2017

We took “M” out for a spin around the headland into Ikeda Bay, another area on our list. We were pleased that we had chosen Collison Bay to anchor as the features here were pretty bland. One Sitka Black-tailed deer was grazing on the grass near the ancient fish weir, the seabeds were barren, the odd fish jumped but apart from that the bay was unexciting.

We cleared into Canada at Oak Bay marina and took the opportunity to top up with fuel and water. Later we motored around to Cadboro Bay and dropped our anchor in good holding?! We were expecting a gale to blow through over the next two days and the books told us we would be safe in the bay. The following day the wind slowly increased and the water became choppy, despite this Stephen decided to go crabbing!

Queen Charlotte Sound, the body of water between the north of Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii, is exposed to the west by the mighty Pacific Ocean, which showed her true colours for our journey. We experienced a huge following sea, strong gusts and rain which soaked us to the bone and heavily reefed down we had a white knuckle ride, at alarming speeds, to these mystical islands.

After a false start we headed out of the marina on Jaz’s birthday and motored in glorious sunshine to the San Juan Islands (USA). Following a thorough vetting by the US Immigration officer (Friday Harbour, San Juan Island) and refuelling (as it was cheaper than Canada) we anchored in Shipyard Boat Harbour at the southern end of the cove.