Summer Cruising Part II

Going slow through Thulin Passage.

With calm winds, we treated ourselves to another cruise, this time up the Strait of Georgia to Squirrel Cove on Cortes Island.

We're lucky to live so close to world famous boating destinations. In about an hour, we were looking for a spot on the Squirrel Cove public dock (first-come, first-serve). It's small and popular with islanders and tourists. With power, it cost $20 for our 25-footer. Boaters resupply at the general store and many anchor in the large all-weather cove.

Halcyon Days at the end of the Squirrel Cove public dock.

We were lucky to find a spot on the shore side of the dock even though it was tricky to reach with the extremely low spring time. Not long after we got there, a prime spot on the outside opened up so we pulled Halcyon Days around and tied her up for our overnight stay.

Relaxing and reading in the shade on shore.

We spent the afternoon reading and then went to the Cove Restaurant for an early dinner served by Flying Squirrel Takeout. Crispy calamari and fish tacos hit the spot.

Historic Refuge Cove general store.

The next day we motored across to Refuge Cove on West Redonda Island. We've been here many times for fuel and last year stayed overnight. Refuge Cove has a long history of providing products and services in remote Coastal BC.

In summer, visitors arrive in boats large and small. Overnight moorage is first-come, first-serve at a dollar a foot.

Halcyon Days at sunset with the store and restaurant in the background.

Enjoying a cold one at the Upcoast Summer restaurant.

The fuel dock has gas, diesel and propane. The general store has everything from fresh vegetables to hardware. Other services include a post office, used books, showers, laundromat, garbage service and Internet.

This trip we didn't bring any food to cook. We went to the Upcoast Summers restaurant for pizza at lunch and hamburgers at dinner.

Convenient parking at the Lund hotel dock for $10 for 2 hours.

We started early the next morning so we could stop in Lund to deliver some of Wayne's Coastal BC Stories books to Deborah at the Tug-ghum Gallery and have breakfast in the remodeled historic Lund Hotel, now called The Lund Resort at Klah ah men.

Trolling for salmon near Powell River.

What would a cruise on the Strait of Georgia be without trolling for salmon. When it was catch-and-release, we hooked one. Now that we can keep our catch, not a nibble. But as they say, a bad day fishing is better than a good day __ (you fill in the blank).

Thanks again for cruising with us on the Northern Strait of Georgia. You can read more about our boating adventures in Farther Up the Strait. Each chapter takes you on voyages to remote inlets and anchorages. E-books are available online at Kindle, Kobo and Smashwords. Print formats through Amazon, many online booksellers and locally in Powell River at Coles. -- Margy