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| Warm Wednesday Lake (Malaspina Peninsula) |
Hot and sunny with warm swimming and crowded anchorages; that's the Desolation Sound area in July and August.
Surprising the anchorages are so crowded, given the lack of USA boats. So many Canadians have been hitting the waters, not all knowing what they are doing. With the ending of border restrictions, it is hard to contemplate just how crowded it will be next Summer (2022)!
We enjoyed the swimming and the sunny weather, but became tired of the crowds. We especially became sick of those inconsiderate boaters who roared by with large wakes, made noise at night, and had no clue how to anchor. Although small in total numbers, their negative effect was way beyond their numbers.
We did find a new-to-us anchorage in the Malaspina Inlet area, which we enjoyed so much we stayed 4 nights. It seemed like a newborn nursery, with many mother seals and their pups, and an eagles nest with eaglets. Small anchorage thus only a few (3-4) boats, with nearby hiking. Best not to advertise its location....
Eventually, we decided it was time to head home. An easy decision made after nights in Cortes Bay with RVYC boats continually roaring by (some far too close) with no concern for those anchored, and an especially obnoxious powerboater (definitely not RVYC) blasting his music late at night. As we left Cortes Bay, we motored slowly past him and told him we didn't appreciate his late-night music tastes, and that loud music late at night was not very considerate of others. He gave us the finger.... [Although we haven't done so, we often wonder if such boats should be named, perhaps on some "Boaters' Wall of Shame" website....] Yes, time for us to head home.
Managed a little downwind sailing down Malaspina Strait, and spent 2 nights in Ballet Bay. Surprised at how busy even Ballet Bay has now become; due to poor charting of Ballet Bay and especially its entry, most boaters in the past seemed to go to nearby Hardy Island Marine Park (formerly Musket Island MP). Now both are busy. Still, we had some nice kayaking and swimming in the area.
Heading down, we again managed some downwind sailing once past Merry Island, but it was frustrating as the seas in Georgia Strait were large and confused. Eventually, the seas overwhelmed the light winds, and we started the motor. We headed into Plumper Cove Marine Park for our last night, pleased to find several buoys available. Unfortunately, it was a noisy place, with Pelagia rolling to constant boat wakes until dark, and continuing to roll overnight due to swells from the strong NW winds out in the Strait. Should have gone on to Artaban. Next time....
Left early to get to our VRC berth with a high-enough tide. Very rolly, confused seas from Point Atkinson almost to First Narrows -- made worse by an ebbing tide against incoming swells. Made it difficult to see the many logs, and we managed to hit one just before the bridge. It rolled along the hull, down the keel, then popped out behind us, thankfully missing the propeller and rudder. Loud noises but, fortunately, no damage (David dived on keel to check when back in our VRC berth).
All-in-all, an excellent 2-month cruise. The Broughtons were great (especially near Cape Caution); cruising with friends on SVs Carousel and Chanter a joy. Desolation crowded but relaxing (well, mostly). A little disappointing that we didn't go above Cape Caution (due to Covid-19 restrictions by central coast First Nations), but not enough to take away from the good cruising. But, next year....