Our last update was Day Six. We are now in the Broughtons and our minds are more on the amazing scenery and wildlife, and enjoying bays, marinas and the other boaters' company than on communicating with the outside world -- even if we could out here where Internet is sparse and slow -- so updates will be less frequent.

After anchoring overnight in Claydon Bay, we proceeded to Sullivan Bay Marina.  Happy Hour took place at five under the tent, with excellent live entertainment by the local jack of all trades.  Supper followed in the restaurant on the dock. This is a fun little town.  There are float houses for sale as low as $105K and air service from the major centres if anyone is looking for a remote hideout.

 From Sullivan Bay, we went a short distance to Waddington Bay to anchor for the night.  Intrepid went out to the Strait for some sailing and along the way we encountered at least one hundred dolphins feeding and sporting around over a square mile of sea. They put on quite a show and we have video, but no way to upload it right now.

The next day we were off to Echo Bay Marina.   Pot luck supper was at
six and Bill had caught a fish so we all shared a few bites.

The next morning we all set sail for Qwatsi, but our lead boat diverted to Port McNeill due to electrical problems, leaving the rest of us on our own.  Some boats found room at Qwatsi Marina, but the space was limited and some anchored, but others returned the short distance to Echo Bay while others went on to Lagoon Cove Marina.

Intrepid was among that group, and along the way while running wing and wing down Tribune Channel, we encountered another group of a hundred or so dolphins.  This time they accompanied us and wove back and forth under the bow, leaped from the water and generally put on an amazing show only feet from our boat.  I shot video for twenty minutes at least.

The plan is to meet up with Corus again at Port Harvey.  We leave shortly, and have to time a pass, so that is it for now.  Pictures later.

We leave for there in a half hour.

~DAY four~

Although the winds were blowing 25 knots when we went to bed, the night was quiet and in the morning the wind had dropped to almost nothing.
We motored out past Port Neville, then Milly Island and turned west on Johnstone Strait towards Port McNeill.  We had intended to sail, but the Strait was dead calm and we motored directly to Port McNeill.

We've finally officially arrived at The Broughtons, even though we are actually passing them to the south and spending the rest of the day and night at Port McNeill, just south of our target area. The plan is to fuel up, provision, and rest up tonight; then travel the 30+ sea miles to Turnbull Cove on the mainland north of the Broughton Islands tomorrow.  From then on, we'll just do short daily trips from one bay or marina to the next and enjoy the area. 

We all arrived at Port McNeill mid-afternoon and tied up at North Island Marina and went ashore.  At 1700, we had a skippers meeting and the plans changed.  The forecast is for winds up to 35 knots tomorrow, so that is a good reason to stay put and enjoy Port McNeill. 

The decision now is to stay in Port McNeill a second day to wait out the gale, then cross to Claydon Bay which is  a bit closer and better sheltered from the expected winds than Turbull Cove.

 

Follow us in real time on the Spotwalla or Spot website.

Cooper Boating Event

ACappella launch party today.  This boat is a monster with 4 double cabins and a massive cockpit.  She is currently at Granville Island and will be en route for charters in Powell River July 3rd 2011. The Bavaria 45 Cruiser is the largest new generation Bavaria available for Bareboat Charters in all over B.C. Lower mainland Canada. The champagne hit the bow today and everyone enjoyed the great food and fun of the ACappella launch event. Fair winds and calm seas ACappella. A Congrats goes out to Sheldon, Grace and Family.