Just Around the Corner



Putteney Lighthouse on Malcolm Island

Before departing Port McNeill we topped off the fuel tanks and water tank.  Leonard also had his scuba-diving tank filled in the event he needs to check the underside of the boat; we wouldn’t want him sucking on an empty air tank!  The intended plan was to position ourselves at an anchorage for the night and leave early in the morning to cross the Strait and round Cape Caution.  From Port McNeill we usually head straight across Queen Charlotte Strait and anchor in Blunden Harbour on mainland B.C. before rounding the Cape.  Since the winds had been blowing for the last few days, we took a new route heading west, northwest passing Putteney Lighthouse on Malcom Island and continued west along the north shoreline of Vancouver Island in 2-4 foot chop.  

Chain of Islands along Goletas Channel

After passing Port Hardy, we entered Goletas Channel formed by a string of small islands.  Our chosen stop for the night was Nigei Island at an anchorage called Port Alexander.  Before reaching the anchorage, we decided to poke our nose farther into Queen Charlotte Strait to check out the sea conditions.  

Scarlett Lighthouse on Balaklava Island

Making a turn northward between Hurst Island and Balaklava Island, we passed the attractive Scarlett Lighthouse where the seas started to build into 5 foot swells, confirming that we should stick with our plan to overnight among the islands. 

Dall's Porpoise

It was about this time that a group of Dall’s Porpoise came to ride alongside our bow, zipping through the water like bullets.  We continued around Scarlett Lighthouse and headed south between Balaklava and Nigei Island, arriving at our anchorage at 1pm. 

Port Alexander anchorage on Nigei Island 

After a late lunch, we headed out with the dinghy to explore Nigei Island.  Huge pieces of driftwood, more accurately drift logs, lined the beach and we found that the forest was carpeted in thick moss.  Although no trails were evident on the island, the trees were nicely spaced without the interference of thick underbrush; we decided to hike across the island to the un-named bay on the other side.  We had brought a backpack with water, a flashlight, the portable VHF radio, and our Delorme tracking device as a precaution.  



Cabins on floats at Nigei Island

The hike across the island was about one-third of a mile and we found fresh cuttings in the forest as if someone had been chopping wood for a stockpile.  Upon reaching the small bay, we determined it would serve as a good anchorage spot for protection from south winds.  As we looked across the bay, too our surprise we saw a group of cabins on floats, perhaps living quarters for loggers or fishermen, or just people who want to live in a remote location!  

Ruins of a Boat Keel

As we turned to head back, we found the remains of a boat keel lying in the woods near the shore, how long had it been there? And what story might it tell?  Such is the intrigue of discovery.  

Port Alexander anchorage, Nigei Island