August 14th Sydney Bay to Shoal Bay
67 degrees smokey
After a morning visit on the Belle from our dinner
companions, we shoved off at 11:00 and headed for Green Point Rapids. Our guests were most complimentary about the
Belle which made us feel quite proud of her.
Whirlpools greeted us leading into the rapids. The sailboat
in front of us was towing its dinghy and that small boat was being pushed from
port to starboard. We were to hit a certain point on an island halfway through the
rapids at 12:44 for the best crossing. We reached it at 12:42…BAZINGA!
The rapids proved nothing compared to the powerful wake
created by a large yacht speeding past us. The Belle and its shaken contents
definitely felt its presence.
It took two attempts to get a good hold in Shoal Bay. There
is quite a shelf in the bay. We were experiencing depths at 90 feet dropping
quickly to 30 feet. It had warmed up to 76 degrees and there were traces of
smoke circling the mountains outside the bay. The Belle was bathed in glorious
sunshine.
Heard there was a pub on shore so it took no time at all to
drop the dinghy and head for the dock. It was a pleasant stroll on the pier to
the green grass and flowers surrounding the pub, cabins and main house. There
is an extensive vegetable garden, and you are welcome to purchase anything that
appeals to you.
The pub porch
We sat out on the front deck of the pub which was actually a
house. You order your drinks at the kitchen counter. The “living room” was an
art gallery with pottery, photographs, books and t-shirts. While on the deck, we were joined by five
Canadians including our bartender. They
shared local knowledge of several areas in Northwest BC and told plenty of
“fish tales”. We were warned that as we make our way south, there will be even
more smoke. Our friends, Geoff and Donna, are meeting us in Campbell River.
They texted us saying that they were so anxious to escape the smoke in Medford,
Oregon. I fear they will find no relief.
Garden Gate
I had only one pint of beer and was looped. Forgot how much
more potent beer is in Canada.
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