On a weekend that has been raw with patches of indecisive rain/snow, Tim and I have begun planning our summer boating trip. Our coastline is a beautiful place, its scenery varied and breathtaking. Danger is present, as well as beauty. Swirling currents, plenty of chunky bits just under the surface, strong tides and lots of marine traffic means that we need to know what we're doing out there on our little boat.
This morning, after church, we joined some friends at the Coast Guard Communications Centre for a tour. The centre overlooks the water, through the trees (and you can see patchy snow there, as well).
From this large room, with dozens of computer screens glowing, Coast Guard members monitor marine traffic. Radar sweeps across the screens, lights indicate the movement of large ships, ferries, tankers, and more.
While we were there, a call came in - a small (28 foot) pleasure craft had hit a log and was requesting a tow. Since it wasn't an emergency, other boats in the area responded.
Most lighthouses on our coasts are unmanned, functioning by solar-powered batteries. There are just 12 lighthouses manned by humans along the west coast. The Coast Guard checks in on them regularly by radio and by boat with supplies.
Things are fairly quiet on the water just now. Once the weather warms up and more pleasure craft head out, the traffic increases exponentially. Our friend, the tour guide, told us that calls come in about once every 20 seconds in the busy season.
Most calls are relatively uncomplicated, but emergency situations require immediate response, and often lives are saved by the quick action of the Coast Guard.
I'm glad they're listening to the radio, and ready to respond. It makes me feel just a wee bit safer out there on the water.
Linking to Mosaic Monday, hosted by Maggie of Normandy Life.
Sounds like they have things under control there. I used to love going out on boats when I was younger, preferably still waters not far from shore since I get major sea sickness. Whenever I take a ferry, I'm down for the count until we reach the other side. Have a great new week.
ReplyDeleteThe coastal views are breathtakingly beautiful, Lorrie, it's no wonder that they draw sailors down to the sea. You were very wise to do a refresher tour of the Coast Guard station, the work that they do is so important, I imagine that you came away feeling safe knowing that they would be there for you should the need arise.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mosaic Monday, have a great week and stay warm!
The work done by coast guards is of such importance. The Cornish coast is dangerous too and so many Summer visitors are rescued from bad situations.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter tells me that there is snow in Vancouver for the second time this Winter!
Lorrie you are blessed living in such a beautiful are. You have breath taking views which were a delight to see. Always good to be reassured there is help when and if it is needed, the coast guards do an admirable job.
ReplyDeleteStunning shots of the sparkling coastline, Lorrie. The blue hues of the waves against the rough and rugged rocky shore construct an intriguing contrast. I can see you and your hubby on a marine adventure and I'm glad you are preparing so well for it in advance. Safety first!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week,
Poppy
Your coastline is so stunning. Thank you for the great post.
ReplyDeleteEvery photo is breathtaking! It's interesting to read about the Coast guard too. Thanks for sharing! Hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteLovely shots. It's good to educate yourself when you are going to be out on the water with your small craft. How good to know you have resources like the Coast Guard to help when needed. It's nice to have other people on the water that will be willing to help, too.
ReplyDeleteThat is really amazing that they get so many calls in the busy season! So thankful for people who serve in these jobs!
ReplyDeleteLooks like it was a great tour!
It is wonderful that people do this important work isn't it. In England we have the Royal National Lifeboat Institution - (RNLI) - and they are all volunteers, they are incredible people!
ReplyDeleteI bet that was a wonderful tour. The coast guard doesn't always get "its due". Beautiful coastal scenes.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots from boating trip. Very lovely coastline.
ReplyDeleteYour trip sounds like it will be lovely. Stay safe in the snowy weather you are getting today, daughter texted to say the snow is accumulating quickly out her way.
ReplyDeleteYes, the Coast Guard does a great job in keeping the Canadian waterways safe for boaters. I love the light in the last photo - so pretty. I hope your snow is starting to melt already. Have a lovely week.
ReplyDeletePam
Happy Monday, nice mosaic
ReplyDeletemuch love...
Beautiful photographs
ReplyDeleteBless the Coast Guard!
They are an amazing group.
and may you never need their help and assitance!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful shots of the coast! You sound quite brave to tour up and down the coast with so much marine activity going on around you. My brother takes his ocean-going kayak along the coast and tells me of all sorts of adventures from seals to orcas!
ReplyDeleteLovely shots of the coast and interesting to think about planning a trip and staying safe as well in your area.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting tour, Lorrie. It must be a relief to know that the Coast Guard has got your back!
ReplyDeleteI agree, good to know someone is monitoring and listening for any distress on the water. We boated a couple of years on our inland lake and believe it or not, the worst nightmare was avoiding sunken ice fish huts that would bob to the surface. I've seen photos of palm trees in BC surrounded by snow on FB.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting to get to see what the Coast Guard do. I am happy to hear they are always listening.
ReplyDeleteI am always amazed by the beauty of where you live and then the way you photograph it, using as the natural light help create the beauty. You must look forward to your summer boating trip, taking comfort of knowing the the Coast Guard is on duty.
ReplyDeleteMr. Decor and I so enjoyed our tour of your gorgeous coastline via BC Ferries. We look forward to seeing it during other seasons as I am sure the beauty always changes.
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful photographs.
ReplyDeleteSo pleased to read about the Coast Guards.
Here in the UK we have the RNLI - Royal National Lifeboat Institution - they are all volunteers, they do some important and lifesaving work.
All the best Jan
You and Tim are brave to navigate unknown (perhaps to you) waters. Sensible to plan ahead though and to know help is there if ever required.
ReplyDeleteMe and boats or ships? You know I love them, but think at this point in time I will be leaving the steering to the captain and his crew, haha!
All of your photos are beautiful but the last one is breathtaking. Very interesting and informative about the Coast Guard. I know you look forward to getting back on the water.
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