Sullivan Bay to Shawl Bay Marina 2 hours 19.6 miles

It is a short trip from Sullivan Bay to Shawl Bay Marina.  We saw no one else at all during the trip.  We figured things quieted down after Labor Day but this is ridiculous.  The fog burned off to a beautiful sunny day.  We were not surprised to see the docks empty at Shawl Bay.  Loren and Shawn are still here but Rob (their son) has moved to Vancouver Island and is about to be married.  We miss him but wish him well.

Allison Harbour to Sullivan Bay 2 ¾ hours 43 miles

Today we enter the Broughtons again.  The fog gradually lifted as we entered Wells Passage.  We were surprised when we arrived at Sullivan Bay that we were the only cruising boat there.  The managers, Debbie & Chris, were still there and the store was open.  http://www.sullivanbay.com/index.htm

Fury Cove to Allison Harbour 4 hours 44 miles

We made the big jump today around Cape Caution.  We had heavy fog the entire trip.  We had about 4-6 foot swells but relatively calm water.  Not comfortable but both Emerald Star & Fred handled the situation beautifully.  This is a big physical as well as psychological step.  We are now in southern British Columbia and nearing the site of home.  The fog was still heavy as we entered Allison Harbour.  We suddenly saw sunlight at the head of the inlet.  There was one other boat here and it is a big anchorage.  Unfortunately as soon as we got settled we were enveloped in fog again.

Shearwater to Fury Cove 5 ¾ hours 59.8 miles FUEL: 366.4 GALLONS @ $5.20/GALLON !!

We filled the fuel tanks, even with these outrageous prices.  It will give us more freedom to pick different anchorages and marinas.  We have really heavy fog today.  At times we couldn’t see the water in front of the boat.  The water was flat calm, the radar worked well and Fred reduced our speed to 7-8 kts.  Fury Cove was empty when we entered and had our choice of places to anchor.  We anchored with a lovely view of the sandy beach and Fitz Hugh Channel beyond.  We are very protected in here and as we completed anchoring the sun came out. While we were enjoying the afternoon sun from the cockpit, we could just see a couple of humpback whales over the protecting rocks. They were heading up north and look very happy. It was actually in the 70’s.  We sat on deck and caught some Vitamin D.  Fred put the crab pots out but no crabs for us.

Shearwater Marina

We hung out today and got chores done on the boat in the sunshine.  We saw Mola Mola come in in the afternoon.  We had a nice visit and planned to have dinner with them and another couple at the restaurant near by.  We had a lovely dinner.  Both other couples are from Newport Beach.  Mick is taking Mola Mola back so California soon.  That’s a trip I wouldn’t take.

Khutze Inlet to Shearwater Marina 7¾ hours 90 miles

We have rain and fog again today but we are heading over to Shearwater.  It is a 5 mile trip back out of Khutze Inlet.  We had heavy rain and wind most of the way today.  We crossed from Finlayson Channel into Mathias Channel via Jackson Passage.  Jackson Passage was just beautiful (would have been better in the sun).  We did not meet anyone in the narrows.  As we entered Seaforth Channel we encountered calm seas with 4 ft. swells.  We were prepared to find a safe anchorage anywhere along the way but continued on because the sea conditions were acceptable.  When we arrived at Shearwater we tried hailing the harbormaster on channel 06, 66 and 16 and never heard back.  So, we saw a place on the dock and took it.  Fred went to check in and found that there was no harbormaster as present due to family illness.  By 6:00 PM the dock was full and folks were moored over on the breakwater.  Sure glad we got here when we did.

Khutze Inlet

We stayed here another day because we love this place.  Unfortunately the weather never cleared.  I was taking a nap when Fred frantically called me to come into the salon.  He saw 2 wolves over by the waterfall.  Of course I didn’t have my glasses on so I missed out. However, we did get 3 large Dungeness crabs in out pots.

Lowe Inlet to Khutze Inlet 5 ½ hours 64.2 miles

It is an ugly, rainy day.  Such a change from yesterday.  As we exit Grenville Channel and enter Wright Sound the sea chop was about 2 feet.  We were heading into the wind (10-25 kts) the whole trip.  As we finally entered Khutz Inlet the wind and chop calmed right down.  We cannot see the mountains around us because of the clouds.  This inlet, like many up here, has a wonderful Yosemite feel.  We anchored in our favorite spot in front of the beautiful ~1000 ft. waterfall. We put the dinghy down and Fred put out our crab pots.  We almost always have good luck here.  A couple who were out in the pouring rain in their dinghy came over to us to say they thought they say a wolf by the waterfall.  They are Pam & Mick off of a 65 foot Fleming, Mola Mola.  Gorgeous boat.

Lowe Inlet, Grenville Channel

I convinced Fred to stay one more day.  The sun came out and we put the kayaks in the water for the first time this year.  Getting in and out of them has been a real concern to me.  Our previous boat, Aquila, had a slatted teak swim platform.  There was plenty to hold on to.  Emerald Star had a solid fiberglass swim platform that is about 6 inches higher than the one on Aquila.  We had an idea that we could launch from the dinghy.  It actually worked pretty well.  We do not get in and out of kayaks with any grace whatsoever.  We had a lovely trip around the anchorage and by the waterfall.

Prince Rupert to Lowe Inlet, Grenville Channel 6 ¾ hours 67.9 miles

It was overcast today but the wind and seas were completely calm.  We left Prince Rupert and headed into Grenville Chanel.  We saw some dolphins who played around the boat for 5 minutes and then disappeared by the time I grabbed my camera and headed out on deck.  We had a very comfortable cruise down to Lowe Inlet.  We have never stopped in this inlet before.  What a pleasant surprise!  It has a large anchorage and a beautiful waterfall at the head of the inlet.  There was Salty Dawg (42’Nordic Tug) was planted in the best spot in front of the waterfall.  This waterfall was putting out large amounts of foam which was not very pretty.  We put the dinghy down and went for a closer inspection of the inlet and the falls.  Verney Falls doubles in height at low tide.  I would guess it goes from 10 feet to 15-20 feet in height.  We saw a beautiful black bear on the rocks by the falls.  He was a rich dark black in color and looked well fed.  We could see salmon jumping up and trying to climb the falls.  I’m sure they are what the bear is after.