Shearwater to Klemtu



Departing Shearwater

After our late morning latte’s, we departed Shearwater heading northwest into Seaforth Channel, stopping for about 20 minutes in a small cove to re-calibrate the compass.  

Robb Point Lighthouse

As you go northward the magnetic deviation changes so it is wise to adjust the compass before making a long journey out to sea.  The process for recalibration involves several steps shown in the compass manual, after resetting the compass display and receiving the “turn boat” message, we maneuvered the boat very slowly making two circles until the display said “heading.”  We chose a heading and continued motoring until we could compare the ship’s compass with the auto pilot’s electronic compass, selecting the buttons for plus or minus as needed. 

Dall's Porpoise

Continuing west on Seaforth Channel, we passed the beautiful Robb Point Lighthouse on Ivory Island at the edge of Milbanke Sound encountering 13 knot winds.  Turning northward into Finlayson Channel put us behind Price Island where we had calm seas and the company of several Dall’s Porpoise who came to play alongside our bow.  

Approaching Klemtu Passage

Later that evening around 5pm we took the small Klemtu Passage off of Finlayson Channel and tucked into our anchorage in Clothes Bay for the night.  

Night's Anchorage in Clothes Bay, Klemtu Passage

The Native village of Klemtu on Swindle Island is home to the Kitasoo tribe of Tsimshians and is accessible only by air or water. 

Homes above Klemtu

 


Klemtu Fish Processing Plant

A ferry terminal was constructed in 2011 which now benefits the Klemtu Fish Processing Plant as well as the community in providing reliable transportation for coastal residents and helping to establish tourism.  

Longhouse at Klemtu

Klemtu is part of the Great Bear Rainforest and visitors can now request tours of the area from “Spirit Bear Adventures.”


Longhouse scenic setting at Klemtu