We made some water first thing in the morning and headed out. My first plan was to head to Tumbo and Cabbage Island. After Jim read about the dangers of Boiling Point Reef, he was nope, I’m out! To avoid that area would bring us into Washington waters. Too big a risk. We planned on cruising around for a bit and then into Bedwell Harbor.
I tried to post a video but I’ve used my one free video, now I need a video press plan. Whatever that is.. last time I shared the link incorrectly and didn’t allow anyone access, but I think I’ve got this one correct:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k6nx511jocgJYdc0V2xV6FihGq4jg1r4/view?usp=sharing
We were about to Wallace Island and we both were thinking that we didn’t want to turn around and head back, so why not find something around where we are? We are expecting some unfavorable winds for Princess Cove on Wallace, so that was out. I had read in a blog that morning about a cruiser who stayed at Clam Bay. He commented “Clam Bay is not the most picturesque anchorage in the Gulf Islands, but it’s roomy and dependable. When other popular places nearby (Princess Cove, Pirates Cove, etc.) are chock full of stern-tied boats lined up like trailers in an RV park, there’s always room to swing on the anchor in Clam Bay, with plenty of water between you and your neighbors.” There are some underwater hazards and a fish farm on the south side, but they are all charted. I feel for the folks before guidebooks, electronic charts, and the internet. We would never even have attempted this. Our Gulf Islands book had a glowing report. We thought we’d give it a look. I have to disagree with the bloggers’ assessment. I think it is spectacular here. (to be fair, he might have been in the area with no view, or a cloudy/rainy day and then that would have matched his comments)
There was a trawler pleasure craft already anchored. First spot, anchor did not set and no view. So, we tried a different location. I’m really glad that it didn’t set the first time, as the view from this spot is spectacular. We are also right by “The Cut” which is a dredged channel between Thetis and Penelakut Islands. It takes us over to Telegraph Harbor where there are a couple of marinas, a grocery and a liquor store.
We are close to Ladysmith, I’d like to cruise over there, maybe Friday or Saturday. That is where Resident Alien is filmed. (no, that’s not why we want to go there, just an interesting fact 😛 ) Winds shift and this will no longer be an ideal spot. I’ll have to see what the guidebooks say. I have been wanting to go to Newcastle Island by Nanaimo, but boats have to be under 40 feet to stay at the marine park. Bummer.
We enjoyed the remainder of the afternoon up on the flybridge in the sun. The wind had a bite. We had dinner, flotilla Zoom call, watched a little YouTube, and off to bed.
We are going to take the dinghy today through the cut and go over and explore Wallace Island, it is our friend John’s favorite.
Sun is up, generator is going and we are warm. (it is always hard to get moving when it is cold – all toasty in your blanket) Time to get dressed and get a plan going.
Talk Soon.