After waiting out the front that rolled through BC on Sunday I departed Pender Harbor early Monday morning for the long run up the rest of the Georgia Strait to overnight in Cortes Bay on Cortes Island. The day started out sunny and nice leaving Pender Harbor.
Despite the repeated warning for waterspouts I saw nothing but overcast skies and light winds in the Strait. I made a stop in Westview Harbor to top off the fuel tank. Surprisingly tight little marina! Especially at low tide.
The young woman manning the fuel dock was fantastic at helping me get tied up and departing in the tight space. Her recommended pivot and turn made my departure quick and easy. Thank you!
The views on the way up were typical BC.
After an uneventful night in Cortes Bay I woke up to light rain. I retrieved the anchor without ramming the big powerboat the anchored too close last night and headed out right on time. I had carefully calculated my route to catch the slack at Beasley Passage and Surge Narrows off Quadra Island around 11:15am. It was nice having the new radar on board as visibility was not great in the rain and mist.
I had to slow way down as I approached Beasley Passage. The ebb tidal flow was pushing me most of the way there. Better early to these things than late. I was the only boat going north. I met a handful of boats going south, one of which I shared the pass with. Both the pass and the Narrows were smooth and presented no problems. Having the ebb tide with me I made quick time up the entrance to the Octopus Islands Marine Park where I expect to stay for several days. It’s very nice here and not crowded so far. I’ll wait for my chance to head north up Johnstone Strait in calm weather. For now, more rain then some sunny days with views like these.
