Month: August 2024

August 28-29, 2024 – Wednesday & Thursday

On Wednesday, we traveled from Campbell River to Comox. The weather was perfect, with clear skies and no fog, allowing us to fully enjoy the stunning coastal views. The rugged shorelines and dense forests of Douglas fir, cedar, and hemlock were beautiful. We saw lots of birds, seals, and sea lions, and the hazy mountains added a nice touch to the scenery.

Thursday’s trip from Comox to Nanaimo was even more exciting. The clear weather continued, and we had an amazing whale-watching experience. We saw at least a seven humpback whales breaching; how do they get those big bodies totally out of the water. Some of the whales were also pec slapping, and their pectoral fins were at least 12 feet long. Whale watching was definitely the highlight of our day.

Tonight, we’re enjoying the tranquility of Saysutshun Provincial Park, formerly known as Newcastle Island. This park is a peaceful retreat with its lush greenery and tranquil beaches. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and reflect on the incredible experiences of the past few months.

August 25, Sunday

With the sun shining brightly, Saturday was a perfect day for a hike. As we left the marina, we were joined by Kelly and Rob from the M/V Andromeda II, making the day even more enjoyable. Our adventure took us along the Big Cedar Trail, which rises about 200 feet through a forest of trees around 90 years old. The highlight of our walk was encountering a gigantic cedar tree, estimated to be at least 800 years old. This Big Cedar was truly massive, with its vertical bark and broad roots creating an impressive sight. We couldn’t resist posing for photos in front of the mighty trunk, where we looked and felt like tiny specks next to the towering tree.

Today started off leisurely, as we had planned to make the Seymour Narrows passage around 4:30 PM. To ensure we arrived on time, we set off at about 11:00 AM. Despite the weather forecast predicting rain, we were fortunate to only have cloudy skies throughout our journey. The absence of rain made for a pleasant trip, and we are now at Discovery Bay Marina, Campbell River, BC. The last time we were in Campbell River, we were planning our northbound trip through Seymour Narrows; tonight, we have just completed our southbound trip. In researching this stretch of water, we found a fascinating YouTube video about Ripple Rock.

Ripple Rock was an infamous underwater mountain located in the Seymour Narrows. Boat traffic had to navigate around the two peaks of Ripple Rock that were just below the surface at low tide, creating dangerous eddies and whirlpools that posed a significant hazard to navigation. The rock was responsible for numerous shipwrecks and the loss of at least 114 lives. The solution to this problem was a major engineering feat that led to one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history.

What Captain George Vancouver described as “one of the vilest stretches of water in the world” had now been significantly improved. If you have 8 minutes to spare, I think you will find the solution fascinating. Check out the video on Ripple Rock.

We met the crew of Norista while at Blind Channel Resort. This is one of the first Grand Banks built using fiberglass (1973), and they are the original owners. What a beautiful boat! We are both just starting Seymour Narrows.

August 23, 2024 – Friday

When we first awoke, the bay was completely shrouded in fog, creating an almost mystical atmosphere. As the fog began to lift, we set off before sunrise, navigating through passages filled with debris from a recent spring tide and a 24-hour downpour. The logs we maneuvered around were massive, some stretching 30-40 feet long. With the fog drifting in and out and the logs floating around us, there wasn’t much time for pictures—Mother Nature kept us on our toes.

Despite the challenges, the sight of the mountains emerging and disappearing in the fog was awesome. As we entered Blind Channel, a sense of calm returned. We weren’t alone; many cruisers were also making their way south, and by day’s end, every dock at Blind Channel Resort was full. We’ll be staying here until at least Sunday, waiting for the right weather conditions to navigate Seymour Narrows.

August 22, 2024 – Thursday

Cruising through the Broughton Archipelago in British Columbia is an unforgettable adventure. This region, near the northern tip of Vancouver Island, is a maze of large and small islands, each offering its own unique charm. As you navigate these waters, you’re surrounded by stunning landscapes that seem to stretch endlessly.

Today, we were treated to the sight of diverse bird species, majestic mountains cloaked in fog, waterfalls and the striking contrast of blue skies against billowing white clouds. The thrill of spotting whales in their natural habitat was a highlight, adding to the sense of wonder.

Anchoring at Lagoon Cove for the night, we took a serene walk through the forest, soaking in the tranquility. The Broughton’s is a place where every moment on the water is filled with awe and every view is a postcard come to life.

Video of Lacy Falls

August 20, 1924 – Tuesday

Sullivan Bay, Shawl Bay, and Echo Bay are captivating and remote communities, intricately connected to the natural environment. Each of these unique locales features structures built on floating logs or platforms, creating a harmonious blend of human habitation and the surrounding waters. From the serene beauty of Sullivan Bay to the charming tranquility of Shawl Bay and the picturesque allure of Echo Bay, these communities offer a glimpse into a lifestyle deeply intertwined with nature. Enjoy our pictures as we journey from Sullivan to Shawl Bay to Echo, showcasing the stunning landscapes and unique living arrangements that define these remarkable places.

August 19, 2024 – Monday

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Rick’s parents embarked on memorable cruises through Southeast Alaska and Canada, joining their close friends Marilyn and Chuck on S/V Pollux, a 47-foot sailboat. During their adventures, the quartet forged a lasting friendship with the owners of Sullivan Bay. Chuck and Dick even lent a hand in installing several docks and wiring some of the houses, leaving their mark on the community. The following pictures aim to showcase the transformations that have occurred over the years, while also capturing the timeless elements that remain unchanged, evoking a sense of nostalgia and connection to the past.

Images from Sullivan Bay Marina

A hole in one will earn you a free night on the dock.

All depends on the tide.

