Silva Bay two night Anchor & Hiking Gabriola Island

The morning began quietly on the water, with boats gathered close together in a still cove, their white hulls doubled in the glassy surface. A handsome old wooden vessel, Girfalcon, sat nearby with her kayaks tucked at the bow, and across the bay the hills stood wrapped in soft cloud, a round mountain just showing through the mist above the anchored fleet.

Two boats, 37 and Nice Day, came together for the gathering near Nanaimo Harbour. Xiao Zhang Zhang and ZYQ came along to share in the day, and the water stayed calm throughout, giving everyone clear views across the bay and good conditions for being out on deck.

Fishing turned out to be a highlight. One catch brought up a mottled, wide-mouthed fish held proudly for the camera, and later, under bright blue skies, a bright orange rockfish was raised from the line, its catcher grinning in the sunshine with rod still in hand. The light had changed completely from the grey, misty start of the day to clear skies by the time the fish were caught.

Between the fishing and the quiet moments at anchor, the group took in the scenery of the bay, the tree-lined shore, and the distant hills, with the boats resting easily on the water throughout.

The day closed as peacefully as it began, with the boats still gathered on the calm water, the catch of the day remembered in photographs, and the cove settling back into stillness as the light softened once more.