Mike and Beth's Adventures

Otter Cove - North Pender Island Roesland Provincial Park Once a farm, Roesland became a resort in the 1920s and remained a popular resort until it closed in 1991. Many of the old cottages remain, and are fun to peek in. The owner's home, built in 1908, was converted for use by the Pender Islands Museum Society.  It is open on weekends and is a wonderful place for picnicking and relaxing and for learning about the history of North and South Pender Island. Watch for eagles, sea stars and Harbor seals.  We walked the path from the museum out to the point.  It is a short walk through the arbutus and Douglas fir trees.  Side trails provide access to the ocean on either side of the peninsula.   Otter Bay Resort is located on the far shore. At the tip of the peninsula there is a nice bench for sitting and admiring the view The head of the bay, and off Roesland Park, are good places to anchor Otter Bay Resort The Marina Office. The Island is serviced by a ferry from Vancouver or Victoria.

What could be better than docking in front of the Empress Hotel Approaching Victoria from the water is an interesting exercise.  The city is located on the southeast corner of Vancouver Island and just off the Straits of Juan de Fuca.  This is an area notorious for strong currents, confused seas, and wild winds.  It did not disappoint.  We experienced all three as we rounded the corner and wove our way through the Chatham Islands towards the inner harbor.  The sea conditions could be compared to boating inside a washing machine.  There were no waves.  That implies some semblance of order.  Instead, the water was jumping and spinning randomly.  We followed two fishing boats, on the assumption that they were locals and knew the best route through the islands, rocks, and reefs.  They were also much larger than us.  If they didn't hit anything, then we would not either.  The plan worked.  We turned to starboard, passed the cruise ship dock, and were into a remarkably busy inner harbor.

After exploring Desolation Sound, we returned to Vancouver Island at Comox , and were there for Canada Day.  From there we continued south down the eastern side of Vancouver Island.  We only had tentative thoughts of what we wanted to see and do.  That is the joy of ambling.  Weather is the largest variable outside our control.  Wind direction determines which coves and harbors provide shelter and which, being too exposed, should be avoided.  People who are schedule driven would not make good sailors or amblers.  Trying to keep to an itinerary will invariably lead to making poor decisions.  We have departed anchorages only to return when we find sea conditions exceed our comfort level.  So, we have developed patience and cultivated a tactic that is based upon looking for weather windows.  Our criteria are simple.  Look for days when the wind is less than 15 knots and seas less than 2 feet.  Even when we carefully follow those guidelines, Mother Nature will surprise us, and we will find