Bart

I knew I had things growing below my water line, but above? That's a new one for me- Corleto

With the summer cruising season in full swing, we wanted to take Corleto and her newly painted bottom on a bit of a shake down cruise. I ended up with a nice week of holidays and we decided that we would get away to one of our favourite anchorages, Montague Harbour Marine Park on Galiano Island.

We wanted to provision in such a way, so as to have a number of prepared meals that would only need reheating when we were at anchor. We cooked like mad chefs the Saturday evening before our departure. Three Cheese Mac and Cheese, Shepard's Pie, Artichoke Dip and Slow Cooked Ribs just to name a few. There was of course fresh vegetables, breads and salty snacks. Water, beer, G2's and a bottle of wine. We were indeed well provisioned for our week long shake down cruise.

Charlene had this idea that she got from either the Cruising Women web site or from one of our dock mates to bring an herb garden with her so as to have fresh herbs to add to our culinary delights when at anchor. She opted for a Basil plant.

As we loaded up Corleto before departure, it became apparent that the plant was rather large for such a small craft. But undaunted Charlene proclaimed that we would need a "bigger boat". We both had a nice laugh about her rather large plant, she even gave it a name - Bart

Charlene and Bart the Basil Plant, "we're gonna need a bigger boat" she says

From then on Bart the Basil plant was one of the "crew", mascot of the galley. Posing for pictures and occasionally sacrificing a few leaves to flavour up whatever Charlene whipped up at anchor. Bart was more than a pretty plant, he proved himself to be a tasty addition to Corleto's crew.

Bart enjoying the view after the voyage across the Straight of Georgia

Bart provides some fresh leaves to earn his passage on Corleto

Bart enjoying a sunset at Montague after donating a few leaves.