The Broughton Archipelago

 

Broughton Archipelago

The Broughton Archipelago is situated to the east of Queen Charlotte Strait, just south of Broughton Island and northwest of Gilford Island. Much of this archipelago is now a marine park.

 One cruising editor wrote “our journal, written at anchor after a day of exploring, reads, “a marvelous group of islands and passages, but few good anchorages.”  This trip is an exploration trip for us to check out places we might visit and spend more time on subsequent visit. We shall see if we concur with the above quote from a cruising editor.

 

Booker Lagoon – 22 August

After 3 days of steady to heavy rain, we upped anchor and departed Nimmo Bay, heading southwest to Booker Lagoon. Our travels took us down Mackenzie Sound, where we saw many seals lazing on an exposed rock, even though it was cool and no sunshine. 

We continued through Kenneth Passage just before slack, low tide. It was benign, but we did encounter some swirls and current on the far side, where we saw the Roaring Rapids frothing and spilling out behind us. 

Continuing down Grappler Sound and Wells Passage, we entered Queen Charlotte Strait and on into Cullen Harbour, another safe anchorage and respite from Queen Charlotte Strait. Continuing through Cullen Harbour, we entered the narrow channel leading us into the land locked, expansive Booker Lagoon. 

The lagoon provides safe anchorage for a huge number of boats in its many bights and coves and one could easily spend a week here, exploring the many coves.

The day was mostly cloudy, and the west wind was cold for us Texans. The sun made a brief appearance later in the day, so we enjoyed happy hour on our back deck. Alan described this photo as brrrr Broughtons!

Next morning, we awoke to low tide and watched a bear forage along the shoreline in our anchorage. He/she turned over large rocks, looking for mussels, crabs and anything edible beneath.

After upping anchor, we cruised around some of the coves whilst waiting for slack tide and a smooth passage through the narrow channel and out into Cullen Harbour. Prior to exiting Booker Lagoon, we saw four more separate bear sightings in different coves.

 

Monday Anchorage & Joe Cove - 23 August

We anchored in Monday Anchorage and explored the area by dinghy, including nearby Joe Cove. Both were very picturesque, but we were not confident that the holding would be good in Joe Cove, so opted for the picturesque Monday Anchorage, even though it was more exposed to winds from the west. The west wind blows off Queen Charlotte Strait and is noticeably colder than farther east, which was the case during our cool but enjoyable stay.

Prior to anchoring in Monday Anchorage, we checked out Joe Cove and were greeted by a school of porpoises as we departed the cove. 

The old float in Joe Cove is past its best before date and no longer safe or useable. 

We later returned by dinghy and found at least 30 porpoises performing at the head of Joe Cove. 

They were swimming, jumping, and speeding through the water. We were unsure if they were playing or herding a school of fish. Regardless, they were fascinating and fun to watch. 

During our decades of boating and numerous dolphin encounters, we have not witnessed so many in such proximity.

Today was a wildlife bonanza with four bear sightings in Booker Lagoon this morning and the dolphin experience in Joe Cove!

The holding here was good with a mud/sand bottom and we spent a calm, peaceful night.

Potts Lagoon – 24 & 25 August

We headed into Potts Lagoon to check out anchorage possibilities. The actual lagoon lies beyond the anchorage. It is shallow but great for kayaks. There are several suitable anchorages, and depending on wind direction, some offer better protection than others. Holding is good with a mud bottom. There is room for many boats to swing on anchor, although we did not see another soul during our stay. It was a peaceful anchorage.

There used to be a log boom operation here and all except the loading dock has been removed. The ramp and dock are in good condition and provide cruisers with an opportunity to get ashore and stretch their legs along the logging roads, some of which are becoming overgrown.

 

The anchorage at the far southwest end offers the most protection and is lined with rustic float cabins, some of which are available for rent and ideal for fishermen. These just add character to the area.

Family Get Together in Nanoose Bay

 Family Get Together in Nanoose Bay, Vancouver Island

We spent 6 - 8 August visiting with family at Alan's sister's cottage. Unfortunately the weather did not co-operate this year so we spent a lot of time visiting and enjoying great food and adult beverages.

These photos were taken when we visited last year and the weather was more conducive to outdoor activities.

Below is evidence that although the weather was not great, a fun time was had by all and surprisingly, adult beverages were a contributor.

Clearly, some of us are not destined for a role in Saturday Night Fever or Flash Dance!