We enjoyed our stay in Smugglers Cove. We have had some giant tidal swings due to a new moon. 16 feet! That doesn’t sound like much but It is mind-boggling when you see it in person. We were going to leave the next morning, but when we woke up the tide was so low and it looked super sporty out in Malaspina Strait so we decided to hang out one more day and leave when the tide was higher and hopefully not as windy.
We got in the dinghy and putzed around the cove and then headed over to Buccaneer Bay (terrifying! do not recommend). We then rode over to Secret Cove and checked out that area. I need some new adjectives, GORGEOUS!! Such lucky people to live where they do. A nice couple in a marina waved at us. Ends up that the same couple was out exploring Smugglers Cove that evening and stopped by for a gab. Small world.
We played games and barbequed out in the sun. No, not meat. Ourselves. Neither of us particularly enjoy being hot, so not on purpose. It is sunny and hot here right now. Unfortunately, that also means mosquitos are out in droves.
Thursday morning we untied our stern, weighed anchor and headed out. The strait was like glass so we drove super slow, enjoyed some coffee and breakfast. We only went a short 7 miles, so no reason to hurry over and park the boat. We checked out Bargain Bay on our way to Pender Harbor.
Pender Harbor is absolutely stunning. We had our choice of two anchorages and chose Gerrans Bay. This is the first time that we have anchored in a bay that has more than a handful of boats. We are getting better at this anchoring business!
Our plan is coming together for Princess Louisa. We are going to Desolation Sound for a few days and then head up to Princess Louisa on Thursday – back down on Friday. We plan on going over to Texada and Hornby Island on the way back to Van Isle.
We left a peaceful calm anchorage in Pender Harbor today and opted for the super sporty Malaspina Strait. There are white caps out here. We are not too uncomfortable, but at least we only have 7 hours of this!
I’ll let you know how we fare.
Talk Soon.