Gulf Island Cruising

Flags flying at Otter Bay Marina on Pender Island










Blustery winds delayed our departure on Canada Day, 4o kms and more across the straight was just too much for comfort and safety.

We left early on Thursday morning July 2nd and crossed over to Active Pass. The crossing was very bumpy with 3-4 ft waves but we were determined to go, it took almost an hour (normally only 1/2 hour in fairly flat condtions) to reach the Gulf Islands. We stopped at Montague Harbour on Galiano to clear customs and have lunch. There was lots of boats in the bay, anchored and attached to mooring balls. We managed to get dock space, which the dogs always like.

We had really wanted to make use of the extra long weekend and head up to the Sunshine Coast, visit our friends Geoff and Dianne and see some new sights, primarily Pender Harbour and south to Gibsons. A friend of a friend was staying on their Bayliner at Secret Cove and we would have liked to have met up with them. But after such a rough crossing we mutally decided to spend the night nearby, we basically tossed a coin and Laura's choice of Otter Bay Marina with it's swimming pool won for first night.

The Marina entrance...





Otter Bay Marina on Pender Island is under new management, they seemed quite stressed, the pool was not working and the front lawn was all torn up due to a septic field being installed. Couldn't they have done this in the spring we wondered?

We ate breakfast to the sound and view of big backhoes. Needless to say we were not impressed and moved quickly on. I hate to say this but I would avoid Otter Bay for another month while this work is going on. It is a shame because we had a wonderful stay there last year and the manager (a German or Dutch fellow) had been terrific.

Gabriola Pass

The sun was shining, winds were calm and we had a beautiful trip up Trincomali. We thought to fill up at Gabriola Island Silva Bay and see how the conditions were for crossing to to the Sunshine Coast. But... winds were just howling, all boats in Silva were rocking and rolling, there was just no way we were going to make it across, again.

Disappointed we filled up the boat and decided to stay in the Gulf Islands. I have to admit to a certain inclinivity towards planning - my family would unanimously cock an eyebrow and say 'understatement!' Boating time is precious time and I like to pick my destinations for what we want to experience that trip, be it time with friends, experiencing nature, fishing, or sightseeing. And the Sunshine coast had been beckoning to me all spring. So truthfully, I felt unsettled and a little frustrated for awhile.

But with a multitude of beautiful islands at our fingertips how could one stay disappointed for long, I did a mental shrug and got over it.

There is something wonderful about the feeling of freedom that happens on a boat, especially when you have good weather and plenty of delicious food aboard.

With three days at our disposal, we decided to check out some old favorites and add a new place or two.

First stop Pirates Cove..

The very tricky entrance to Pirates, you must first line up the arrow on the rock with the X in the tree.

Then a sharp left between the two markers and the rocks on either side.

There was lots of room for anchoring, but we didn't feel like staying and settling down yet.

It is a very pretty spot with good hiking trails.

Next stop was Porlier Pass where we decided to do some fishing. This view looks straight over to Howe Sound where we had originally planned to be. Another shrug.



We fished for an hour or two, had lunch, and decided to check out Clam Bay on Thetis Island. A nice enough spot but a bit open to the Northerlies.



Instead of anchoring we headed south around Kuper Island to another favorite and one that Laura had not been to in several years..

Telegraph Harbour Marina

Thetis Island

Burghees by the Bay Store and Ice Cream Parlour. Very colorful, and great ice cream.

I really like this marina, friendly staff, protected from the winds, good dog walking area.




We stayed one night and headed out again.

Flat, calm conditions with a nice brisk wind in Trincomali helped out this colorful sailing regatta.

John suggested we anchor for the night at Conover Cove, and show Laura how to stern tie. Conover Cove is located at lovely Wallace Island, just north of Galiano. It too has great walking trails and pretty views.

Looking out from Conover Cove. These kayakers were heading out to see the sailing regatta and had camped for the night by the cabins.

It turns out they had kayaked over from Chemainus. We were impressed!

There is a dock in Conover for those who forget their stern tie rope, space is usually tight, so head there early.

John and Laura heading to shore, just west of the dock...

Anchored and tied, hard work complete, the water was just too inviting!

Teaching Daisy to swim. She can do it, she just doesn't like to.

The water was refreshing, it was lovely, and felt like we were swimming in a tropical lagoon.

John, walking to the cabins.

This was a family residence first and then it became a summer camp. There is a small orchard here, deer and raccoons are common visitors.

Bring your own sign and hang it. ( We haven't made ours yet even though we had all winter, just haven't found the right piece of wood yet.)

Lots of trails and walks to exlore

A view of the dock and hey, space is available.









Well, we left Wallace Island late Sunday morning and headed south, we checked out Prevost Island and several of it's beautiful bays. I really want to go back and anchor in James Bay with it's gorgeous view of Saltspring Island and Trincomali Channel. Everywhere we went that weekend we saw lots and lots of boats, many anchoring in quiet coves.

We headed back across to Point Roberts with light winds and a calm sea, pleased with what we had seen and done and ready for more cruising.

The Sunshine Coast still beckons...

Kalena