Day 9 - Forward Bay (coastal mainland) to Lagoon Cove (Cracroft Island)

Up at the crack of dawn, we were kind of surprised to see we were one of the last boats remaining in the bay. I guess everyone had the same idea we did – head into Johnstone Strait first thing. Our “friend” who anchored a wee bit too close to us was also gone. We wouldn’t have to blow our air horn at him to “Wake Up!” and move his freaking boat so we could leave. Too bad, that actually would have been kind of fun.

The air had definitely changed overnight. The cool breeze had turned quite frigid, and thick clouds hinted that we may not see the sun today at all. Up came the anchor and off we went to see what Johnstone Strait had in store for us.

Cap’n Adam was at the helm again, through some swirly waters of Sunderland Channel north of Hardwicke Island. And into Johnstone Strait we plunged. In addition to strong currents and strong winds, this passage is also a busy shipping lane. Freighters and cruise ships pass through here regularly; it is most prudent take heed. Our plan was to tuck into Port Neville if things got too rough, which was about half way through our estimated 4 hour trip. Although the winds were cold and strong (we even donned everybody’s favourite – the survival suits!!), we were travelling with an ebb tide, and the waters were quite flat. Better to be too cautious than not cautious enough.

We cruised right by Port Neville, exited Johnstone Strait and headed counter-clockwise around East Cracroft Island. Through Havannah Channel and Chatham Channel we saw a pod of about 15 porpoises splashing and swimming and having a grand old time (it seemed to us). Through “The Blow Hole” between Minstrel Island and East Cracroft, we were now at Lagoon Cove, a protected little spot with a private marina. It was early afternoon and the sky was now blue again, the sun reminding us of his strength. Not wanting to spend money on moorage, we found a spot in a secluded bay to throw the anchor down, then dingied to the marina to check it all out. The harbinger Bill was most friendly, inviting us to explore the walking trails and facilities at our leisure.

We are now at the very edge of our destination, the Broughton Archipelago. Tomorrow we will enter it proper, and begin our 3 week exploration of this special corner of British Columbia.