Desolation Sound trip

[jrd22]

We returned from six fantastic weeks aboard Laurie Anne and as shake down cruises go it couldn't have been better. We ended up motoring more than we wanted to because of very light winds, but did get some good sailing in during the second half of the trip. Our game plan was to work our way north from the San Juans where we live to the Desolation Sound area in BC, spend a couple of weeks there and then head north to Johnstone St. and the Broughtons. From there I really wanted to come back on the outside of Vancouver Island because I haven't seen the northern part and Laurie has never been out there at all. We had a great time working north, across Georgia St. stopping at Smuggler Cove, Pender Hbr., Blind Bay and Hotham Sound and Sturt Bay on Texada Island. The weather had been hot and windless and that continued when we arrived in the Desolation Sound area. We were surprised to find the water in the high 60's to low 70's F. in most of the anchorages, we had thought that it was only that warm at the head of some of the inlets. We were swimming every day and checking the water temp. became part of our decision about where to drop the hook for the night. We had made tentative plans to meet up with Seeyalater (Steve-Bilgewater)from Campbell River and were very happy when he said he had time to come over to Cortes Island while we were there. We rafted together two nights and had a great time with him and learned a lot about the area. He also told us where to try fishing and where to go prawning. And then he loaned us all of his prawn gear to use while we were there! We put it to good use and had several dinners of fresh spot prawns, doesn't get any better. The weather was nasty up north but beautiful where we were so we decided to stay for awhile and enjoy the warm water. Before we knew it, it was almost time to start heading south so we abandoned our plans to go around the island and decided to take a side trip to Princess Louisa again on the way back home. We had some rain while heading to Louisa which is a good thing (as long as it clears up) because after a rain there are more waterfalls than you can count and Chatterbox falls doubles in size. We spent three nights at Louisa then had the good fortune to run into Faster (Ron) and his wife Eleanor as we were broad reaching across Malaspina St. towards Jedidiah Island. We detoured and rafted with them for the afternoon, wonderful people and I think they have been everywhere there is to go in this neck of the woods. We also got to see them again when we were leaving Nanaimo and then at DeCourcy Island. I don't see how the trip could have been any better but we are going to see if it's possible next year.
Here are some pics:
Stern tied in Desolation Sound

Ling Cod for dinner

Smuggler Cove

Smuggler Cove sunset

Princess Louisa Inlet-Chatterbox Falls

Air 93F - Water 76F = Laurie happy

Steve's Impulse III

Ron's Fast Forward

Walking on water - Prideaux Haven

Pendrell Sound - 80F water and snow in the mountains

Wing on wing - Georgia Strait

[Faster]

Another great post, John!! We do live in a great place!!

[Bilgewater]

Originally Posted by jrd22

Walking on water - Prideaux Haven

Walking on water....that's great.
It was wonderful that you made it up here John and it was good to finally meet you and Laurie, I think we have a long lasting friendship here, thanks for the good times rafting up. That shot of Chatterbox is spectacular, been there many times but never really seen such a good photo.

Looking forward to seeing you back up here and I hope to see Faster (Ron) and Eleanor as well.

Good post and wonderful photos, thanks.

[JohnRPollard]

JRD,

Between you, Faster, and nikolajsen, the PacNW Sailnet contingent is really creating a lot of envy around here, what with your spectacular cruising grounds, impressive boats, and beautiful photos.

It's amazing that all you folks can sneak away for 4-5-6+ weeks like that. And what better place for it.

Great photos. Can't say I blame you for loitering in the warm water, either, and a nice bonus that you got to meet up with Faster and Seayalater! I really like Seayalater's kayak arrangement -- looks like pilothouses are popular up your way.

Thanks for sharing your trip with the rest of us.

[T37Chef]

Thanks for sharing those fantastic photos...sounds like a great time had by all.

You guys must really have to pay attention to the tides uh?

[Faster]

Originally Posted by T37Chef

....You guys must really have to pay attention to the tides uh?

That we do.. normal tidal swings are generally 10-12 feet - one large and one small tide/day, but during spring tides, this past month we had some 16 foot highs followed by 1-2 foot lows.

Fortunately most of our waterways are very deep, and it's quite rare that access or anchoring is problematic due to the tides. We do need to pay attention, particularly if stern-tying, that there'll be enough water under the rudder during the lows as we're often quite close to shore.

[Stillraining]

Great post John...hope to be rafting up to you soon.

[winddancer88]

Excellent pictures! We'll be up there next summer, but unfortunately we'll have to make do with 2 1/2 weeks. Can't wait!

[tdw]

Originally Posted by Stillraining

Great post John...hope to be rafting up to you soon.

Me too....though the odds are not so great.....

John,
Pardon me for posting this pic. It made it onto your post on AS but not here. I love this shot. Location ?

[Faster]

Originally Posted by tdw

Me too....though the odds are not so great.....

John,
Pardon me for posting this pic. It made it onto your post on AS but not here. I love this shot. Location ?

TD - Hopefully John doesn't mind my jumping in here.. Laurie Anne is at the dock at Princess Louisa, just at the foot of the Chatterbox Falls that is in his original post. btw I've never seen the dock so empty...