SOS: For more than 55 years, the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program has ensured that local children, youth, adults, and seniors experience the joy of the holidays. The thrill of finding a gift under the tree, the happiness that comes from sharing food that has special meaning. To donate to the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program, visit SOSD69.com. Or call 250-248-2093.

Eddie Van Haddock and the Seahorses: In a little town by the sea when the story's never run Live. Captain Dave, his crew, every child's favorite friend with a smile as wide as the ocean and a heart that's full of dreams. He sails a submarine where magic gleams and beams. Every morning at sunrise, when the world awakes a new captain, dad and his crew set sail in waters. Through the ticking clock of time, where adventures come alive. They laugh and learn and play each day in their underwater dive. Captain Dave and the Mellow Submarine.

Dave Graham: Deep beneath the sparkling waves of Vancouver Island, where the Pacific Ocean hugs the rugged coastline. There lived a most unusual pair of friends.

Captain Dave, a jolly man with a bushy beard and twinkling eyes, was the proud owner of a bright yellow mini submarine he fondly called the Mellow Submarine. His best friend and constant companion was Larry, a bright red lobster with a charming personality and a love for underwater exploration. Every day, Captain Dave and Larry would set out from their cozy boathouse, nestled in a quiet cove, surrounded by towering Douglas firs and fragrant cedar trees.

The boathouse was a whimsical structure, painted in cheerful shades of blue and green to match the ocean and forest. Inside, maps of the local waters covered the walls and shelves were filled with curious objects found during their many adventures. Shimmering sea glass, interestingly shaped driftwood, and even a collection of messages and bottles they rescued from the waves.

The Mellow Submarine was a marvel of engineering. Small enough to navigate through tight underwater passages, but sturdy enough to withstand the pressures of the deep. Its yellow paint made it stand out against the blue green waters, and its large, round windows gave passengers an excellent view of the underwater world.

Inside, it was cozy and filled with all sorts of gadgets and gizmos that Captain Dave used to navigate and study the ocean. Larry had his own special seat right next to Captain Dave, complete with a tiny steering wheel that he liked to pretend to drive with. The lobster wore a miniature captain's hat that Dave made for him, which always brought a smile to their passengers faces.

One sunny morning, Captain Dave and Larry were preparing for a special tour. A family of tourists from Winnipeg had arrived, eager to explore the underwater wonders of Deep Bay. There was Mom and Dad Thompson, their 10 year old son Billy, and 7 year old daughter Sarah. The children's eyes were wide with excitement as they approached the mellow submarine.

Wow! exclaimed Billy, running his hand along the submarine's smooth yellow surface. It looks just like the one in that old song. Sarah giggled as she peered through one of the large round windows. Look, Mom! There's a lobster inside wearing a hat! Captain Dave chuckled, his belly shaking like jelly. That's my first mate Larry, he explained, his voice warm and friendly.

He's been my partner on these adventures for years. Don't worry though, he's very gentle and loves meeting new friends. As the family climbed aboard, Larry waved his claws in greeting, causing Sarah to squeal with delight. Captain Dave helped everyone get settled in their seats, explaining the safety procedures and pointing out the interesting features of the Mellow Submarine.

Now folks, Dave said as he prepared to submerge, we're going to explore the magical underwater world of the Salish Sea. Keep your eyes peeled for colorful fish, graceful seals, and if we're really lucky, we might even spot a whale. With a gentle hum, the yellow submarine slipped beneath the waves. The world outside the windows transformed into a mesmerizing aquatic landscape.

Forests of swaying kelp reached up from the ocean floor, their golden brown fronds dancing in the currents. Schools of silvery herring darted by, their scales catching the sunlight that filtered down from above. As they descended deeper, the family from Winnipeg pressed their faces against the windows, oohing and aahing at the sights.

As they continued their journey, the submarine passed through a cloud of moon jellies, their translucent bodies pulsing gently in the water. Sarah gasped in wonder, reaching out as if she could touch them through the glass. They look like floating umbrellas, she exclaimed. Captain Dave laughed. They do, don't they?

Moon jellies are some of the most peaceful creatures in the ocean. They just drift along with the currents, feeding on tiny plankton. Suddenly, excitedly on the window with his claws. Captain Dave leaned forward, peering into the distance. A smile spread across his face as he realized what Larry had spotted.

