We decided to anchor in Port Harvey for the evening. We dropped the crab trap anticipating the next days dinner. We were rewarded with 4 crabs.

Port Harvey offers several well sheltered, quiet anchorages that are perhaps the best cruising anchorages along Johnstone Strait. It is also the closest anchorage to the famed Robson Bight. In the shallows of Robson Bight the Orcas rub their bellies and sides to rid themselves of parasites.Whale watching here is at its best. Total respect must be given to these wonderful mammals.

We would continue on to Potts Lagoon. We anchored amongst three other boats for the evening. In the background the sound of a small waterfall. It was here that I witness my first Herring Ball. The entire lagoon was a big ball.In most cases these herring balls last for only a few minutes and it is important to act quickly to that specific location so that you can cast to the feeding melee. Be assured, when you have hooked a fast feeding coho or chinook in one of these situations it is an experience to remember! I did not have a net or a fishing line handy. It was something to remember. I will always be curious to how many salmon must have been there to coral so many herring.

We weighed anchor and continue on to our next destination. As we pulled the pawn trap up we could see that we were going to enjoy yet another wonderful seafood meal. Our guest, Betty was now experiencing a reaction to a seasickness patch she had administered. She was covered in a angry red rash and her lips were swelling. We monitored the situation and because her airways did not seem to be a problem continued. She took some Benadry and went back to bed.

We had to travel through Beware Passage. It is obstructed by numerous islands, rocks and shoal areas: local knowledge is recommended and it is prudent to navigate it at low water on a rising tide when underwater dangers are visible. Close attention should be paid to drift from tidal streams. It was our moment!

Once through the pass (no problems) we were in First Nations Territory. Mamalilaculla .... is in ruins. An Indian village once prosperous with wooden houses, circa 1920. The village is now abandoned and nature is slowly reclaiming its territory. Remanants of long houses and totems are still prevalent.

While we were anchored in this location, we heard two native fisherman yelling that they had just caught a halibut! Anchors aweigh!. We scurried over the same area. Dropped our line and started jigging. Within 2 minutes I got a bite. I couldn't budge the line. It was too heavy. I had a big one not a 35 pound one. Ken quickly came to my rescue. Well that halibut got my lure. I am positive it was at least 100 pounds but I guess I'll never know, nor will anyone ever believe me!

August 2005 -Cruising the Broughton's

Our two week vacation in August would begin in early March with a get together for planning with our guests to be.
The Broughton Islands were the destination.
For the dedicated cruiser, boat ownership on the coast is the ability to shake off the crowds and to visit the places where just a few may wonder. (Not counting the numerous fish boats, tugs and cruise ships).This area due to the tidal mixing zones of Johnstone Strait, Queen Charlotte Strait and Knight Inlet produces the rich marine life that sustains the Orca, Humpback, Seins, and Great White whales. The dolphins are bountiful.
Grizzly’s, Black Bears can be seen fishing for salmon near the waters edge where the streams and the ocean meet. Many cruises wear bear bells when wandering onto the shores. I have read that the bears do not fear anything that comes from the water therefore caution should be taken not to startle them. (Believe me I am more scared of them)
Ken received a birding book for Christmas and we are looking forward to spotting and being able to name some of the birds we come across.
August is a great month to be traveling to North Vancouver Island as the Salmon fishing is at its best Tyee is common, and it is the time to see the whales following the salmon and as mentioned above bear sightings are the norm especially at Knights Inlet.
My goal is the Halibut. My plans are to try everyday until I get one! I just want a small one 35-45 lb. Not a 300 lb. one. This is the area to catch them!
This area is First Nations territory. Many abandoned villages with decaying big houses and totem poles. History; that goes back thousand of years long before the European’s visited. Mittens made from seashells. Reservations where the peoples are reclaiming their heritage and extending their culture to visitors through their art, dances and ceremonies.
Our adventure begins!




On August 01/05
we picked Betty and John up at the government dock in Campbell River and headed to Manson's Landing on Cortes Island. It is this location that we choose to collect our oysters and clams. We had timed our arrival for low tide. The secret to harvesting these shellfish is to bend over! That's it! To think how much time I had spent on researching how to clam and oyster fish. The oysters are huge but have challenges in opening their shells. In less than 10 minutes we have several meals.

Here is an attempt at putting in a picture. Since RJ so graciously took pictures of himself while visiting last week, I will use his mug to experiment with!

It worked! He could really use a shave but hey what's a Mom to do! University students! For those of you that have not seen a picture of RJ lately, he is 6'4" and 19 years old. He is attending University in Kelowna taking Bachelor of Business Administration. He is currently in his 2nd year. Hobbies. Skiing the powder snow! Music,music, music.

I think I might be ready to attempt boating pictures next. Sorry RJ if I have embarrassed you. Not!

That's what you get for playing with our camera.

Learning How to Blog

This is an attempt to learn how to create a journal for our family and friends to help keep in touch as we travel. It is hoped that through our journals, stories , and pictures it will allow those who read the entries to dream and become part of our armchair crew. Heaven knows that many of you have listen about our dreams for years.

Be aware that should you appear in our stories you may or may not have your identities altered!Something to think about should something embarrassing happen.

I will be putting in old stories and pictures to begin with, all in the name of educating myself. Should you have read them before please have patience as boating season is just around the corner and new experiences will, I'm sure occur.