took Mary and I out to dinner at the Dinghy Dock restaurant.  This time we made sure we were there with time to spare.  On the way back from the unique dockside restaurant on Protection Island we saw a Yawl, Schooner, and Ketch sailing vessels anchored right next to one another.  The difference was explained to me but I can’t remember now.

Nanaimo Bay

Seaplanes take off frequently

 

 

Nanaimo Bay between Protection and Newcastle Islands

Cannons outside the marina.  They shoot them off during the summer. 

On Wednesday we decided to pick up groceries on the other side of the marina to test out the engine.  It didn’t go as planned.  Luckily Vaughn and Mary had a contingent plan in place if there were problems.  The dinghy was being towed with the engine in place.  Our short boat trip was going fine until we were close to the guest docks.  All of a sudden we heard a noise and the engine quit again.  The day before it had ran 1 ½ hours without any sign of stopping.  We were hoping to leave after picking up groceries.  As soon as the engine quit Vaughn hopped into the dingy and used the dinghy as an auxiliary motor.  He and Mary guided the boat into an available slip and this is where we are now.   We had dinner at Penny Palapa.

The Guest Docks

Dockside Restaurant

Yesterday a boat mechanic was called and diagnosed the engine problem.  It is the fuel injectors.  We are hoping the diagnosis is correct and we can be on our way on Monday.  Vaughn also had him take the dinghy engine to get it serviced.  Right now we are at the Nanaimo Guest dock waiting. 

We had lunch at the Trollers Fish and Chips.  Now we have eaten in all three dockside restaurants.  It’s funny because I was looking at a visitor’s map of Nanaimo and The Dinghy Dock restaurant is advertised as the only dockside restaurant.  I guess they forgot about the other two.  LOL

Another dockside restaurant

Vaughn has worked on projects on the boat he wanted to get done but didn’t have the time.  Mary and I have both walked around this charming city, visiting a few shops, and taking pictures.  Tomorrow there is talk of kayaking and visiting Protection Island to see a Great Blue Heron rookery.