Saltwater Sounds: The Sound of Silence

Welcome to Saltwater Sounds, a collection of ideas, tips, and inspiration. Here, I share everything happening in the world of Shiplap and Shells, what’s to come, and the inspiration I’ve found from other bloggers around the web.

This and That

This is day 29 on the boat, with six days left before we return home.

Our journey started slow, with thunderstorms and long travel days to get up north, but the last couple of weeks have been the absolute best, with so many different experiences and new memories made.

I can’t wait to share pictures and stories from Vancouver, B.C., Canada. It was our first time visiting by boat, and we loved every minute. Make sure to come back next week to see it all.

We left Salt Springs Island this morning and returned to the U.S., where we’ll spend the next four days in Roche Harbor and Garrison Bay.

This afternoon, we have a reservation at Westcott Bay Shellfish Co., where the food is incredible. Don’t you love a great farm-to-table experience?

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Desolation Sound’s Peace

Desolation Sound has been the most peaceful experience. It’s a place where you can appreciate all that nature offers. The quiet was unusual but welcome. Only a seagull squawking overhead, the breath of a seal as it surfaces, or a boat making its way into the cove to anchor interrupted the sound of silence.

Farm To Table Dinner on the Boat

Speaking of farm-to-table, we had a wonderful meal on our boat last week.

My hubby went to the beach and got clams and oysters, which were fabulous.

The tomatoes, basil, and sunflowers were from a roadside farm stand we found one day.

Eating on the boat is almost always more enjoyable than at a restaurant, especially with the waterfront view.

Refuge Cove for Supplies

Last week I shared our stay in Tenedos Bay and Melanie Cove, where we nested in our boat, on anchor until the thunderstorms passed.

We stopped at Refuge Cove for a bite to eat and some supplies before heading to our last destination in Desolation Sound, Squirrel Cove.

This was such a happy surprise!

This charming community is a supply stop for boaters traveling in Desolation Sound. It offers various services, including groceries, fuel, ice, laundry, showers, and other supplies.

The Refuge Cove land and housing co-op consists of 18 shareholders living in scattered property areas. The commercial area is leased to businesses whose owners are all co-op members.

I had to take pictures of this little cabin on the dock with the mossiest roof. A sign in the window says “Lucy’s House”.

The dockside restaurant has been remodeled, but I’m unsure when. The breakfast sandwich was delicious! My hubby thoroughly enjoyed the cinnamon buns as well. I may have stolen a bite or two.

A lot of seating was available because it was a bit chilly that morning.

However, they do provide red and black checked blankets to stay warm.

Here’s a view of the general store from the cafe.

The Refuge Cove gallery was a great place to explore.

They had the most comfy blankets, tees and hoodies, pottery, and more. Their Yeti collection was extensive!

The general store had almost everything we were looking for. They had good produce, wine, and almost everything else a boater might need.

Squirrel Cove

We enjoyed anchoring in Squirrel Cove. Even though many boats were already anchored there, we still seemed to find the perfect spot in front of a saltwater lagoon at the head of the inner bay.

Connecting rapids into the lagoon at high tide and out at low tide. Above, you can see the entrance to the lagoon at low tide, with the water running out into the cove where we were anchored.

We could hear the water rushing in and out of the tidal pool at each change of the tides.

Here’s a picture of the entrance as the tide rises and fills the lagoon.

We also saw kayakers and paddleboarders trying to return to the cove while going against the current. No one that we saw succeeded in their mission.

Heading to Vancouver

There seems to be a lighthouse along the way, no matter where we are going. But they are so charming, so I continue sharing them with you.

We spotted whales for the first time. It was so hard to take a good picture or video, but here’s a tail to give you an idea of what we saw.

We anchored in Pender Harbour overnight before heading to Vancouver the next day. Although we never left our boat, we experienced a gorgeous sunset.

It’s a beautiful area.

“There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” – Henri Matisse

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My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

Check out these 30 recipes to cook in September.

This Robledo Design portfolio is gorgeous.

Here are some simple steps to harvest, store, and share hollyhock seeds.

This apple cider doughnut bread recipe with cinnamon sugar topping looks amazing!

You have to see this gorgeous home from Marie Flanigan Interiors’ portfolio.

How to make a dried zinnia wreath.

See how you can make these DIY rustic pumpkin topiaries.

I’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment and let me know what you’d like to see on the blog. Thank you for being here.

Until next time,

Wishing a wonderful week ahead,

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