After a week of city time in Vancouver it was time to move on. The noise, the people and all the bustle that is a city gets overwhelming at some point and we both seek solitude, quiet and a peaceful anchorage in nature. But before leaving the Vancouver area all together there as a place we wanted to visit in Indian Arm. While technically out of the city its only 30 miles but everything changes. The weather was cool withs some clouds and as the city was in our rear view we felt a lightness come over us. We could breath a little easier now. We cruised up almost to the top of Indian Arm in order to view our first waterfall of the trip. We hoped to drop the hook and have lunch there as well but it just didn't work out. It was either way too deep (200 plus feet) or way to close to shore for comfort. So we just took our time and absorbed the falls and slowly meandered until we had enough. South in Indian Arm is Bedwell Bay which is a quiet tree lined anchorage. When we arrived there was another cruiser anchored but after a little time he left and we had the place to ourselves. Peace and quiet was so nice after a week in Vancouver. Jeff bbq'd dinner for us- salmon for him, tofu for me and we settled in for a relaxing evening.
Goodbye Vancouver
Shipping Yard Outside Vancouver
Cruising to Indian Arm
Entering Indian Arm
Power Plant in Indian Arm
Indian Arm Waterfall
Bedwell Bay Anchorage
Stern View Bedwell Bay
After some quiet and r&r we were ready to head out for the Sunshine Coast and our next leg of our B.C. cruise. The Sunshine coast goes from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound and all the areas in between. It's called the Sunshine Coast because it has one of the highest totals of sunshine in Canada with little rain and fog.
Our first stop was Plumper Cove Marine Park where we hoped to get some dock space for the easter weekend. We up-anchored at 0700 to give ourselves a chance. The four hour cruise was cold and rainy and not what we expected from this Sunshine Coast. When we arrived there was only one sailboat tied up at the dock and we quickly positioned ourselves to have an unobstructed view from the stern. Shew. We were in and could relax for the rest of the weekend. After some lunch aboard we hit the park and hiked to the top of lookout mountain which proved to be much harder then we expected. The view was great and we felt good getting some exercise. As the day progressed more and more boats came into the park and we watched satisfyingly from the stern. We had a nice facetime catchup session with our friends Randal & Michelle and continued the party after we ended the call. Jeff met some boat neighbors on the dock and I invited them in. Darious and Jaison were friends from Vancouver and it was fun getting to know some locals. We played music and chatted about cruising destination and they gave me some suggestions for our itinerary. It was a good first day in Plumper.
Leaving Indian Arm
Bye-Bye Vancouver Again
Passing a Freighter Underway
Dock at Plumper Cove Marine Park
Stern View
Stern View
Hiking Plumper Cover Marine Park
Hike Plumper Cove
Dock at Plumper Cove
Jaison & Darius
Gibsons Harbour
Dingy Ride
Us at Gibsons
Before leaving in the morning we took one last walk off the boat around the plumper cove marine park. We chatted with some neighbors and said out goodbyes then set out for the 11 mile cruise to Snug Harbour. It was partly sunny and we were looking forward to being at a marina- getting power, wifi and just being able to catch up a little. The marina lived up to it's name as we were assigned to a slip next to a floating house that I was surprised that Jeff could get us in. After securing the lines with the help of a deckhand we had a little lunch then set out to explore our surroundings. Snug Harbour Marina is nestled between a busy ferry dock and a community park with the town (one street) just adjacent. Despite it being a Monday the town was bustling with people coming and going from the ferry. It was another cute one with several restaurants and a few shops. While walking we spotted a place called Tuscany Wood Oven Pizza that sounded good so we made a plan to come back for dinner. We got a coffee and sat outside and people watched and took in the warm spring weather. Jeff called Tuscany Pizza to confirm they were open and they were. When we arrived the hostess told us she had the chefs table for us. Neither of us knew what this was but were pleasantly surprised when we found out. It was an isolated two top table with a glass window viewing the kitchen and the chef running it. We were amazed and very entertained. We drank wine and ate homemade focaccia and watched the chef sweat out each order tasting them to ensure perfection. Our waitress told us their was a little delay in the food and we could care less. With wine, bread and the view we were more then happy. When the food did arrive (right in the window in front of us) it did not disappoint. Jeff got a seafood pasta and I got a pizza. Both delicious. Jeff even told the chef through the window it was the best pasta he ever ate. What a wonderful first night in Snug Cove.
Full Dock at Plumper Cove
Final Walk in Plumper
Cruising to Snug Cove
Snug Cover Harbour
Snug Cover Marina
Marina from the Park
Our Stern View
Ferry Leaving the Dock
Docked Next to Floating House
Ferry in Town
Chef's Table View
Jeff's Pasta
Me & My Pizza
The next day brought the rain and not just a little bit for a short time but pouring rain the entire day. We didn't let it stop us though and made our way to Bridlevail falls a nice short hike that starts right in town. The trails were green and lush and the falls gorgeous with a fish ladder. The trees kept us protected from the rain and we took our time meandering around the woods. The hike ended and we made our way towards the supermarket to get some fresh food provisions before we left the next morning.
Bridelvail Falls
Fish Ladder
The next morning leaving Snug Cove we heard the dreaded noise that no boater ever wants to hear, the banging of a log thumping it's way down our haul causing unknown damage leaving you cringing in agony and kicking yourself for not seeing it before it reeks havoc on your boat. Today was that day for us. We watch diligently the entire time we are cruising. We sit in the helm chair and not the further back settee. This time we missed one. Jeff was coming up from a bathroom break and I was watching. AT some point between me leaving the helm chair and him slipping in it the log got us. We immediately went into neutral and waited as the log banged its way from bow to stern. Jeff ran back to see it after it finished its damage and never could find it. Sometimes they get so black they blend in with the water. The rest of the ride would be on pins and needles scouring the water for any other targets. Finally around 1300 we were anchored in Buccaneer Bay Marine Park out of the debris, all alone and grateful for the silence. We were the only boat in the tiny little cove nestled between a rock and mooring balls. The afternoon was spent reading and taking in the view and it was a very special night, the premier of the new season of Deadliest Catch. I was ecstatic!
Vancouver in the Distance Cruising to Buccaneer Bay
Lighthouse In Route
Entering Buccaneer Bay
Buccaneer Bay Bow View
Buccaneer Bay
Sunset Stern View
Sunset Bow View
The next morning was a shortest cruise to date 3.4 miles. The 30 minute cruise flew by before we knew it and the anchor was back in the water and we were nestled in Secret Cove. I had read that there was a marine store and a restaurant at the marina so we set out to explore the three finger coves. Because we are so early in the boating season nothing was open. Other then one mechanic we didn't see a single other person anywhere. After our dingy exploration we settled back in the boat and read and played Rummy-cube. Another peaceful place.
Cruising into Secret Cove
Secret Cove
Secret Cove
Anchored in Secret Cove
Our View
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