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CHAPTER To Ketchikan, Metlakatla and Clover Bay To Partage, Hobart and Endicott To Funter, Tenakee and Saltery Bay To Still Bay, Ship Cove and El Capitan To Nichols and across Dixon Entrance Prince Rupert, Captians Cove and Ala Passage To Kwakume, Fury Cove and Blenden Harbour To Port McNeil, Neville and Gowlland To Henry Bay, Northwest Bay, Nanaimo and Pender Harbour
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It rained hard in the night but we were able to carry on down Fisher Channel on Saturday and as we came into Fitz Hugh Sound we anchored in Kwakume Inlet. As we passed by Hakai Pass we recalled the great time we spent there on our way North. It is so beautiful there and a big sport fishing place with many resorts and lovely beaches. We all wish we had time to make a turn into Hakai Pass and spend a bit more time there – but the weather isn’t co-operating either. Where is this weather coming from in the middle of July, gale warnings and all??
I think I should call this Ch. 10, so you can take a much deserved break, have a coffee and come back later. We had wind and heavy rain thru’ the night and when the weather got a little more favorable around noon Captain Dave decided to pull anchor which we did, and we fished our way down into Fish Egg Inlet and then back out and down to Penrose Island where we anchored in Fury Cove (same place as when going north). So how was the fishing?? Hey, Dave caught three smaller size salmon (nice)!! And Norm caught a gray cod, a favorite for all! A real fun day!! There are a lot of sport fishermen coming from all over to fish in this very popular coast line area. We are seeing a lot of dead and rotting herring floating on the surface of the water here. It really kept us guessing until we heard it is a natural phenomenon happening at this time.
It blew and rained in the night but by morning (Monday) had calmed enough to carry on so we started out across Queen Charlotte Sound and were pleased to have a pleasant nine hour crossing, arriving in BLUNDEN HBR. at 3:30 pm. Going north our jumping off spot was from Bull Hbr. on Hope Is. just north of Pt. Hardy - Blunden Hbr. is across the Strait from Pt. Hardy on the mainland side. It was sooo good to feel the sun and hope it stays for awhile. This is a lovely sheltered big harbour with a few boats joining us. One fellow told us he had to wait three days up above before the weather settled enough for him to cross. There are a lot of crabs in this harbour. Today BLUNDEN HARBOUR village is abandoned like so many others, but a thriving native culture once existed in this area. Giant logs on shore – the remains of a long house – and an extensive middon (clamshell beach) indicate a once successful native residency. The other foursome went in the zodiac through the narrow entrance to Bradley Lagoon and enjoyed scouting around there. We all enjoyed exploring this area! And, having become addictive to crab, we had to drop the pots, resulting in four keepers. Quite a few boats were anchored in this big, sheltered harbor either having just returned from or waiting to make the open water crossing north. Well guys, three or four more sleeps and we will be arriving back in "beautiful" Nanaimo Harbour. And in case you didn’t know it this is a very popular spot for most boaters that we have talked. They all love our home town!! |
