Amy Marie Visits: Desolation Sound

Desolation Sound is a majestic section of British Columbia that is only accessible by boat or float plane.  It is located ~150 northwest of Anacortes Washington and south of Johnston Straits, which is the entry point into the Broughton Archipelago.  

Desolation Sound is characterized by its abundance of islands, passages, snowcapped mountains, lush forests, wildlife, and snug coves which offer quiet anchorages and protection from winds and storms.  BC Parks has improved many of the bays and coves by providing stern tie rings, anchored in rock that allow you to drop your anchor and then the stern of your boat to shore.  Safely parked, you can launch your dinghy and explore the sea or land.  We did both.  

Prideaux Haven 

Homfray Channel offers a stunning view to the Northeast

Rock ledges, above and below the water, demand your full attention as you enter Prideaux Haven Anchorage

The outer bay is deep and preferred by the large boats which carry long lengths of chain for anchoring

We anchored in Melanie Cove, just east of the main Prideaux anchorage

With shallow draft we can find quiet spots the bigger boats avoid

During our Melanie Cove stay we explored in our dinghy.  This location is one that figures prominently in M. Wylie Blanchet's book, The Curve of Time.   After her husband died in 1927, Capi Blanchet, five children and a dog spend many summers exploring the Pacific Northwest in their 25' power boat.  She tells of meeting First Nation people and exploring their villages.  She also tells of meeting and befriending the early island settlers.  Along the way, she and her children experienced the many joys and hazards of traveling in the remote and sparsely settled Pacific Northwest.

On one of our dinghy explorations, we motored near a new 43' Ranger Tug.  The Queen of their product line!  The owners, seeing we were from our 27' Ranger Tug, summoned us over and invited us aboard.  What lovely people.  They were from Vancouver Island and on their initial cruise in the forty-three.  They graciously gave us a full tour of the vessel.  It really is spectacular.  The dinette lifts, to reveal a "secret room" with a washer, dryer, and second refrigerator and freezer!  Following the tour, we were invited to join them for a glass of wine and a slice of homemade plum galette.  Delicious!  We love how friendly boat owners are - and the Ranger Tug family in particular.

Grace Harbour

It was a short cruise to our next destination, Grace Harbour.  It is wonderful to have so many anchorages sprinkled liberally and spaced closely.   This one had a special tranquil feel.  In our journey here, we checked out other anchorages as destinations for future cruises.  It never hurts to do reconnaissance!

Amy Marie swings at anchor in Grace Harbour

We took the dinghy to shore and hiked to a nearby fresh water lake

We were equipped with bear spray as bears and cougars populate the islands

Our bear spray

The trail followed alongside the creek that drained the lake

We found the remains of a Caterpillar bulldozer

The area had been previously logged 

The lake was small to medium sized

We saw a suspected otter swimming in the lake.

Beth also spotted a bear on the far shore.  It disappeared into the woods when it saw us.

We felt it was a suitable time to return to the boat.

Amy Marie was waiting for us.

We enjoyed our visit.  The next morning, we departed for Refuge Cove.