Fall Cruise to Cortes Island

If you watch the weather, you can usually find two days in a row to take a quick cruise on the Strait of Georgia. Wayne and I were able to squeeze in one such trip to Cortes Island.

In September I told you about a cruise we took to Cortes with stops at Von Donop Inlet and Gorge Harbour. The destination for this second fall cruise was Cortes Bay.

We again loaded our bicycles so that we could tour the island. When we arrived at the Cortes Bay government dock, we decided to tie up for the night rather than anchor. That's one big advantage of off-season cruising. Just after we arrived, a motorcyclist stopped and proceeded to walk down the dock looking at the boats. She was helping the harbour master and took our overnight fee. There is also an honor box at the top of the ramp.

The road from Cortes Bay to Manson's Landing are pretty hilly. Even more so than on our previous trip. But the scenery was beautiful and the weather just right for pedaling. We exited the marina and turned left on Bartholomew Road. This road takes you all the way to Sutil Point Road. At this junction we weren't sure which way to turn for Manson's Landing. Wayne tried to flag down a driver, but he just thought we were waving. The second driver stopped and gave us directions, turn right. We were in luck today. There was a farmer's market in progress at the community center, Manson's Hall.

Even if there isn't a market in progress, this is a great place to stop. It's the meeting place for islanders with a post office and thrift store inside. After we ate lunch at the Sunset Restaurant we went across the street to the market and had homemade peach ice cream - YUM!

Rather than head straight back, we continued on to Seaford Road until we reached Hague Lake. This is a great swimming spot. After a refreshing dip we retraced our path to the boat. Seaford Road will take you to Bartholomew, but it's a steeper route.

Back at the Bayliner, we were ready for a quiet night on the dock. We were the only occupants other than working boats waiting for their captains. If you like solitude, its a great time to travel.

Want to read more about our boating adventures? Take a look at Up the Strait available at PowellRiverBooks.com. -- Margy