Desolation Sound 2012

R

Rock-C

New member
The crew of Rock-C will be attending the Comox gathering on July 27,28,29. After, we are heading to Desolation Sound for a week of relaxed exploring.
If any one is interested, we could plan to meet up at one of the many anchorages.
We haven't been to Desolation Sound , so if you have been, what are some of the must see spots.
We may stop at Princes Louisa Inlet on the way back.
Pender Hb. and Secret Cove are places I've wanted to visit.
 
I may try and tag along for a few days after the Comox gathering. Do not know what my work schedule is yet. Us working stiffs are still paying taxes to support the retirees. ;o)

Here is a mini Desolation Sound trip that can be accomplished within a week, but be prepared to stay longer once you experience the beauty. No fast currents, rapids, or whirlpools to worry about.

After Comox, bypass Lund, you will be fully provisioned in Comox.

Head for Malaspina Inlet and Grace Harbour. From there, check out, Lancelot, Theodosia, and Okeover Inlets.
Next stop, Tenedos Bay. Then on to Prideaux Haven. Check out Pendrell Sound (anchor behind the island up the L/H side). Next is Teakerne Arm, where Capt Vancouvers boys went for a swim in the lake, 1792. Heading South now, Roscoe Bay is a must. Then around to Squirrel Cove and finally Refuge Cove to stock up on provisions for the journey South.
I think I have this in the right order, I am writing this from memory as my books and charts are on the boat.

Martin.
 
Thanks Martin
I just pulled out my charts and it seem like it will take 12 to 15 days if you only spend one night at each harbor.
What to do.
Rosco Bay, Refuge Cove, Squirrel Cove are on my short list. I would also like to see Von Donop Inlet, Gorge Hbr, & Grace Hbr.
The fresh water lakes at the head of some of the harbors, like Rosco & Teakerne Arm are pretty inviting.
What to do,
Terry
 
We are making a cruise of it at the front end of the Comox CBGT, cruising from Blaine to the Gulf Islands starting with Cabbage Island on July 20, winding our way north with our favorite stops, then crossing over to Princess Louisa, then back over to Comox, and boogying home on Sunday and Monday. I have been toying with the idea of extending my vacation until the following Friday though.

We did Desolation Sound in 2005, and it was ALL great. Check out the pix here
 
For those of you thinking about some local cruising before or after the Comox gathering, you may want to know that the long weekend in Comox (Aug 3/4/5/6), is Comox Nautical Days. This is one giant four day party in Comox. Lots of fun. Should be able to find out more if you google Comox Nautical Days.

Martin.
 
As long as we're mentioning our local events, don't forget the 49th Annual Powell River Seafair, July 20-22. Right on your way to Desolation...

Cheers!

John
 
Everybody has their own favorites and issues in the desolation Sound area. Here are a few of ours. We like Fishermans Resort on the left in Hospital Bay as you enter Pender Harbor. There is a nice pub within walking distance and a fuel dock near there. Princess Louisa is a long way up Jervis Inlet, over 50nm one way so plan accordingly regarding fuel and time. There are few anchorages once you are there and along the way. It is possible to anchor or tie up at an abandoned dock near MacDonald Island a little ways from Chatterbox falls. It is also possible to tie up at the Malibu Club dock just outside of Malibu Rapids while waiting for slack to enter Princess Louisa inlet. Going up Malaspina inlet. we like to go past Grace harbor, up Lancelot inlet and in to Theodosia Inlet. Just as you enter there is a small peninsula on your left with protected anchorage and great views. We also like Roscoe Bay on West Redonda island. It has a shallow inlet so watch the bottom but is a quiet out-of-the-way place. We would skip squirrel cove and spend time up Von Donlep Inlet. Gorge Harbor is a great stop, nice pictographs on the way in, a great $$ restaurant, a pool available to all moored there. Groceries and laundry too. Heriot Bay and Rebecca Spit on Quadra island is a nice anchorage with a pleasant walking path and good views but you will not get alonje time there. Uganda Pass on Cortes is something everybody should do once at least. Octopus Islands Prov. Park on northern Quadra is one of our favorite places. Pay attention to Surge Narrows. you can avoid them by going up and around Maurelle Is. and through Hole in the Wall. For us Campbell River is the best "city" in the area with everything one could need. We are not fans of refuge cove. Trash control is important up there. There are few places to dispose of it. There are many others but this is a start.
 
As you can see from the posts already in. There is so much to see and do on the Sunshine Coast and in Desolation Sound, goodness knows how a pod of C-Brats are going to decide what to visit, and what to pass on. May have to scatter, visit your preferred destinations, and arrange a couple of rendevous anchorages. If I can get away, I can be flexible.

Martin.
 
Rock-C":3xu38ne1 said:
Thanks Martin
I just pulled out my charts and it seem like it will take 12 to 15 days if you only spend one night at each harbor.
What to do.
Rosco Bay, Refuge Cove, Squirrel Cove are on my short list. I would also like to see Von Donop Inlet, Gorge Hbr, & Grace Hbr.
The fresh water lakes at the head of some of the harbors, like Rosco & Teakerne Arm are pretty inviting.
What to do,
Terry
Click to expand...

All of those are good - you can't go wrong! One of our highlights of the trip to Desolation Sound was the side trip to Princess Louisa Inlet. You can stay three nights at the dock there; we did, it was wonderfully relaxing. Each of the other places you mentioned are great stops. A dinghy or a couple kayaks gives you the opportunity to explore further once you are anchored. Now that you're a retired guy, spend plenty of time up there... easier to add a night or two (or twelve) along the way than to run back up there again. Well, you're gonna want to go back again... and again.

You can get supplies at Refuge Cove, Squirrel Cove, Gorge Harbor. A great hike across the island from Von Donop Inlet. There's a nice restaurant at Herriot Bay Inn if you want to treat yourself after a few nights at anchor.

Enjoy!

Best wishes,
Jim
 
Good suggestions from everyone so far. My favorite anchorage in Desolation Sound is Teakerne Arm, right in front of the waterfall. It can be a bit tricky to get the anchor set and the stern line ashore, but you'll have the cove all to yourself and it's a beautiful spot. Great swimming in the lake too. The picture below is the spot I'm talking about. Be careful with depth and tides if you stay there.

SAM_0183.sized.jpg
 
Austin is now a cynical (almost) 21 year old, but look at that smile! Princess Louisa Inlet and Chatterbox Falls was GREAT fun for the Anderson family (2007).

Austin_at_Chatterbox_Falls_5_26_07.sized.jpg

Toast_on_the_Dock_at_Princess_Louisa_5_26_07.sized.jpg

 
With the way the WO*#~K thing is going it is not likely that I would get the time needed to do that full trip, BUT there is a chance of taking time to run up to Princes Louisa and if there was a date set for when some C-Dorys would be there, I would probably make an effort. At least i would sure like to. Hmmmm... might be too early for that yet but in case, I'll be watching here for a hint as to what dates to look at. OR drop me a PM.

Sounds like fun.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

PLI_and_SB_CBGT_2_147.highlight.jpg
 
Job change recently put me back to short weekends mostly. 3 off at the most, so not this year. Sure want to though. Need to get retired :lol: or something;.... powerball numbers anyone :?: :?:

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
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