Squirrel Cove

We have a northwesterly gale in the area for a few days, and I came into Squirrel Cove because it has better protection and better cellphone reception. The weather is very nice, but paddling against the wind was hard work. There are more boats here than last week, but none in the little side bay as it falls dry at low tide.

http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=50.141938&lon=-124.921842

Back on Ancient Murrelet

I came back to Campbell River yesterday and today took Ancient Murrelet to Von Donop Inlet, on my way to the Broughtons. The weather is warm and sunny, but quite windy. Sheila is busy in Vancouver with helping her mother and some Regent College courses.

http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=50.141283&lon=-124.947063

In Vancouver

Sheila and I came back to Vancouver yesterday. This afternoon the sun came out and the beach was busy. There were also a couple of public free concerts going on, and a jazz trio playing close to the playground with the fire truck.

Back in Campbell River

We went to Mitlenatch Island yesterday, a bird sanctuary with lots of seals around. Usually there are some sea lions in the area too, but we did not see any. Some humpback whales were on their way though and very much fun to watch. In the evening we came back into Campbell River and went out for a nice dinner in the Harbour Grill.

Gorge Harbour

We stayed in Prideaux Haven last night and walked from Melanie Cove to Unwin Lake. Sally went for a swim, we all enjoyed the walk (5 hours). Tonight we came into Gorge Harbour, saw a group of humpback whales jumping high on the way and enjoyed soaking in the hot tub.

Crossing a creek on the way back

Squirrel Cove

Sheila, Juerg and Sallie joined me in Campbell River and today we came to Squirrel Cove. The weather turned nice again and we went for a hike and a paddle around the lagoon.

Campbell River

I spent a night in Gorge Harbour, which many readers will know from flying into or out of. My friends were there and we spent a nice dinner together. Today I came into Campbell River, time to clean the boat and get new provisions, Sheila is coming with some friends from Vancouver tomorrow.

Hiking on Cortes

I wanted to go to see Wiley Lake today, from where I am anchored. This turned into a 6 hour strenuous hike of more than 14 km, hard work because of all the windfallen trees when going around Von Donop Lagoon. I spent a lot of time crawling under or over trees. There is a well maintained trail of 1 km length to the lake from the anchorage at the entry to the lagoon, I think next time I want to see the lake I will start there. Now I am happily back at my little cove, recovering from the adventure.

Hathayim Park

I left Prideaux Haven this morning, stopped at Refuge Cove for some provisions (picture, unfortunately the cafe was closed, so no salmon burger) and am now anchored in Von Donop Inlet on Cortes Island. There has been a lot of wind on the open water, but in here it is absolutely calm, very nice.http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=50.154212&lon=-124.950432

Desolation Sound

I spent two nights at the north end of Pendrell Sound. Very quiet there, but great for the paddle board, and yesterday I had a fantastic prawn fest.

Today I came into Prideaux Haven, there are a few boats here, but compared to other years it is still very quiet.

Pendrell Sound:
http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=50.272543&lon=-124.728557

Prideaux Haven:
http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=50.140565&lon=-124.689398