Day 55 ~ Fury Cove to Echo Bay, Broughton Island

Armed with one of the longest float plans that we had created the entire trip, Dad and I prepared the boat for departure. We were rounding Cape Caution and bound for Sullivan Bay in the Broughton Islands. Over the course of the summer we had perfected the process of retrieving both the bow and the stern anchor without the use of the dinghy. Becca didn’t want to get up but the morning was beautiful and I didn’t want her to skip on the morning routine, so I made her get up just for our departure. We opened the bridge because the clouds were high and the sun was trying to peek out. I knew that it was going to be a long day with variable temperatures so I had layers of clothes on. We departed as scheduled and headed towards Cape Caution.

You know how when you drive somewhere the first time it seems really long and then the second time it is shorter…well boating is the same. It seemed only a short time and we were able to spot Egg Island and Cape Caution was just on the horizon. When we went north, the cape was totally fogged in. This time we took the opposite route and kept the mainland to our port side and followed it all the way down. We had 10 to 15 foot swells on our stern and beautiful blue skies over head. It was like riding a soft roller coaster in an amusement park. At one point, we changed course a bit and weaved around a few islands just to make it more interesting. Becca had gone back to bed and slept through the entire adventure.

By early afternoon we were already shedding layers of clothes. The wind was behind us blowing as hard as we were running so we virtually had to stand up to cool down. We came past Storm Islands this time with them on our starboard side. About halfway down we started hearing the wonderful sounds of our technology trying to connect. It wasn’t long and both of our phones were working. It was so nice to talk to home after we had been disconnected for several days. Everyone was glad to catch up.

We decided that the weather was beautiful and we were home sick so instead of stopping in Sullivan Bay we pressed on to Echo Bay with the intention of going all the way to Campbell River the following day. Wendy had booked Becca’s ticket out of Sullivan Bay but fortunately Kenmore Air was more than willing to pick her up in Lagoon Cove instead. Their flight came through the islands early afternoon and we figured we could make Lagoon Cove (with the roosters help).

After a beautiful run down Queen Charlotte and Wells Passage we arrived in Echo Bay. We needed fuel and their fuel dock is nestled under the general store.  In fairly strong winds, I got to put the boat on the dock with the bow hanging over the swim step of a boat on the dock. They measure their fuel in imperial gallons so we had to figure out that conversion. The gentleman helping us suggested that we use the internet. We were thrilled to learn that since our last visit they had installed wireless internet. We were also told that sometimes cell phones would work on the upper deck depending on the tide.

Dad gave me a 9.5 on my docking. It was wonderful getting docking and anchoring lessons all summer long. At the marina they decided to put us all the way down away from the general store and the internet hub. The marina is doing quite well and has resurfaced all of their docks since the last time we were there two years ago. They have also expanded their general store which had lovely produce.

We decided to get a jump on our cleaning chores. Dad started getting his man cave organized and sadly put away our fishing gear. Becca did laundry and then together we worked on fluffing up the interior. The internet access turned out to be a joke. Composing an email was so slow that it took about 30 seconds to type out a single letter. We were told that we could get our cell phones to work at high tide, which we patiently waited for and then trucked our way out to the point and no matter where we stood the phone just wouldn’t go through. I don’t know which is worse not having an expectation that technology is going to work or expecting it to work and it not.

I needed to get in touch with Wendy to let her know that Becca’s plans had changed and traditional email wouldn’t work but I could get on Facebook. Finally, I made a post asking someone to call her and ask her to get on FB. Well it worked! 

Our plan was to drop Becca off in Lagoon Cove to catch a float plan home and then we were going to beat it on to Campbell River. Unexpectedly, we determined that Seymour Narrows was not going to support our plans. The currents in the narrows would prohibit our transit until morning. We alternatively went to Blind Channel. It seemed somewhat fitting that we would change plans because it seemed that more often than not our initial float plan got changed. It was a fairly late night before we all gave up and went to bed.