Shearwater to Prince Rupert: A very rainy, blustery week... then SUN in Prince Rupert

Cow Bay at low tide: Prince Rupert Rowing and Yacht Club

After Shearwater, we ended up in Rescue Bay... in blowing winds and heavy rain. But the winds dies (not the rain) so it was a quiet night.

Next day through Jackson Narrows and past Klemtu (where we were visited by inquisitive crows as we motored by), up through Meyers Narrows to Quigley Creek cove in Laredo Inlet.  Again, pouring rain (but no wind).

Inquisitive crow visiting us as we passed Klemtu

The next day, a surprise: sunshine as we motored up Laredo Channel. However, the forecast for the next days called for gale force winds. So we hunkered down in the head of Chapple Inlet in a cove protected by an island and a headland. The gales indeed did blow outside, but we barely moved in our snug anchorage. But the outside winds kept us there for 3 days/nights!

After 3 nights, forecast was for 20-30 knot southeasterlies --downwind for us. Although grey, often foggy with poor visibility and yes, pouring rain, we had a great 28.5 nm downwind sail to Monkton Inlet.The next day, we had another great 20+ nm downwind sail to Newcombe Harbour (a lovely place... if there had been sun).

We were getting closer to Prince Rupert. Next day, the rains mostly stopped in the morning (but not until after Michelle had to go out into the rain to raise the anchor) , and we had a calm motor to Kelp Passage anchorage, just 17ish nm from Prince Rupert. All of a sudden, there were many commercial and pleasure boats (we were now back on the main "inside passage" route) and we were also back incell phone coverage. And the rain stayed away.

Raising the anchor in Kelp Passage anchorage

 

We had heard (from "John the Hermit" on Anger Island, who called us on our radio as we passed by) that boat space in Prince Rupert was very limited and pricey. So, assoon as we were in cell range, we called, and received, a reservation at the Prince Rupert Rowing and Yacht Club (PRRYC), where we stayed last in 2002. PRRYC is more of a marina than a "yacht"club -- most of its boats seem to be commercial fish charter boats -- but it is a nice place and helpful.

We stayed 3 nights in Prince Rupert (tonight is our 3rd night). A relaxing time. And it was sunny every day! We very much like Prince Rupert, and highly recommend it.

Prince Rupert's "Sunken Garden"

Tomorrow we head out to prepare to cross Hecate Strait (in 3-4 days) over to Haida Gwaii. Watching the weather, as always.

REMINDER: Check our "Location Tracker" to see where we are each day.