When we were anchored in the Octopus Islands Campbell River
In the end, we chose to move forward.
She didn’t get better, though. In fact, the opposite was true. And four days later when we dropped anchor in
Port McNeill, near the top of Vancouver Island , it was with heavy hearts. The internal argument was over,
and we knew what we had to do – she’d been a great friend to us for nearly 18
years, it was time to return the favour.
So we did.
The following days are a blur, not of activity but of
emotion. I do know, though, that we left Port McNeill two days later and it was
the most difficult departure we’ve ever made – the first and only time we left
an anchorage without Sally.
We’ve had a lot of “firsts” since
then.
Each day gets a little bit easier and, although we haven’t
put very many miles between us and Port McNeill (only 90 or so), it seems like
a lifetime away. We miss Sally, there’s no doubt about it, but we have 18 years
of great memories to keep us company in her absence – not everyone’s that
lucky. I think more than anything,
though, the advice we received from some friends and fellow dog-lovers has
helped the most, “You make the decision and move on – it’s the price you pay
for loving your pet.”
So that’s what we’re doing.
Moving on.
We eventually made back up to the Central Coast
Our next stop will be Ocean Falls, a former company town turned ghost town, to visit friends
and try to do a few boat jobs while we’re tied up to a dock. From there, we have no idea where we want to
go, a first for us. But wherever it is,
I’m sure a natural hot spring won’t be too far away.
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