The narrow opening to Smugglers Cove
After leaving Pender Harbour on the August long weekend and heading south we found the almost hidden entrance to Smuggler's Cove Marine Park and entered at fairly high tide. It is best to enter at low tide though as the cove is littered with rocks and it is easier to spot them. We took our time, watching carefully on all sides, and Treazure's shallow draft proved helpful.
The opening to the cove is narrow, aproximately 40 ft across but widens dramatically once inside to reveal a beautiful lagoon filled with little islets and views across to Thormanby Island.
Looking west to the entrance and open sea
Twenty boats or so filled the nooks and crannys of this lovely cove but we managed to find an anchorage well into Smugglers on the west side. We set anchor and stern tied to shore. There was a pretty but shallow cove behind us, little islets around us, and starboard view out to the entrance which promised a beautiful sunset on the sea. We watched a family of Kingfishers, parents and four young ones flying from tree to tree calling noisily to each other all the while. We enjoyed their entertaining swooping and chattering with a cold frosty beer in hand.
The water was incredibly warm and we just had to get wet. Even Daisy and LouLou ( with lifejacket on) had swimming lessons. People from other boats would swim or kayak by with big smiles of pleasure on their faces, obviously enjoying the surroundings as much as we were.
Laura jumping off the marker
Another view of the entrance with kayakers
It was so peaceful and beautiful and protected, I fell in love with Smugglers Cove immediately.
Northeast view from Treazure
I cannot wait to go back next summer.
There is camping in this park but apparently a fair ways back into the forest. A trail goes out to the Highway and circles the cove as well. Boardwalks were built to protect the interior wetland enviroment that has a beaverdam complete with furry flat tail residents.
Stern ties are a must in Smugglers and there are lots of rings embedded into rocks and shoreline as well as trees to tie onto.
A lagoon behind us, very shallow but also very warm.
John towing Daisy back from shore
This place is popular and rightly so - it is gorgeous, so get there before lunch and you will be well rewarded.
Here is a secret...there are several anchorages port side as you enter the cove and one in particular has Treazure's name for next summer, these spots have commanding views of the lagoon and spectacular views out over Smuggler's shoreline to the ocean as well.
Here is a secret...there are several anchorages port side as you enter the cove and one in particular has Treazure's name for next summer, these spots have commanding views of the lagoon and spectacular views out over Smuggler's shoreline to the ocean as well.
Anchor in the space between left and right sailboats for a fabulous view out into the sound as well as in the harbour, but sshh don't tell anyone else...
Looking west at a most beautiful sunset
Kalena
0 comments:
Post a Comment