Mike and Beth's Adventures

A sailor is obsessive about many things, one of the most important being the weather.  It is a constant topic of conversation and investigation.  Prior to leaving Mill Bay we had to select a destination.  This can not be accomplished without checking the weather, tides and currents.  Tides by the way vary between 12 and 14 feet in this portion of British Columbia.  The weather report indicated a low pressure area would pass just north of us with 25 knot winds from the southwest and gusts in excess of 40 knots.  Our next stop would need to provide very good protection from these conditions. A vista point overlooking Saanich Inlet We settled on Tod Inlet, just south of Butchart Gardens.  It is enter via a narrow channel and is surrounded on 4 sides by tall forested ridges.  We had a day of good weather to get there and settle in prior to the blow. We walked to the entrance of Butchart Gardens This inlet has a lot to offer.  The bottom is heavy ...

The view of Secret Bay from Backeddy Marina in Egmont B.C. Backeddy Marina was our stop both before and after our visit to Princess Louisa Inlet.  It is located near the intersection of Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel.  It is also a convenient stop from which it is easy to access the nearby Skookumchuck Rapids.  Currents are vigorous during certain portions of the tide cycle, so plan accordingly.  We all have a different tolerance for currents while docking.  We chose to arrive near slack water. There is fuel and water available at the marina.  Additionally, there are cabins and yurts available for rent.  The restaurant was particularly good, and the beer was cold!  Upscale dining is available at West Coast Wilderness Lodge just a short walk to the southeast.  Kayak rentals are also available on site. A fishing boat at dock in Egmont  YURTS for rent at Backeddy Marina. Rental cabins at Backeddy Marina Totem Pole on the edge of Skookum...

Princess Louisa Inlet Can you find the smiley face on the mountain? Hint: It's at the top! Pender Harbor is a good jumping off spot for any trip to Princess Louisa Inlet.  It affords an opportunity to top off fuel, water, and provisions for the 40+ mile trip north through Agamemnon Channel and Jervis Inlet.  When planning your trip, you must start with determining the time of slack water in Malibu Rapids.  This is the narrow opening at the entrance of Princess Louisa Inlet.  If you try to transit this area mid-tide, you will encounter strong currents and you can see the height difference between the inside and the outside as water levels try to equalize. You earn your entrance to Princess Louisa Inlet by traveling 40+ miles up a long fiord. It is easy to imagine that you might be in Norway.  This is a long distance at trawler speed, but time passes quickly as you are turning one way or the other to see the sights that present themselves in all directions. Toweri...