Genesis of a Beautiful Friendship

April-May 1998

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

by John Reed

We met George & Pauline Herberg and the motor vessel Genesis strictly by happenstance four years ago. Thirsting for ways of increasing distance and options on paddling trips yet unable to commit to a three week sojourn, the light finally went on: "Why not use a boat to get us to where we want to go?"

As neophytes to this paddling option we were naturally apprehensive and leery of what we felt could be a very expensive distraction. After a few phone calls we selected a company that we felt comfortable with and decided to investigate further. We loaded our gear in the car and set out for the Gulf Islands to meet up with George and Pauline Herberg onboard their floating home the MV Genesis. The advertisement read "a 42' diesel trawler". My wife and I both looked at each other and said, "I wonder what a trawler is".

Based from Ganges Harbor on Salt Spring Island the captain cheerfully agreed to pick us up at Montague Harbor on Galiano Island. Our excitement and apprehension increased as we drove off the ferry and headed toward the Marina at Montague. We had agreed to meet at the government dock so we parked, walked down the gang plank and scanned the area for a boat with the name Genesis. What we found was George and Pauline Herberg and their dog "Buddy" waiting for us on board their 42' boat.

The Genesis is immaculately fitted out as a cruiser. It has three cabins, a full galley, 2 heads (washrooms), a handheld hot water shower, a washer/dryer, two large decks, stereo/tv/vcr, a tender with 9.9 H.P. outboard for transporting gear to/from the beach and more.

After initial introductions and a warm welcome, we unloaded the car, transferring everything to the boat to begin our adventures.

Once underway we set a course for Blackberry Point on Valdez Island and quickly found ourselves enthralled with investigating the Genesis and engaging in conversation with the captain and first mate Pauline. Long retired from the USA Coast Guard the captain has extensive experience cruising the waters of the Gulf Islands and points beyond. A nurse on Salt Spring, Pauline accompanies her partner on such outtings as much to socialize as to keep an eye on her dearly beloved.

For the next five days we cruised the Gulf Islands with the Herbergs, hiking up Mexicana Hill on Valdez for a magnificent view of the islands, spending time at Pirates' Cove Marine Park on De Courcy Island (former home of the infamous Brother Twelve cult leader), and anchoring at Wallace Island Marine Park, before returning to Montague Harbour.

The Herbergs are as much a part of the experience as the areas they go to, and they are a delight to be with. They offer supported kayak programs in Desolation Sound in addition to long term charters, day transport, and sunset cruises in the Gulf Islands.

Mothership kayak trips with them can be booked through Ocean West Expeditions toll free at 800/660-0051 or they may be contacted directly at 250/537-9321 or toll free at 888/293-1603.

John Reed runs Ocean West Expeditions.