The Broughtons

We have spent the last 9 days in the Broughton Islands and vicinity, Lagoon Cove, Village Island, Echo Bay, Waddington Bay, Alert Bay and now Port McNeil.  Dennis started his flying career in Alert Bay so knows this area by air but it is our first time exploring it by water.  He has had lots of moment of reflection.  We have enjoyed exploring the West Coast First Nations rich history in this area as well as their warm hospitality during our visit to Alert Bay.  The Cultural Centre at Alert Bay holds a large repatriated collection of First Nation Masks and had a dedication to the recent destruction of the residential school that had grave effect for the residents of this island.  

Our attempts at crabbing and fishing to date have resulted in a few throw backs because they were too small, but we will persevere!We scored on 5 pounds of fresh halibut from a local fisherman in Alert Bay for $12.00!!  Dennis also had a graffiti artist from Chicago that was on Alert Bay (go figure?) paint his propane and motor to make it distinct, to reduce the chance of them being stolen once he goes south.  

We are building a network of friends as we meet up with different boats that we have met along the way.  Those of you that know me well, will know this pleases me!  For those of those of you that recognize the significance of this, Dennis successfully did the first water leak test on his water marker with only one small leak.  He has inserted the filter and we are now ready to do the final test than voila we will be able to make our on water!!!  

For those of you that are interested in tracking us, we are having trouble with the tracking site.  Turns out they don't have coverage this far north.  We will try to locate another site and let you know.  

Village Island, abandoned First Nations Village 

 

Fallen Sea Wolf Totem, the first picture is from a book as it was, the second picture is the totem we found in it's state of decay.  The First Nations believe in letting things go back to nature rather than preserving and restoring them.

      Alert Bay

Cultural Centre mask

Cultural Centre

Grave yard

Grave yard with fallen totem

Graffiti-ed tank and motor

First Milestone

After spending a couple nights in the Copeland Island (a wonderful kayaking area), crabbing on Cortes Island and a stop in Campbell River for provisioning, we ventured into new waters.  Entering Seymour Narrows in  Johnstone Strait really felt like a milestone, it marked moving from familiar cruising waters to truly beginning our journey.  The winds and currents in Johnstone Strait can be very strong so we are paying close attention to the current/tide tables.  The night before we went through the Narrows on slack tide the current was running 13 kts. against us! 

Kayaking in Copeland Islands

A true "Tony Only"

 Clamming on Cortes Island

Our bounty!  We gathered 5 pounds in 5 minutes, amazing!

Johnstone Strait

Happy Hour on the dock

Our host Jean

Lagoon Cove

The end of another great day!

Jervis Inlet/Princess Louisa Inlet

45 miles up Jervis Inlet through beautiful scenary we reached Princess Louisa Inlet.  Getting there and through the Malibu Rapids was a breeze but our return thrip was challenging with 20 – 30 kt winds on the nose, took us 2 hours longer getting out.  The destination was well worth it.  At the end of Princess Louisa Inlet we found Chatterbox Falls , where we tied up to the dock and met some nice people and had a great kayak.  

We ended up spending longer in Jervis Inlet than anticipated given there were several days of 25 - 30 kt. winds.  We headed out to Powell River one morning and with the wind on our nose and the waves we were going 1.2 kts, so given we were on holidays with no deadlines (takes awhile to get onto this) we returned to our anchorage.  We tried our first attempt at crabbing, better luck next time!!

L

We made it to Powell River where we had a great visit with Dennis' previous neighbours Lotte and Adrian. They gave us a tour of this lovely town that they have fallen in love with, thanks Lotte and Adrien!  Who knew that the "old town" of Powell River is a World Heritage Site and that they have the longest running movie theatre in Canada and the west coast of North America and are home of the Pacific Regional International Music Academy, run by the conductor of the Moscow Symphony Orchestra???  Great meal of Indian food, a visit to the farmers market and meeting a number of nice boaters on the dock topped off a great visit!  

Killer Whale Sighting

Excitement of a life-time entering Pender Harbour when we were greeted by a pod of killer whales (5) including a mating pair.  When the bull rolled over Dennis saw his “3 foot hard-on”, quite a thing!

The mating whates were swimming right beside the boat, what a thrill!

Our First Step - we didn't go far fast

  Saying good-bye for a while or a long time?  

       




Feels surreal that we are actually doing this. Will no doubt take awhile to shift into the cruising mode - a welcomed change!

This fine bottle of champagne  received as a gift and consumed by Lighthouse Park really helped to start the transition.  The many others bottles that we were gifted will no doubt continue that shift.

Spent the first few days not far from home (Bowen and Keats) We have begun our “shakedown” with a water leak, starter problem, missing connection for AIS – part of the process, albeit frustrating for one of us in particular!  Thanks to Morganne and Bruce for providing taxi services on Bowen.

This was coupled we some well deserved rest and relaxation.  Sunsets on Keats Island and Thormanby Island first of many beautiful sunset that we will share with you (bore you with?)

The Adventure Begins

Departure Date:               June 1/2015

Return Date:                    Whenever it stops being fun, maybe never??

Captain:                           Dennis Giraud

First Mate:                       Faye White

Our adventure began with month’s (years?) of preparation culminating in a crazy few weeks before departure.  With the support of many, including Mike, Ron, Steve, Gary and Simon, long hours and frayed nerves the boat was ready “enough” to leave the dock.  

We took the rainbow from the night before we left as a good omen

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We much appreciated the numerous good wishes, dinner parties, bottles of wine and a grand send off on the dock from neighbours and friends.  

Off we go!

We plan on having lots of these smiles, hugs and good times along the way.