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.