Peg-Leg Pirate

We left a bottle of wine for Tom as a thank-you for his time while touring us through the cannery at Goose Bay Fishing Lodge and departed Goose Bay heading west through a group of pretty islands and islets.  Heading towards sea, we rounded the small peninsula of Kelp Head through the rocks & reefs of Radar Passage, then turned eastward into Smith Sound.  Cruising through more islets along the northern shore of Smith Sound, we were about to enter Millbrook Cove anchorage when we saw a sailboat heading in the same direction.  We slowed to let them go first but then noticed they had come to a complete stop and motioned us to go ahead waving with their arms and giving a shrug of the shoulders.  

Beautiful Sunset at Millbrook Cove

Perhaps they wanted to follow us or perhaps they wanted an anchorage of their own.  Indeed, Millbrook Cove has a very challenging entrance, multiple right-angle turns with rocks and reefs on both sides lurking under the water’s surface, the visible islets can make it disorienting.  We very slowly approached the entrance using one engine, carefully maneuvering around the rocks; once inside the cove, it is well protected from the outside winds and is a good starting point to round Cape Caution when conditions allow.  We never did see the sailboat come into the cove, perhaps they chickened-out or preferred to go elsewhere.  

Approaching Cape Caution

We left the next morning at 8am; it was a non-event rounding Cape Caution with only 2-3 foot chop combined with gentle ocean swell – a good weather window to make the crossing.  We saw the B.C. Ferry Northern Expedition heading north which we had seen numerous times during this year’s boating season.  Leonard joked that we always see him heading north, “it must be because the world is round.”  Next came the crossing of Queen Charlotte Strait, it too was un-eventful with calm seas.  

The Walker Group of Islands

Since we had nice sea conditions, we decided to motor through the “Walker Group” of Islands located about mid-way across the Strait, a pretty set of low-lying islands covered with trees.  On our way north earlier in the season, we had heard over the radio that a sailboat was missing at this location but were eventually found unharmed.  

Port McNeill Park and Marina

We arrived at Port McNeill on the northern end of Vancouver Island at 3:30pm, time to take on additional fuel and water.  

Peg-Leg Java

As we were putting things away, we notice that Java kept licking her right front paw, upon closer inspection we discovered a small cut above her paw on the outside of her leg, perhaps she cut herself on something at the beach – out came the first-aid kit.  After shaving off some fur, we washed her leg with disinfectant, put on some antibiotic ointment, and bandaged her leg; she looked like a peg-leg pirate minus the patch over one eye.  The following day we changed the dressing and could see that the wound was already starting to heal, Java’s first battle scar of many journeys at sea.  

Chilean Pine (monkey tree)

While she rested up, we went for a walk along the waterfront park and noticed a beautiful “monkey tree” also referred to as the “Chilean Pine.”  

The Branches look like monkey tails

After some research, we learned that this species of tree was put on the endangered list in 2013 due to the dwindling population.  The Chilean Pine can grow to 70 feet tall and 30 feet wide with open, spiraling branches.  This straight standing tree with a pyramidal shape likes temperate climates and lots of rain as long as there is good drainage. The tree originated in Chile and the Andes of South America; its scientific name is Araucaria araucana.  Interestingly,

Fruit/Seeds of the Chilean Pine

the seeds of the tree are edible and are extensively harvested in Chile – the trees only produce seeds when 30-40 years old.  In addition to the pretty flowers and trees, a couple of restaurants line the waterfront park, an opportunity to eat out and avoid washing dishes.  We stopped at Gus’ Pub for some good Canadian grub and draft beer with views of the park and marina, a nice way to end our stay at Port McNeill.  Java was happy to see us back at the boat and hadn't slowed down in the least; still running around despite her bandaged leg, nothing broken but her pride.