Guest Author Edward Hunt
Well, you probably thought I forgot about writing this. I didn’t forget. I have been thinking about it since I arrived home. How does one describe an island paradise? NO, it is a paradise of islands. So many, one could not do them justice in a life time. Each one is spectacular, some rising one and two thousand feet and dropping almost vertically into the sea below. There are so many harbors, coves and inlets and the ever-present seals poking their cute noses to the surface investigating and spying on the intruders. Oh, and I can’t forget the whales occasionally giving a good show and the grand soaring eagles dominating the air above. Truly, it was a highlight to last a long time.
I arrived at this place on a float plane out of Kenmore, WA and touched down in dramatic fashion at Gorge Harbor, BC. on Friday, August 18. Little space at the dock to drop me off, but the pilot did a great job maneuvering the plane although I did think I might have had to swim to the dock. Brett and Kay were there to greet and help me deplane and then by dinghy to their new home. It is a magnificent piece of marine workmanship by the Swedes and the perfect boat for them.
We spent the night at Gorge and the next day sailed to Penrose Harbor where we had dinner that night at the Laughing Oyster in Okeover (o-key-over) Inlet. After a long uphill walk to the LO, we ate at an outdoor table overlooking the Inlet and the harbor and mountains in the distance with great food, service and scenery.
Next day, it was off to Squirrel Harbor. There is a very small outlet to a smaller body of water accessible by paddle board or dinghy provided one goes at the correct time. Depending on the tides, the water connecting the two is very shallow and your vessel can get caught up on the rocks. This happened to Brett and Kay when trying to get back to the boat. Eventually, they had to carry their boards over and around. Another group had trouble getting into the smaller area with their dinghy, but eventually was able to push it into the smaller area. However, returning later, their dinghy could not get through and it was getting late in the day. So, Brett and Kay boarded over to lend a helping hand. But the group leader declined their help, deciding instead to wait until the tide changed. No thanks for the Good Samaritans but a Christian effort.
Next stop on the trip was to Refuge Harbor where we bought some provisions and had a pizza for lunch. We did not anchor there, and sailed to Tenedos Harbor. There we stayed for two nights. We hiked a short distance to Unwin Lake. The trail to the lake was thru what looked like a rain forest, so thick, dark and damp. It was a surreal scene almost like a fantasy world with old stand of trees and large ferns, fallen trees, vines and moss. The forest floor was so thick with old leaves and pine needles it felt like a plush carpet. While in the harbor, we took a dinghy ride around the harbor and saw what appeared to be a mother seal with cub resting on a ledge just above the waterline. We passed by within about ten feet and the Mom just stayed put and did look our way as if to say that this was her place and we were the ones to leave. (And she was right)
The last stop was at Prideaux Harbor where I was scheduled to be picked up by the float plane the next day. There was not a dock where the plane would pick me up and the plan was for us to dinghy out of the harbor and meet the plane when it landed, which we did. About this time, a whale breeched some distance and waved its flukes goodbye. Then I hugged Brett and Kay, said goodbye to them got in the plane and flew away.
Generally, at each stop we did some exploring and swimming. The water temperature ranged from 62 to 67 degrees so we did not stay too long in the wet. It was very educational to watch Brett and Kay select an anchoring spot and then to actually drop the anchor. It took some deep thought to select the right spot considering other boats in the area. Anchor lines just don’t drop down vertically to the bottom but get laid out for many meters along the bottom. So placement of the anchor determines where the boat will come to rest. Often it was necessary to tie a stern line to the land in addition to the anchor and this added another factor to the decision.
Finally, the above thoughts were some of the highlights of my trip. It was a trip to remember. The float plane flight had been on my bucket list for ages and it did not disappoint and was thrilling to say the least. However, the ultimate highlight was visiting Brett and Kay at their new home and watching them sail. Although they are adapting to a completely new lifestyle, together they are wonderful to watch and hear as they communicate and cooperate in their everyday lives. Sailing, anchoring, fixing meals and whatever, they get along beautifully. What more can a parent want for a son and daughter.
I am a lucky guy!!!
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