Captain Dave expertly guided the submarine through the underwater terrain, pointing out interesting features and sharing fascinating facts about the local marine life. Look over there, he said, gesturing to a rocky outcropping. See those flower like creatures? Those are sea anemones. They may look pretty, but they're actually predators.

They use their tentacles to catch small fish and shrimp. Larry the Lobster scuttled across the control panel using his gauntlet. Claws to point out a group of bright orange fish hiding among the rocks. Captain Dave nodded appreciatively. Good spotting, Larry. Those are rock fish. They can live for over 50 years.

Well, I'll be a barnacle's uncle, he exclaimed. Looks like we're in for a real treat, folks. See that large, dark shape moving out there? That's an orca, a killer whale. The family craned their necks to see, and soon enough, a majestic orca glided into view. Its black and white body moved with incredible grace through the water, powerful and beautiful.

Oh my, breathed Mom Thompson, I've never seen anything like it. Captain Dave carefully maneuvered the mellow submarine to give everyone a better view, making sure to keep a respectful distance from the magnificent creature. As they watched in awe, the orca seemed to notice them. To everyone's surprise, it began to swim closer to the submarine, its curious eyes fixed on the unusual yellow vessel.

Well, hello there, Captain Dave said softly, even though he knew the whale couldn't hear him through the submarine's hull. Aren't you a friendly one? The orca circled the mellow submarine studying it from every angle. It was so close that the family could see the details of its sleek skin and the powerful muscles rippling beneath then much to their amazement.

The orca opened its mouth and let out a series of clicks and whistles. It's talking to us, Billy shouted excitedly. Captain Dave nodded, his eyes twinkling with wonder. Indeed it is, young man. Orcas are highly intelligent and social creatures. They communicate using a complex language of sounds. As if in response to Captain Dave's words, the Orca let out another series of vocalizations.

This time, Larry the Lobster perked up, waving his claws enthusiastically. Well, I'll be, Captain Dave murmured. I think our new friend is trying to tell us something. And it seems Larry understands. The Lobster scuttled over to a small hatch in the floor of the submarine and began tapping on it insistently.

Captain Dave raised an eyebrow considering for a moment before making a decision. Folks, it seems we're being invited on an unexpected adventure. Larry here has a knack for understanding sea creatures and he thinks our orca friend wants to show us something. What do you say? Shall we follow? The Thompson family looked at each other, a mix of excitement and nervousness on their faces.

Finally, Dad Thompson spoke up, We came here for an adventure, didn't we? Let's do it! With a nod, Captain Dave guided the mellow submarine after the Orca, which had begun to swim deeper into the bay. As they followed, the underwater landscape began to change. The familiar kelp forests gave way to deeper, more mysterious waters.

Strange, glowing creatures flickered in the darkness, creating a magical light show around them. We're entering an area known as Deep Bay, Captain Dave explained as they descended. It's a unique ecosystem that we don't fully understand yet. Very few people have explored these depths. As they ventured further into deep bay, the orca led them to a hidden underwater canyon.

The walls of the canyon were covered in a rainbow of colorful corals and sponges, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Schools of fish they had never seen before darted in and out of the coral formations. Suddenly, the orca stopped and began to make a series of urgent sounds. Larry the lobster responded by tapping rapidly on the submarine's controls.

What's happening, Captain Dave? Sarah asked, her voice filled with a mixture of excitement and concern. Captain Dave leaned forward, studying the scene before them intently. I'm not entirely sure, but I think our orca friend is trying to show us something important. As they watched, the orca swam towards a dark crevice in the canyon wall.

It poked its head inside and then backed out, repeating the action several times as if trying to draw their attention to that spot. Hmm, Captain Dave mused stroking his bushy beard. I wonder what's in there that's got our new friend so interested. Carefully, he maneuvered the mellow submarine closer to the crevice.

As they approached, their powerful lights illuminated the darkness, revealing a startling sight. Tangled in a mess of old fishing nets and ropes was another orca, smaller than their guide, Likely a young one. Oh no, Mom Thompson gasped. That poor thing is trapped. Captain Dave's face grew serious. You're right, ma'am.

This young orca must have gotten tangled up in some abandoned fishing gear. No wonder our guide was so eager to bring us here. This little one needs our help. Larry the Lobster was already scurrying around the control panel, pulling levers and pushing buttons. Captain Dave nodded in agreement with his crustacean friend's actions.

