MINSTREL ISLAND PUBLIC DOCK
The winds were mighty fierce
yesterday afternoon and evening. It was an uncomfortable experience. There were
white caps and gusts roaring through the cove. We put our anchor watch on and
studied it closely. We were being tossed about but the anchor held firm…thank
goodness. At around midnight, David got
up to check around when the winds started up again. He noticed another boat in
the bay. In the morning we realized it
was a beautiful double-mast yawl. There were several people aboard recovering
from what must have been quite a wild ride on their way in.
We left Boughey Bay
around 8:30 a.m. and headed through Chatham Channel, a very narrow shallow
stretch of water. David timed the tides just right, and we followed the range
markers through depths as low as 25 feet. We decided to explore the Public Dock
on Minstrel Island first before considering Cutter
Cove. We both thought with the forceful
winds threatening to blow hard again tonight, being tied to a dock sounded like
a wise idea.
Floating trees and logs are definitely to be avoided.
We docked with ease and after
tying up, went on a walkabout. This used to be a bustling fishing dock with
restaurant, store and residences. It is such a shame that it has been so
neglected and is in such disrepair. The docks are a bit rickety in spots and
David kept reminding me to walk on the beam for support. There was a shed
filled with furniture, tools and sawdust. Where we believe the restaurant once
was, a table with old abandoned bottles perched on top sat facing the water…. a
sad reminder of what must have been.
We started up an overgrown
path but when I saw all the wild berries, I got a bit spooked. I really would
like to have a bear sighting but wish to experience it from the comfort of my
boat watching from afar. I headed back and urged David to follow.
There are two houses near by
that we can see. Several boats are docked at their float. They might be having
a Canada Day gathering. A large power
boat tied up along side us early afternoon and several people got off to
explore and have lunch. They are on a 9 hour grizzly bear tour. Talked to one
gentleman who said they did see grizzlies on Knight Inlet earlier today and
spotted some black bear, as well. Anita told us of a spot on the inlet called, Glendale, where she and
Bruce spotted a mama grizzly and cubs playing in the water. We hope to make it
there.
Early this afternoon we took
our dinghy over to Lagoon Cove. David filled our gas cans for the dinghy at
almost $5.50 a gallon (!), but it had to be done. We were met by the friendly
proprietress who told us that the resort was her husband’s dream and after 57
years of marriage, he passed away two years ago. She will continue to run it
until it sells.
She invited us to tour the
grounds while she tended to her homemade bread. We chuckled at the signs posted
about urging you to “exercise” by splitting wood and mowing the lawn. There are
some hiking trails into the woods and a huge catchment cistern which we
strolled by. We were warned to bring a loud noisemaker with us if we hiked because
there are black bears. We might return tomorrow with our air horn.
Lagoon Cove decorated for Canada Day
Not sure they ever got any volunteers!
Another view of the resort
A shady spot just for David
We were invited to join their
Canada Day celebrations but we would have to moor our boat there. After
spending almost $60 on gas, we opted to stay at the free moorage at the Public
Dock. We were told the WiFi was not very good at the resort, but it was going
to cost us $10 to use it…no, thank you. It looked like they were going to have a lot
of fun, though, with a crab race and then a crab and prawn potluck. We’ll have
fun with our hamburgers and green beans and possibly have the entire dock to
ourselves. We hope to return to Lagoon Cove someday...nice people.
The winds have started to
kick up again at 3:30 p.m. I hope it won’t be as unsettling as last night.
Getting ready for the crab race
Our Canada Day celebration dinner...sans crab
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