PRQ, Tenaya and a sad day...

[BrianWilliams]

Thanks to "guest" above for some insight.

We were a bit distressed at the time of our discovery, but that was mitigated by the fast response of RCMP, SAR and RCAF people.

That is small comfort to the man's family, of course.

The BC coast is the most beautiful place in the world, in all seasons. It is dangerous, because of its isolation, its dramatic topography and its weather.

The people on our coast, as demonstrated by the woodcutters who helped me with the first call to the RCMP are the best folks you will ever meet.

I know this from earlier, less dramatic times, too. Towboat crews, loggers, fishermen: all of 'em are the best friends you can have when trouble arrives.

I do reserve my highest praise for the RCMP of Quadra Island. Minutes after my call, they had RCAF and SAR helos focussed on Village Bay. Truly, that took some persuasion, since the air search was working farther north.

The young, professional members of the RCMP command a lot of respect from other branches of Canada's protective forces. These men and women are the very best.

[BrianWilliams]

"What a graceful little ship..." --said TsawassenTerminal.

Ain't that the truth! In the best tradition of BC coastal boats, Tenaka has the seaworthy curved hull, generous deckhouse and fine lines of an all weather BC steamer.

Except for her bow and stern ramps, Tenaka is as pretty as the best small Union and CP ships.

She's quick, as you can see in the Heriot Bay photo. When her skipper puts the hammer down, Tenaka flies.

Fine boat .. and vibration-free, too.

[Curtis]

The NIP doesn't show any vibrations either

[NMcKay]

they are close to vibration free, because of the size of the shafts. (something like less than 4 feet long) and the vessel uses a rubber shaft seal. which allows for a quick ship, they could probably do close to 26/28 knots full out

[Low Light Mike]

Hey Brian W.

did you get a chance to communicate with the family of the fellow that was killed in the plane crash?

Just wondering, because now there is somewhat of a link between your 2 families.....sort of.

[BrianWilliams]

Thanks for your thoughtfulness, Flugel.

We did carefully consider sending flowers or a card to Mr Stevens' family. His memorial service was set for Monday, 7 March in Nanaimo. We went home to New Westminster on Friday, 4 March.

I had a phone conversation with Quadra Island RCMP Const Jacquie Weiler on Saturday .. after clearing a few points from our de-briefing at Heriot Bay, I asked about showing our sympathy in this way.

She advised against it. Perhaps she is right. Our only contact with David Stevens was after his death.

Still, we think a letter of sympathy to his young family will be appropriate, maybe in a few months.