SV Cariba

MIA – Summer and Wilson.. but we have bears!

Alert Bay was a great stop but it was time to move on an attempt to explore the area known as the Broughtons. This term describes a large number of islands and inlets with a vast number of coves to choose from on the mainland side of Queen Charlotte Strait. At first we felt quite overwhelmed at the number of anchorages to choose from and all the recommended stops in both the Waggonner’s cruising guide and the Dreamspeaker book. To be honest I would open the guides and then shut them quickly again as I couldn’t plan a route that would encompass all we wanted to see. Trip planning became easier as we got closer to the area and of course had to pick our routes based on weather, currents, and of course tides…. Like that isn’t new!

Over the top…. literally!

We left Winter Harbour on July 21^st. Our plan was to sail to Sea Otter Cove and then conquer Cape Scott and the Nahwitti Bar which we see as two of the last few major big challenges in our circumnavigation of Vancouver Island. The weather forecast was favorable with SE winds to get us to Sea Otter and then light southerlies changing to NW for rounding Cape Scott the next day.. or so we thought!

Quatsino Sound adventures

On the northward route up the outside of Vancouver Island there are three geographical milestones to achieve. The first was Estevan Point and the second one we faced was Brooks Peninsula.

In search of pie…

I know it is an intriguing title but more about that in a minute…

Tahsis and Esperanza Inlet adventures…..

We left Bligh Island and headed for Tahsis. The scenery continues to be spectacular and I truly wish you all could see it as the pictures just don’t do it justice.

Weather, water and sun – the power connection….

As I write this post we are in a very quiet protected cove up an inlet on Bligh Island. We have been here two nights now and the weather for the first time in many weeks is not the best.

Rounding Estevan Point to Nootka Sound

CAUTION….long post ahead…so much to tell and share about the last several days. Get comfy and enjoy the read …I hope.

Friendly Dolphin Cove

View from our anchorage – looking out towards entrance to the Cove

We left Kennedy Cove and headed further north. We made a quick stop at the fuel dock in Tofino but were not keen to hang around there for long. It is a great place to provision…the Co-op will deliver your groceries….but other than that it wasn’t as welcoming as it could be to transient boaters. It is a shame as it is otherwise a great little town. We did get charged again for tying up our dinghy..and I guess that left me with a negative impression. It is a real shame as it could be a great stop for cruisers but the focus seems to be on the whale watching and surfing tourist types.

Kennedy Cove – a very special place

We left Tofino and headed SE out Browning Passage and through Tsatee Narrows and then NE into Tofino Inlet. Our final destination was Kennedy Cove off of Cannery Bay. We had a tail wind and current with us and were doing just shy of 10 knots through the narrows! Kennedy Cove is an awesome anchorage. We are at the mouth of the Kennedy River and the water so warm and the most lovely shade of tropical green.

TOFINO, FOG and CRAB TRAPS

We enjoyed our stay in the Broken Island group, but one crew member was very happy to move on. Dezi was restricted to the boat for the majority of the last 2 ½ days. Technically dogs are not allowed in the Broken Island Marine park – but what about a dog on the boat in the park. The rules are not that specific so we snuck in and snuck out without getting caught! Whew… actually as we were crossing the channel out of the park we say the park warden zodiac heading in.. dodged that bullet eh!