A Sea Adventure

 The link for this week's live-streamed service is here.

At Whiffen Spit

This week, I am delighted to welcome a new contributor to our blog. Jim and Lorna have been worshipping with us for the past few years and are a very welcome addition to our fellowship. Jim has graciously agreed to share some of his adventures on this blog.

On Saturday October 28, I found out that the Canadian Naval Reserve base, HMCS Malahat was having an open house.

HMCS Malahat is a Royal Canadian Navy Reserve Division located in Victoria, British Columbia on Huron St., near Fishermans Wharf. Dubbed a stone frigate, HMCS Malahat is a land-based naval training establishment for part-time sailors as well as a local recruitment centre for the Canadian Naval Reserve. 

 I arrived at 11:30 am and walked around exhibits that were on display ( firearms) and met some of the people who are part of the Naval Reserve including Lt. Andrew Hewlett, the Chamlain, who is a Lutheran minister. He is familiar with our church.

 I then went on a ride on their pontoon boat. We went out into Victoria harbour but then the boat broke down. The crew were able to get it to a dock where we were able to get off. We were taken back to the base by a Naval vehicle. So disappointed.

This boat is 1 of 2. The other boat is out of service. So much for being ready to assist the regular navy, coast guard etc. 

The personnel who are at the base are competent in their area of expertise but deserve to have boats that work, to do their job.

I enjoyed going there and learning about the Naval Reserve.

Council Chambers in Liverpool, England

Jim Dallimore

Ed. Note:  Having grown up in Portsmouth, UK, headquarters of the Royal Navy, Jim as a deep affection for all things naval.

Given this tale of a rescue at sea, I thought you might enjoy this hymn. 

Eternal Father, Strong to Save