Von Donop Inlet

Von Donop Inlet with Sailing Vessel Tamarac 7/13/2019

Von Donop Inlet 7/13/2019

A beautiful, sunny day for our 3-hour cruise to Von Donop Inlet to meet up with my longtime friend Sue and her husband John. Sue and I have been friends since the 1960’s, when attended high school together in England. We bear the same name and were born in the same year, on the same day. John refers to us as the twins.  Although there are often many years between our get togethers, our lives have followed very similar paths and successes.

Sue & John aboard their sailboat Tamarac were comfortably anchored at the head of Von Donop Inlet when we arrived.

Once we had Kaos secured and put to bed, they dinghied over for a reunion and an extended happy hour with lots of wine and storytelling.  A torrential, almost tropical down pour forced us down off of the sunny fly-bridge but did not dampen our spirits.

Following a plugged toilet aboard Kaos the next morning and a non-functioning alternator on Tamarac, Alan had earned his midday nap, while the rest of us dinghied to shore to hike the trail towards Squirrel Cove. The falling tide made dinghy tie-up challenging. John edged the dinghy into the rocky, muddy shore, necessitating Sue and I remove our sneakers and socks and wade a couple of feet to shore through smelly mud and across sharp oyster shells.

Once on shore, we had to don our socks and shoes, not an easy task. Hobbling across the sharp shells with mud squelching between our toes, we spied a small, flat rock. Amidst pain and laughter, we plunked way down and Sue produced the drinking water and a towel from her backpack and the messy clean-up began. Shoes finally on; it was now time to stand up, a more taxing task than anticipated! Upright now and ready to hit the trail, we picked our way across the rest of the sharp, shelled beach.

Meanwhile, John dragged the dinghy to a suitable tie-up, then waded ashore in his crocs.

A peaceful and sometimes challenging hike was enjoyed. The trip back across the beach to the dinghy was easier and less painful since we waded into the water with shoes still on and clambered back into the dink.


A combined effort for Happy hour & dinner aboard Kaos was enjoyed by all. Prior to dinner, we were entertained by John & his ukulele.

A fun and memorable evening together.


The following morning, Tamarac was ready to move on and rafted up to Kaos while we pumped 30 or so gallons of water into his tank. We said our farewells and watched Tamarac and crew sail off for their next adventure.

A wonderful and memorable re-union. Until we meet again!

Kaos spent a quiet day in Von Donop Inlet, reading, writing the blog and catching up with small boat chores.
Chores ended with a dinghy exploration down the Inlet to visit the reversing falls.

These waters are thick with jellyfish and although we are told that these do not sting, any thoughts of braving the cool for a refreshing swim were quickly forgotten.

Gorge Harbour

Gorge Harbor Resort 7/10/2019


It was a beautiful, sunny day upon our arrival.

The marina staff were professional and helpful. No sooner had we arrived, the grandkids bolted for the pool and spent most of the day soaking between the hot tub and the pool. A great place for families.
WE were docked across the dock from a 164' luxury yacht named Eviva. We looked like the dinghy alongside this beauty. With 5 or 6 crew members, this was the cleanest and shiniest vessel in the harbor.

The grounds and facilities are first rate.

We enjoyed an excellent dinner on the restaurant patio on night one and just finished our last mouthful of dessert as the rain started.

Next day was continuous rain, but none of the visiting kids were deterred from their pool time, spending more time in the hot tub than the pool.

The rave reviews about the happy hour & mid-afternoon tapas seemed like a great way to pass a rainy afternoon. Service was great but tapas, while not bad, fell short of expectations. Still a pleasant afternoon in the pouring rain.

Weather improved the next morning and the kids were off to spend their last hour or so at the pool, before we headed back to Campbell River.

Rebecca Spit

Rebecca Spit 7/9/2019

Another glorious, sunny day spent anchored off Rebecca Spit. 

The boys were able to dinghy ashore and expend some energy exploring the trails.

Prior to dinner, the sun was warm, and Alan, Dave and Heather ventured into the refreshing 68F waters for a cooling swim.

Once over the initial shock, they said it was lovely.

Another beautiful evening and sunset were enjoyed on the bow of the boat, around our portable campfire.

Squirrel Cove

Squirrel Cove 7/8/2019


After anchoring in the suggested anchorage, we lowered the dinghy and all took a trip out  to public wharf.

The grandkids needed some time to expend pent up energy while the adults needed some much needed exercise. 

We walked beach, visiting the old boat wreck. 

The visit ashore was not complete without a trip to the well stocked general store,  and the craft & gift shop, where I purchased some lovely, locally made  napkins. 

We later enjoyed a beer and snack on the restaurant deck, overlooking the harbor. 

After dinner aboard, we enjoyed viewing the sunset from the cockpit.

Departed next morning for Rebecca Spit. We were treated to some whale sightings along the way.

Manson's Landing

Manson Landing 7/5/2019


The weather was cloudy and threatening rain as we departed Campbell River. By the time we anchored in the bay of Manson's Landing, the rain had begun. Rain showers were on and off all day so we amused ourselves playing cards and games.

The grandkids were anxious for a ride in the dinghy and a chance to drive under the watchful eye and direction of Grampa.

Our evening was spent playing games.

Next morning was overcast but not raining. It was low tide and we explored the beach and lagoon.

The kids later walked the mile or so to the village settlement and acquired a resupply of wet weather snacks.
Later in the day, we noticed that the dinghy had come untied and was floating in the bay. Fortunately the folks anchored behind us were returning in their dinghy and Susann was able to flag them down. They kindly retrieved our dinghy and were happy to do so since the same thing happened to them the previous day.
Next morning the weather was dry but still overcast. WE opted to up anchor and move to Squirrel Cove, where the boys could walk ashore and burn some pent up energy.