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Al mistakenly believed that Dick H. had suggested the south end
of North Benjamin Island - a belief that was confirmed when we found this
beautiful, perfectly protected cove with a lovely beach on which to camp.
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Our cove was inaccessible to the keelboats who were having a get-together
across the way at the north end of South Benjamin.
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Ed and I immediately grabbed a beer (each) and settled down on
the rocks beside our cove to watch for Blue Mist.
Ed, who had slightly sprained his ankle that morning also used this
opportunity to soak the ankle in the fresh, cool water.
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While we were back at the boat getting the tent out and pitched,
Al happened to look up and see Blue Mist pass the last of the Sow
and Pigs (above centre) and disappear behind the south end of South
Benjamin (see chart below).
..4444
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It took us some some time to realize that Dick and Dick would not
be appearing at this spot that Al was convinced Dick H. had suggested.
Later, it turned out that Dick H. had indicated the spot on South Benjamin
shown at the end of the green track above,
and not the one Ed and I had found at the end of the red track above.
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So, at about 1900, we packed up the Bodum and the tins of stew
which were to be Uncle Al's culinary contributions to the evening's activities,
and headed out of our cozy cove which was protected on its open west side
by the array of rocks seen above.
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About half an hour later, we landed after discreetly waiting a
few moments while a stark-naked but oh so clean Dick Tyrrell finished drying
off on the beach. As you can see (left), Dick Tyrrell had claimed
this cove in the name of Her Majesty with his own special flag.
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While the Sow and Pigs basked in the evening sunshine, a relatively
hurried dinner and coffee were consumed.
Ed and Al were afraid that what little wind was left would die before
they could sail back to their encampment. And besides...
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... Uncle Al was very eager to capture the sunset with the lovely
tree line and islands between North and South Benjamin in the foreground.
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As we passed the NE corner of South Benjamin, we heard soft guitar
music and the singing of many voices. Later, we were told that this group
may have been part of a big annual Baptist Festival held in these parts.
That would explain why, to our pleasant surprise, all was quiet on this
shore a mere 30 minutes later at 2230.
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As we ghosted across towards our anchorage, we had South Benjamin
to port...
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... and then the sunset that Uncle Al's camera had been waiting
for.
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Unfortunately, the harbingers of the rain forecast for the night...
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... were already on the western horizon.
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But it was a pretty sunset just the same.
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The view from in front of our tent...
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... was a fine note on which to end an interesting day!
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