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DAN & RUSS CO. - FINE TEAS AND BESPOKE GIFT SINCE 2019
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OUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME
EXPLORE

WELCOME BOATERS & TRAVELERS

Welcome aboard! The crew of MV Raiatea is delighted that you've discovered us and taken the time to explore our content. Whether it's our YouTube Travel Channel or our Instagram page, we invite you to join us on our adventures across the stunning Pacific Northwest. Get ready to witness the breathtaking places we've explored and the incredible experiences we've had.
ABOUT US

MV RAIATEA
Join us on board our cruising vessel, MV Raiatea, in the Pacific Northwest. MV stands for "Motor Vessel" and Raiatea is named after our favourite island in French Polynesia.
MV Raiatea is a 2013 Ranger Tug 25SC. 2021 is our first season owning this marvelous, yet capable vessel. Being a new boater, the learning curve was quite steep but it is rewarding non-the-less. We, along with our boat mascot - Odie the Yorkie, would like to take you along the way.
Hope you will enjoy our webpage, YouTube channel, and Instagram. Join us on this wonderful journey.


YOUTUBE
Chapter 16 - Christmas Cruise Part 2 Gibsons & Secret Beach Park
This is the second part of our Christmas Cruise. In this chapter, we returned from Keats Island and explored the charming town of Gibsons, BC. We visited various shops, cafes, and restaurants, spending a relaxing day in Gibsons Public Market, dining at The Mad Hen Diner, and the famous Smitty's Oyster House.
Chapter 19 - Bowen Island Revisit
Since MV Raiatea relocated to a new marina last autumn, we've spent the winter months actively exploring the surrounding waters. Now that the crew is fully settled in, we decided to enjoy a weekend getaway to revisit Bowen Island. Bowen Island was our very first overnight destination three years ago, and this return feels like we've come full circle. In this chapter, we'll be mooring at the Union Steamship Company Marina and venturing out to Dorman Point, Killarney Lake, and a selection of local eateries.
Chapter 22 - 2026 Autumn Trip (Part 1) - Winter Cove, Saturna Island
Welcome to yet another chapter in our travelling adventures. In Chapter 22, we embark upon our autumn cruise onboard MV Raiatea, setting course for Winter Cove on Saturna Island in the southern British Columbia Gulf Islands. Following a lengthy six-hour crossing, we enjoyed a delightful stroll along Boat Passage near Winter Point. Do join us in admiring the scenic and aerial views of this remarkable corner of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
Chapter 5 - Princess Louisa Inlet Trip
Part 1
This is our recent Princess Louisa Inlet trip in three parts. Part 1 takes us to Secret Cove in the Sunshine Coast, BC for a transient moorage in Secret Cove Marina. That evening, we explored different bays within the Secret Cove's boundary. Day two takes us to the white-sand beach of Buccaneer Bay, Thormanby Islands.
Chapter 11 - Gulf Island Trip
Part 3
Part 3 is the last of the three in this series which takes us around Salt Spring Island. We had a day of biking around the island and checked out Salt Spring Coffee, Outspokin’ Bike Shop, Ruckle Provincial Park & Ruckle Farm, Salt Spring Island Cheese, and Auntie Pesto’s.
Chapter 14 - Poet Cove
Part 2
In this chapter, we'll be embarking on the renowned Mount Norman hike in Beaumont Marine Park. Located in South Pender Island, Mount Norman stands 200 meters tall, offering a challenging yet incredibly scenic hike. As you make your way up, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the stunning Canadian Gulf Islands.
Chapter 17 - Sidney & Sidney Spit Marine Park
Amidst the peak of a sweltering summer, MV Raiatea is preparing for a brief getaway. In this chapter, we shall be indulging in a delightful two-night stay in the charming town of Sidney on Vancouver Island. On our second day, we embarked on a short journey across to Sidney Island, where we explored the scenic Sidney Spit Marine Park. We trust you will find this experience as enjoyable as we have.
Chapter 20 - MV Raiatea - A Ranger Tug 25SC Tour & Walkthrough
Ever since we started this channel, some friends have asked for a little tour of our beloved vessel, Raiatea. As we are spending a little time at anchor in Bedwell Bay, not far from our marina, we thought it the perfect opportunity to welcome you aboard our floating home-from-home.
Chapter 23 - 2026 Autumn Trip (Part 2) - South Pender Island, Poet Cove, Gowlland Point, Brooks Point Park
Three years ago, we visited Poet Cove on South Pender Island. This year, during our Autumn Trip through the Canadian Gulf Islands, we are returning to this remarkable destination once more. In Part 2 of this series, we weighed anchor from Winter Cove on Saturna Island and set a course for Poet Cove. During our stay at Winter Cove, we explored several new locations, including Gowlland Point and Brooks Point Regional Park. On our return journey, we even made a brief detour to check out the Stuart Moresby Trailhead.
Chapter 15 - Christmas Cruise Part 1 Gibsons & Keats Island (Salmon Rock), Dolphins Encounter
It's the Christmas season, and Raiatea is embarking on a couple of days of festive cruise and relaxation. Part 1 of our 2-part series takes us to Gibsons, BC, in the Sunshine Coast. On our way to Gibsons, we encountered a family of dolphins, which is a first for us. We spent a couple of days on the dock by the Gibsons Marina. On our second day, we took a little excursion to Salmon Rock in Keats Island, where we did a little hike and enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere by the rock.
Chapter 18 - What's new with us?
Since last winter, a few changes have taken place in Raiatea. We've relocated to a different port and have been exploring the surrounding waters. Although this chapter is a brief one, it's the perfect opportunity to share an update on what we've been up to. We'll also be previewing the upcoming video.
Chapter 21 - Boating in Downtown Vancouver, Granville Island, False Creek
Perhaps a change of scenery is in order? In this chapter, MV Raiatea ventures away from our customary forest trails and secluded island anchorages. Instead, we opted for a brief escape to the hustle and bustle of Downtown Vancouver. We spent a pleasant evening moored in False Creek, taking the opportunity to explore the famous Granville Island with its vibrant market and shops. We do hope you enjoy following this particular journey as much as we enjoyed undertaking it.

PUT MV RAIATEA ON THE MAP


SHOP & PROMOTIONS

As we are the co-owners of Dan & Russ co., we would love to offer our fellow boaters a gift to our little tea shop.
10% OFF ALL ITEMS ALWAYS. PROMO CODE:
boating
Dan & Russ co. is ran by us, Dan and Russ... The name really gives it away. We are a team of two buddies, plus our store mascot and our boat dog, Odie the Yorkie (Also known as King Odie). Although Odie is really there to supervise and make sure we don't slack off.
We started this online shop as a hobby in early 2019. Dan & Russ co. specializes in premium teas and giftware. We are committed to bringing the world's best products to our online store. We started with an idea of introducing fine tea and having the ability to handpick high-quality tea suppliers and send our products right to your doorsteps.
NAUTICAL SHOP COMING SOON

GALLERY
![]() Port Moody | ![]() Port Moody | ![]() Sidney Spit |
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![]() Raiatea's BowAt Strait of Georgia | ![]() Annual Haul OutAt Shelter Island, Richmond, BC | ![]() James Bay Prevost Isd |
![]() Montague Harbour | ![]() Princess Louisa Inlet | ![]() Princess Louisa Inlet |
![]() Bowen Island | ![]() Porthole | ![]() Deas Island |
![]() Odie | ![]() Flying the flag | ![]() Painting of King Odie |
![]() Bow view |

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