Princess Louisa and back in five days.

[Alyssa Jean]

C-Dory 25 Anna Leigh, with Admiral Kate and Kitty (Nikko) and myself set off from Guemes Island, WA on Wednesday, September 7, for a four night trip to Princess Louisa Inlet and Chatterbox Falls. The whole trip was done at approximately 14 mph.

I had previously done the trip via the east coast of Vancouver Island up to Comox, meeting a friend there who flew in by float plane. Made the trip across over the north tip of Texada Is. and then south into Jervis Inlet and through Malibu Rapids to Chatterbox Falls. Talked about it to Kapt’n Kate for two months. She finally gave in.

Day One. Left the Anacortes area at 0725 arriving at S. Pender Is. at 1000. Phoned into Canadian Customs for entry into their fine country. Five minutes later we were on our way up the southwest side of Galiano Is and through Active Pass, thence across the Strait of Georgia and up the mainland coast of BC. Arrived at Secret Cove at 1430, a wonderful little marina with a great store for whatever you forgot. Picked up my little Canadian flag to fly and some wonderful Feta Cheese stuffed olives for our Martinis. Engine hours 6.5.

Day Two. We left Secret Cove at 0830, passed Pender Harbour in an hour and at 1015 we entered Jervis Inlet. From there it took about 2 hours to reach Malibu Rapids, which is the entrance to Princess Louisa Inlet. The first time through or thinking about going through Malibu looks a little daunting to some. But with a fast shallow draft boat like the C-Dory it is not an issue. Took it at full flood with no concern. Arrived at Chatterbox Falls at 1245. This is a pristine area with rock walls up several thousand feet on three sides, a beautiful waterfall, (actually many) and a free dock about 100 feet long. Engine hours 4.3.

Day Three. Departed this absolutely gorgeous setting at 0945. The weather had been Gale Force winds on the Georgia Strait the night before and the forecast was not looking that much better the day we left. Thought we could at least get down to Pender Harbour and wait it out. Beautiful calm cruise down to with-in five miles of Pender Harbour and then put up with a little 1-2 foot chop and some wind getting into Pender. Spent the afternoon and night at a little marina tucked way back in the harbor. (Took a tour of a neighbor boat, Nordic 37. wow what $300K will buy). Engine hours 4.0.

Day Four. Gale Force had been down graded to .5 m seas and 10-15 mph winds across Georgia Strait. So the Nordic 37 and I headed out at 0650. Crossed the 25 miles to Nanimo in 2 hours and 50 minutes of turbulent water. Kitty and Kate were NOT impressed. Headed south into the more protected waters of the So. Gulf Islands and arrived at our next nights mooring at Telegraph Harbor, Thetis Is. Telegraph Harbour Marina is at the very end of the harbor and made for a nice quiet afternoon and evening. Walked up to a little winery and had an enjoyable hour with the owner tasting some of their wines. Brought back some killer Wild Blackbery Port. Engine hours 4.25.

Day Five. Left Telegraph Harbor at 0650 with mirror-like waters, down the north side of Saltspring Is. and then a bee line to Roche Harbor for customs. Arrived at 1000. Took 5 minutes longer to get into the US than into Canada. For the first time they asked for my boat registration. Ten minutes later we were on our way back at Guemes Is. arriving at 1215. Engine hours 5.25.

Total engine hours 24.3. Total miles 342 sm. Gas at Secret Cove was $1.15/L. Canadian. Olives were $5.25.

Wanted to do the Desolation Sound trip but some things got in the way which precluded us from doing it this year. Heck, I’m young, got lots of time.

[Mr. Fisherman]

That sure sounds like it was a great trip.
I really enjoyed my time up the inside passage.
Do you have any pictuers to add to this recount? I sure would like to see them.

[El and Bill]

Glad to hear you had a great trip, David and Kte (and Kitty)

[Alyssa Jean]

Pictures of both trips to PLI are in my album.

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album124&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[lloyds]

David: How were the flies and mosquitos this time of year. The last time I was there they were really a bother.