Octopus Islands







Views around Beazley Pass

From Gorge Harbor we headed north through Beazley Pass and the Surge Narrows.  This transit is very tide dependent with currents running up to 12 knots during flood.  (FYI our boat runs at 6knots!) As we had arrived early we prudently waited to slack and continued on to a wonderful marine park, the Octopus Islands.   We heard a lot about this special spot but had been forewarned that it was usually crowded and most likely we would have to do a stern tie!

 Setting the anchor is not a favorite chore!   I operate the boat “gently” backing it down while Al lets out the anchor.  Sounds simple enough but there’s lots more involved.  For example, choosing the length of the anchor chain or rode as it is called.  Length is determined by tide, current and local conditions.  Another big concern in tight anchorages is making sure that you are not laying your rode across someone else’s rode which is often several hundred feet long and far from their boat!   This day we set the anchor with little difficulty and then set about doing the stern tie.  Fortunately, a Canadian gent anchored nearby and who obviously was very familiar with the anchorage, rowed over and helped us tie our stern to a tree on the shore several hundred feet away!  Honestly, he did the tie!  We decided that he had surmised that we might need a little help!  Thank goodness.  A man of few words but obviously good deeds!


Margie Getting help setting the stern tie

Margie's favorite kayak time is checking the tidal zone at a minus tide.

We stayed 3 nights in this lovely spot.  It was a period of full moon and hence extremely low tides.  (BTW at low tide that left our stern line tied to a tree about 15-18’ above where we were anchored!)  There was lots of wild life to observe in both the water and nearby islets.    I especially enjoyed kayaking along the shore viewing lots of very unusual marine life in the sub tidal water.  My favorite was a pink sea cucumber about 3” thick and about 2’ long wound along a rock.  While still light at 10pm, we watched the full moon rise over the tiny little inlet where we were anchored.    For some reason, very few had chosen to visit the Octopus Islands while we were there.  We both agreed that it was one of the most special spots we had yet gone on the boat.

Rising full moon at 10pm...still daylight!

Sorry not to have more pics.  Al took them with waterproof camera and will try to insert later.

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Gorge Harbor

Gorge Harbor is entered through a very narrow opening.  Indian petroglyphs are supposed to be visible on the side of the cliff on the north side!  Hard as we've tried we've never been able to see them!

 

We spent two lovely nights at this pleasant spot.  The   Floating Restaurant is especially delicious although it no longer is floating. 


Al is putting on water as we are now off to anchor at the Octopus Islands Marine Park for a few days.



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Grace Harbor

We spent two nights on the hook in Grace Harbor Marine Park.







We took a hike to Black Lake which really was black we think due to high tannin content. There were leeches and snakes I. The water so no swimming for us. A pretty spot nonetheless. 





Along the trail we encountered this abandoned tractor...must have been used for logging a long time ago.


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Cortes Oustation

This is a lovely spot in a secluded bay. Presently there are very few boats in port.



All the way north we have run into past Commodore Chuck Lowry and his wife Pam. Home for them is Beaux Arts. We shared some fun times with them.







The Outstation managers, Heather and Marv are doing a super job. 

 







 This year we found that they started a pea patch for us. Yesterday I picked snap peas and lettuce which we had for dinner with fried oysters. We got the oysters at low tide. Al has gotten quite proficient at shucking. Tonite Oyster stew!

Heather has a real "green thumb" and besides the Pea Patch she keeps lots of flowers growing.

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Desolation Sound

After a few days at the SYC Outstation at Garden Bay (Pender Harbor) we headed for the Cortes Island Outstation and Desolation Sound. It is a long 7 hour trip. After a little chop at the start we had fairly calm seas. For part of the time the skipper was able to go on auto pilot and keep watch from the martini seat.



First view of Desolation Sound.



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The O'Claire's depart

After a fun few days it was so sad to say goodbye to the O's. after an ice cream treat and a quick pic they left in a taxi for the Tsawassen ferry.

















Lilly could not remember ever being in a taxi. You can hardly see her behind the driver waving.


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The Starfish aka Sea Star

Lilly and Henry found several large starfish on the side of the dock. Henry insisted that they were sea stars and turns out he was right! They were especially fascinated when they found that one of them was eating a mussel.


They made friends with another 5 year old, Reid who is from West Vancouver and tied up on a neighboring sailboat.






Lilly decided that it was best to put her sea star back.






Henry spent a little more time observing his before returning it to the water.




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