All right folks, he announced. It looks like we've got a rescue mission on our hands. Larry and I have some special equipment for situations like this, but we'll need everyone's help. Are you ready to save a whale? The Thompson family nodded enthusiastically, eager to help. Captain Dave quickly explained the plan.

Using the mellow submarine's mechanical arms, they would carefully cut away the netting while trying to keep the young orca calm. As they got to work, the adult orca, which they now realized must be the young one's mother, swam circles around them, letting out encouraging sounds to her child. Billy and Sarah pressed their faces against the windows, offering words of comfort to the trapped orca, even though they knew it couldn't hear them.

You're doing great, little whale, Sarah said softly. We'll have you free in no time. It was delicate work. Captain Dave had to maneuver the submarine with the utmost precision while operating the cutting tools. Larry helped by using his claws to manipulate smaller controls, his years of experience evident in his sure movements.

The Thompson family assisted by keeping watch, making sure no part of the netting was missed, and that the young orca remained as still as possible. After what seemed like hours, but was really only about 45 minutes, the last of the netting fell away. The young orca, realizing it was free, gave a powerful swish of its tail and swam out of the crevice.

It joined its mother, the two of them swimming happy circles around the mellow submarine. We did it, Billy cheered, and everyone in the submarine burst into applause. Captain Dave beamed with pride, not just at the successful rescue, but at how well everyone had worked together. Well done, everyone! That was some fantastic teamwork!

As if to show their gratitude, the two orcas began to put on a spectacular show. They leapt out of the water, their massive bodies arcing gracefully before splashing back down. They swam synchronized patterns around the submarine, almost like an underwater ballet. I've never seen anything like this!

Captain Dave said in awe, These magnificent creatures are actually thanking us! This impromptu celebration lasted for several minutes before the orcas finally swam off, disappearing into the depths of deep bay. As they left, the mother orca turned and made one last sound, a long, melodious call that seemed to resonate through the water.

Larry the Lobster responded with a series of excited clicks of his claws. Captain Dave chuckled and translated for the others. Larry says she told us her name is Zoe, and she hopes we'll come visit again sometime. As they began their journey back to the surface, the Thompson family couldn't stop talking about their incredible adventure.

They had come expected to see some fish and maybe a seal or two, but instead, they had made friends with orcas and participated in a daring rescue. Captain Dave! Dad Thompson said as the first rays of sunlight began to penetrate the water around them, this was so much more than a tour. It was a once in a lifetime experience.

Thank you. Captain Dave smiled warmly. No need to thank me. It's adventures like these that remind us of the wonders of the ocean and the importance of protecting it. Those abandoned nets that trap the young orca, they're a big problem in our oceans. But when we work together, we can make a real difference.

As the Mellow Submarines surfaced, and they all climbed out onto the dock, Sarah turned to Captain Dave with wide eyes. When I grow up, she declared, I want to be a marine biologist, and help animals just like we did today. Captain Dave knelt down to her level, his eyes twinkling. That's a wonderful goal, Sarah.

The oceans need more people who care about them, and the creatures that live there. Maybe someday, you'll even have your own submarine. As the Thompson family waved goodbye and headed back to their hotel, filled with excitement to share their adventure with their friends back in Winnipeg, Captain Dave and Larry the Lobster began preparing the Mellow Submarine for their next tour.

Well, Larry, Captain Dave said as he checked the gauges and dials, that was quite an adventure, wasn't it? I wonder what excitement tomorrow will bring. Larry clicked his claws in agreement. Adjusting his tiny captain's hat. Whatever came next, they knew they'd face it together, always ready to explore the wonders of the deep, and lend a helping hand, or claw, to their ocean friends.

And so, as the sun began to set over Deep Bay, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks, the mellow submarine bobbed gently in its boathouse. Inside, Captain Dave and Larry the Lobster Dreamed of their next great adventure in the magical underwater world of the Salish Sea. 

Eddie Van Haddock and the Seahorses: When the night falls softly and stars light up the sky, Captain Dave tucks his crew in with a gentle lullaby. Dreams of whales and mermaids, of treasures lush and green, await each little sailor aboard the mellow submarine. 

SOS: For more than 55 years, the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program has ensured that local children, youth, adults, and seniors experience the joy of the holidays, the thrill of finding a gift under the tree, the happiness that comes from sharing food that has special meaning. To donate to the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program, visit sosd69.com or call 250-248-2093.