August 18, 2024

After successfully crossing Cape Caution, we relished three tranquil nights at Allison Harbor, soaking in the serene solitude and the delightful company of birds. Today, our journey led us to the enchanting Sullivan Bay Marina, a distinctive floating village surrounded by towering mountains, long fjords, and deep channels. This picturesque marina, nestled in the Broughton Archipelago off the North Coast of Vancouver Island, marked our first stop in this stunning region.

August 14-15, 2024 – Wednesday & Thursday

Wednesday morning, we left Pruth Bay in preparation of crossing Cape Caution. The day welcomed us with a stunning display of blue seas and clear skies. The water was serene, with barely a whisper of wind, and for the first time since Prince Rupert, the fog had lifted. The whales, however, continued to grace us with their majestic presence, adding a touch of magic to our journey.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we found ourselves in the picturesque Frypan Bay, surrounded by five other boats. While they remained in the embrace of their dreams, we rose at the crack of dawn, eager to check the conditions for our crossing. At the first light of day, we left the bay and embarked on a smooth crossing. The swells, ranging from 2 to 6 feet, rolled gently from behind us, and there were no wind waves to disturb our passage. The rhythmic motion of the boat brought back fond memories of our sailing days.

Throughout our passage, we kept a keen eye out for sea life. We were delighted by the sight of numerous birds, a playful sea otter, and a majestic stellar sea lion. We spent the entire day scanning the horizon for whales, and just as we were about to give up hope, a humpback whale graced us with its presence as we neared Allison Harbor.

Tonight, we find ourselves snug in Allison Harbor, reflecting on the adventures of the past two days and eagerly anticipating the journey ahead.

August 13, 2024 – Tuesday

The humpback whales did not disappoint today. During our nine hours of traveling, we were fortunate to witness 3 to 5 whales on six different occasions. Each sighting was a thrilling reminder of the majestic beauty of these creatures. Their graceful movements and powerful breaches left us in awe, making the journey even more memorable.

As we passed by Namu Harbour, we gathered some fascinating information about Namu the whale. In June 1965, fisherman William Lechkobit accidentally caught a 22-foot orca in his salmon net near Namu, BC. The net had become entangled in a reef, so Lechkobit cut it loose and found the orca and a calf in the morning. The bull orca slipped out of the net, but the calf stayed, so the bull returned. The calf was gone two days later, but the bull remained. Lechkobit sold the orca, named Namu after the village, to Ted Griffin, the owner of the Seattle Marine Aquarium, for $8,000. Named after his capture location near Namu, BC, he quickly became a beloved figure, captivating audiences with his intelligence and playful behavior. Namu’s presence raised awareness about orcas and their behavior, leading to increased interest in marine biology and conservation. His legacy highlights the complex relationship between humans and marine life, emphasizing both fascination and ethical considerations surrounding the captivity of wild animals.

Tonight, we find ourselves at Pruth Bay, part of the Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy Area, the largest provincial marine protected area on the coast of BC. This pristine location is also home to the Hakai Beach Institute, a private research and conference center. The serene beauty of Pruth Bay provides a perfect backdrop for reflection and relaxation after a day filled with excitement.

As we settle in for the evening, it’s time to decide on a good day for our southward crossing of Cape Caution. That day could be as early as Thursday. However, because forecasts are ever-changing, we will not know for sure until Thursday morning. The anticipation of the journey ahead adds to the sense of adventure, reminding us of the ever-changing nature of our travels.

August 12, 2024 – Monday

We left Shearwater this morning, setting our course for the charming and remote Ocean Falls. Along the way, we were delighted to spot M/V Carried Away fishing. This lovely couple had gifted us two Coho Salmon while we were in Shearwater, and it was heartwarming to see them again, enjoying their time on the water.

Shortly after, the couple on M/V Absolute, who had left Shearwater just before us, called us on the radio. They excitedly informed us that they had spotted whales just ahead. We lifted our binoculars and began our search. Within five minutes, we were treated to the magnificent sight of whales. The boating community is truly wonderful; boaters are always willing to share fish, information, assistance, or even strange and hilarious stories.

It was exhilarating to be back on the water today. The most exciting part was that the fog was hanging lazily around the tops of the mountains, and we had no problems seeing the other vessels. Although it was a little sad not to be able to see the mountain peaks, they were still beautiful. That’s the thing about the Inside Passage—whatever the weather, it just enhances the beauty of its surroundings. You might think you would get weary of the same type of scenery every day, but Mother Nature has a way of mixing it up so that you stay alert, looking towards the next mountain, bird, waterfall, seal, whale, etc.

Our next whale adventure came as we approached Cousins Inlet, which leads us to Ocean Falls. We had our second humpback whale sighting of the day, with more blowing, breaching, and showing of their beautiful tails. It was a thrilling experience that added to the magic of our journey.

Once a bustling mill town, Ocean Falls has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The remnants of the old pulp and paper mill, along with the historic buildings, provide a glimpse into its industrious past. In its heyday the town support about 3,500 people but today only 30-50 people live there year round.

Since this is an Olympic year, I think should mention the fact that from 1948-1972 the Ocean Falls Swim Club placed at least one swimmer on every Canadian Olympic, Commonwealth, or Pan American Games team and in many cases they were winners. BC Hall of Fame

Ocean Falls is also known for its abundant rainfall, earning it the nickname “Rain People.” This constant precipitation contributes to the lush, green landscape that defines the region. The community’s hydroelectric dam on Link Lake, one of the oldest in the province, harnesses the power of the abundant water resources to generate electricity for Ocean Falls, Martin Valley, Shearwater and Bella Bella.

It is difficult to find good sailing wind in this area.

Once the second largest hotel in BC

Ocean Falls looking down Cousins Inlet