Along the Way

After our hike across Jedediah Island, we released our stern-line and brought up the anchor to continue crossing the Strait of Georgia.  The winds had diminished and the seas held a 2-foot chop with clear skies overhead.  

Mt. Baker in Washington State seen from the Strait of Georgia in British Columbia!

Another glorious day, in fact it was so clear that we could see across the entire Strait revealing the mountain peaks of Northern British Columbia and the mountain backbone of Vancouver Island.  Most unexpected was the sight of Mt. Baker in Washington State seen to the east on the horizon as if sitting on the water.  It had never been this clear in past years for us to see this unusual perspective of Mt. Baker, a real treat.  The crossing was uneventful except for the occasional warnings heard over the VHF Radio that “Whiskey Golf” (WG) was “active” with Navy warships testing torpedoes and other systems in this deep water “restricted area.”  One pleasure boat apparently strayed into the boundary of WG and was promptly told that they would be escorted out of the area by helicopter.  I think that was the Navy’s polite way of saying we can escort you out by helicopter or we can blow you out of the area!  We kept well clear of this active restricted zone located north of Nanaimo and tucked behind the Ballenas Islands, reaching Nanaimo around 4pm.  

Flat Rocky Shoreline on Newcastle Island, Nanaimo

Once we reached Nanaimo, we found dock space at the Newcastle Island Provincial Marine Park so we couldn’t pass it up, Java loves to romp about the Island chasing after her Frisbee; this was her first opportunity to play with her new Frisbee having given up her old Frisbee to Buddy, the dog back at Butedale some weeks ago.  It was a hot afternoon so the play was cut short followed by a dip in the ocean to cool off.  

Java's Seaside Dip in the Ocean

After Java had her dinner and bath, it was our turn to take in a favorite stop, The Dinghy Dock Pub located next door on Protection Island.  Arriving by dinghy at the floating pub is always a treat and you can’t beat the views of Nanaimo just across the bay.  

The Dinghy Dock Pub

We enjoyed the usual good beer on tap, the good food, and time to relax with a nice evening ride back to the boat.  The following day was spent in downtown Nanaimo picking up a few groceries, getting haircuts, and sipping coffee at one of the many cafes.  Nanaimo is always a fun and vibrant town in which to spend an afternoon.  Departing at 8am, we headed for Dodd Narrows arriving at slack water for an easy transition.  

Dinghy Dock Pub with views of Nanaimo

We paraded through the narrow opening with a boat behind us and a boat in front of us while a tug with a long log-boom waited on the other side for the right time to go through.  It is customary for boaters, especially large boats and commercial vessels to announce over the VHF Radio when they are entering Dodd Narrows indicating their direction of travel.  

Dodd Narrows at Slack Water

Once through the Narrows we were heading for our next planned stop, Ganges on Salt Spring Island but first a little sightseeing along the way. 

Wallace Island Marine Park

Located between Galliano Island and the north end of Saltspring Island is a small set of islands (Secretary Islands) and the Marine Park of Wallace Island with two small coves that have stern-tie rings.  The larger of the two coves is Princess Cove which is long and narrow requiring a stern-tie.  Likewise Conover Cove on the south end of Wallace Island has a few stern-ties and a small float for boats 36 feet or less.  

Wallace Island Marine Park

Although Wallace Island is tiny, it looks to be a fun place to hike and explore.  After a “looksee,” we continued on to Ganges on Salt Spring Island, the busiest and most popular stop in the Gulf Islands.