2. July 2009, Last day in Tod Inlet - for now

Land-based weather forecast: simply glorious including the next weekend
Water-based forecast: Strong wind warning..from the Northwest. Everything is northwest from here, but the inlet is still, no rush to leave.
A doe with her two spotted fawns and last year's teenager ambled along the shore at low tide early today. A little later a couple of young bucks with velvety small racks followed suit. A Merganser duck with her four youngsters paddled by.
Excitement of the cruising kind.
I waxed a quarter of the hull this morning (can't overdo this cleaning mania!) The red looks marginally redder on the cleaned bit.
A fellow boater, acting as park host since the time I am anchored beside him, called over to ask: Do you like fresh prawns, caught this morning?
He only had to ask once, I rowed over there at breakneck speed...a whole ziplock back full of the fat little critters - a treat for dinner.
Canada Day finished reasonably quiet in the Inlet.
One rather decrepit, crowded little powerboat dropped anchor in (I guessed) the same spot where mine rested. Upon pointing that out to him, he just shrugged and cried: 'Don't you worry, my darling!'
Oh for respect...
Half a dozen Personal Water Craft roared in, followed by their wakes and surrounded by the racket of their engines...the echo from the hills multiplies the noise to earsplitting levels. But, they slowed to crawl-speed, and the boaters picnicked peacefully on the Beach.
A couple of skiffs arrived, loaded with revellers, who between beers jumped into the water to cool off.
The quaint little Jennie B (a tiny tourboat, named after Jennie Butchard) circled around silently with her electric motor, taking Garden visitors for a spin to see the 'exotic' wildlife.
They all soon left, and the only sound emanated from another boat - someone playing guitar, quite nicely even.
Re Music...an unexpected treat today in Butchard Garden. A big band practiced for the evening's performance, all very casual - one visitor couple (Latinos?) started to dance an imprompty,and very skillfull Bossa Nova beside the band shell amonst the colourful begonias.
Gives new meaning to tip-toeing through the tulips.