Gulf Islands cruise

[fishaman]

As I mentioned in the project post, we have chosen an extreme break-in procedure for our new boat engine by taking it on a week long cruise to BC Gulf Islands. Encouraged by one hour shakedown cruise on Saturday, we washed and provisioned the boat Sunday morning and took off at about 5 pm Sunday evening. It was a bit rough in the Admiralty inlet, strait forcast for the evening was scary (as usual), so we decided to spend the night at Port Ludlow. We love the place, stayed there many times, so just tied at one of the guest slips and had a great barbeque dinner on a boat.

Next morning the weather was great, so we made it all the way to Poets Cove to clear customs.

Icecream at Poets Cove:
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Crabbing in Bedwell harbor, our crabpot float is in the background:
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Next day we motored to Thetis island, never been there before, and it looks like from now on it's going to be one of our favorite stops. There was a great beach next to ferry terminal. The water was so clear and warm, it was the first time we were swimming in Puget Sound and really enjoying it.
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Then we went through Gabriola passage to Silva Bay, great marina, very good seafood restaurant, and about 20 minutes walk to an excellent beach. Warm clear water, great swimming!
<a href="http://photos.scaneffects.com/GalleryFilmstrip.aspx?gallery=386203&amp;mid=12772538&amp; mt=Photo"><img src="http://photos.scaneffects.com/i.ashx?gallery=386203&amp;mid=12772538&amp;mt=Photo&amp;standa rdsize=original" /></a>

Moored in Silva Bay:
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Next stop was Nanaimo, and it was the first time we went through Dodd Narrows. There was quite a quarrel on VHF between the tug captains on whose priority to pass was higher, otherwise went uneventful.
Nanaimo harbor:
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Crabbing was great, we dropped pots close to the markers at the harbor entrance and got two limits:
<a href="http://photos.scaneffects.com/GalleryFilmstrip.aspx?gallery=386203&amp;mid=12772533&amp; mt=Photo"><img src="http://photos.scaneffects.com/i.ashx?gallery=386203&amp;mid=12772533&amp;mt=Photo&amp;standa rdsize=original" /></a>

Getting some local knowledge:
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Our last stop was Chemainus, great city, the murals, and we even went to see the show at the theater, which was very good. Again warm water and excellent swimming! We stayed for two days.
Finally, on Sunday we left at 10 am, cleared customs in Roche at 12, got fuel, and made it across the Strait of Juan de Fuca all the way to our home port Edmonds by 3 pm.

On each island cruise, there's always something very different from all the previous ones, that's why we love it. This time it was the weather, and swimming... almost beats Hawaii. And the engine, now at about 20 hours, performed flawlessly. It's great to be on the water again.

[SomeSailor]

What a great trip report. Really great to hear the motor ran well and the weather made for such a fun cruise. Thanks for posting the pics. Always fun to see what everyone is up to.

[SEEG]

We'll be following in your footsteps. We're leaving Yakima tonight for the boat and hopefully we'll get out of Everett tomorrow. First an overnighter in Ludlow and then across the Straits to Victoria. We have 26 days so we're hoping to get a little further North. First trip to Canada with the grand kids (twin 8 yr olds and a 5 yr old) so appreciate the info on the swimming spots. Probably less anchoring and more docks with the kids along. Seems like priority 1 is to keep them occupied. Hoping for some mid 70 degree water temps in Desolation so we can anchor and let them swim off of the boat.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Dan, In Victoria, make sure you have your fish and chips at the Days Inn across from the ferry. Barb's fish n chips has become too visitor like... Also look up Capital Iron and hit that place for all kinds of stuff from material and tools to camping and fishing. We buy our butane and propane from them.

I'd suggest heading a tad north of Poets to Otter Bay. Same Island but much quieter, better swimming pools and great showers and laundry facilities. Orcas swimming north can be seen as you leave there mid AM most days.

Have fun!

[fishaman]

To keep the kids occupied at the docks do not forget to pack a little shrimp net or two. When it gets dark, shining a flashlight down a dock pile reveals some facinating shrimp with eyes glowing with reflected light. They are easy to catch with a little net, kids love it. This cruise was also different in that previously we were lucky to see 5-6 shrimp, this time in Poets Cove there were hundreds on each pile, they probably like the warm weather too!

[SEEG]

Doug

Thanks for the info. I'd forgotten about the fish and chips. I'll try your suggestion. Maybe while Pam's at the x-mas stores I'll sneak over to Capital Iron. I've been there before but it's been years. Otter Bay was already on our list because of one of your posts in another thread.

Alex

We have nets. We have little fishing poles with casting plugs. We have books and games. We have leapsters and when all else fails we have satellite tv. A 43 foot boat seems like plenty for two people. With 5 aboard it's much smaller. But we're not complaining (much). We found that the best entertainment is other kids. Thanks again for the tips on the swimming holes.