Monday morning broke under clear skies and calm winds as we fired up the big Volvo and slipped our lines in Campbell River for the trip to Prince Rupert. Our guests were my aunt Pat, my Uncle Gerry and his wife Betty, and their good friend Norma. We were thrilled to have them aboard and looked forward to a great trip and a chance to catch up with family as we traversed the beautiful inlets and coastline of the west coast. First destination was Shoal Bay where Mark Macdonald hosts guest at his dock and cabins in a beautiful setting. We rounded Cape Mudge and as we came abeam Cortes Island we were greeted by a huge school of white sided dolphins, awesome to watch as they rushed by us in pursuit of their dinner. Sliding through the slack tide waters of Dent Island Rapids it was hard to believe that these waters are some of the most turbulent salt water rapids in the world with giant whirlpools and speeds of up to 14 kts on a bit tide. Once through we entered Shoal Bay for our first evening of exploring. Out went the crab pots and then off to visit with Mark. A great first day and evening!!