Now we had picked up our passenger from the plane, we had plans to backtrack to Pruth Bay and check out the acclaimed Calvert Island beaches. Forecast had the wind building later in the day. We left the Sheawater dock at 7:30am with a calm start, back through Lama Passage and down Fitz Hugh Sound.
On the way down Fitz Hugh Sound we did a pass by the old abandoned settlement of Namu. It looked interesting to explore but we elected to leave that for another trip.
At 12:00 we were at Hakai Passage, and a bit apprehensive given the current conditions, forecast and the reputation. At least we had the tide on our side (ie it was with the wind). Wind was 18 knots and seas were lumpy with some open ocean swell coming through. West Sea Otter was reporting 2M seas. The dinghy on tow was a bit of a worry but utimately was ok - banging into the seas aside. It was not relaxing but certainly not dangerous.
Once tucked in behind Rattenbury Island all was easy again. A pleasant run down Meay Inlet and into Pruth Bay. We didn't bother with Keith Bay or the South Inlet and dropped the anchor at 1:45 in the most popular spot in front of the research station. We were in with another 10 boats but it wan't crowded.
We jumped straight into the dinghy to head to West Beach. As noted in many articles and blog postings the Research Institute makes their docks available for dinghy tie-up and access to the trail to West Beach. It is hugely appreciated for sure. We had the weather on our side and the beach certainly lived up to its amazing reputation - a must-visit and spectacular spot. We walked the beach enjoying the fine sand under our feet.
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| Beautiful West Beach, Calvert Island |
On the way down Fitz Hugh Sound we did a pass by the old abandoned settlement of Namu. It looked interesting to explore but we elected to leave that for another trip.
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| Namu |
Once tucked in behind Rattenbury Island all was easy again. A pleasant run down Meay Inlet and into Pruth Bay. We didn't bother with Keith Bay or the South Inlet and dropped the anchor at 1:45 in the most popular spot in front of the research station. We were in with another 10 boats but it wan't crowded.
We jumped straight into the dinghy to head to West Beach. As noted in many articles and blog postings the Research Institute makes their docks available for dinghy tie-up and access to the trail to West Beach. It is hugely appreciated for sure. We had the weather on our side and the beach certainly lived up to its amazing reputation - a must-visit and spectacular spot. We walked the beach enjoying the fine sand under our feet.
Click for a short video from West Beach
At the north end of West Beach is a trail access for North Beach. A nice walk up over the penninsula and past a lake lead us to North Beach - another amazing beach - and deserted.
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| Lake on the way to North Beach |
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| North Beach |
