09/03 - 09/18 - Desolation Sound 2005
- Thread starter Catman
- Start date
Pat Anderson
New member
Great, thanks, lets hear it first hand! If we cross from Tsawwassen to Duke Point, what are the options for places to launch with ample parking, and about how far away from Desolation would we be starting? Chemainus / Ladysmith looks like it is a fair distance to Desolation...Ladysmith is more or less on the same latitutde as Point Roberts / Blaine...Your help here will be greatly appreciated!
sailor-d":15lbrd53 said:
Sailor-D to Desolation Sound, Sep 2004 - Part 1
It might be a useful start to mention that Sailor-D is a 22ft C-Dory Cruiser equipped with a 100hp Yamaha main and 9.9 Yamaha auxilliary, 2 Fortress FX 11 Anchors (one rigged and one spare c/w chain and rode, Bennet trim-tabs, Icom VHF radio, Garmin 120XL GPS, depth sounder, Davis Echomaster radar reflector and fully fuelled with 200litres ( 75 US gals.) gas. The charts/pubs. that I used were:
Strait of Georgia – Southern Portion, LC 3463
Strait of Georgia – Central Portion, LC 3512
Strait of Georgia – Northern Portion, 3513
Strip Chart 2 and 4 of 3310 (no longer in print)
Sunshine Coast – Vancouver Harbour to Desolation Sound, Strip Charts 3311
Jervis Inlet and Desolation Sound chart book 3312
Sailing Directions, BC Coast (Southern Portion) Vol 1, Sixteenth Edition
Cdn Tide and Current Tables, Vol 5 (2004)
Waggoner Cruising Guide 2004
The complement was myself, 1st Mate (Helen) and Gus the wonderdog, our miniature Schanuzer. Misc equipment is our tender, an 8 ft OMC inflatable (made by Zodiac) carried inflated on the cabin top. It is powered by a 2hp Yamaha 2 stroke.
On the morning of 2 Sep we launched at the Ladysmith Government Dock boat launch, two very substantial floating fingers and a good concrete ramp. At this time there is no charge for launching. There is a large parking lot but since I was going to be away for three weeks I left the boat in control of 1st Mate and took my truck and trailer back to my house in Chemainus. My father (90 yrs old) drove me back to the launch. We were underway at 1050hr and off for a short jaunt to Dodd Narrows, slack at around 1300hr. Dodd Narrows is pretty straighforward and I prefer to transit at slack, it can be quite busy with log tows, polite operators and all too often inconsiderate boaters. We arrived at Newcastle Island at 1400 or so and anchored on the South side in Mark Bay – very good holding bottom. Since it was such a fine afternoon we did a recon of the channel between Newcastle Island and Protection Island with a view of using it when we left the next morning. The tide was up at this time an the water looked OK. That evening we had supper at the Dinghy Dock pub on Protection Island. Ambience is great and the food is passable.
3 Sep, 0900hr weighed anchor and headed out in the channed between Newcastle and Protection Islanda - average water depth was 8ft and the tide was flooding. Our destination was Pender Harbour and area WG (CFMETR Torpedo Range) was inactive so we were able to shoot right across the Strait. Had it been active would have required us to detour northwest along the southern boundary of WG past Range Control on Winchelsea Island to Ballenas Channel and then due north to Pender Harbour. Range Control at CFMETR is quite sticky about vessels entering the range when firings are underway and will not hesitate to order vessels to clear the area. Be precise with your navigation. The marine weather forecast will give the status of WG as part of its forecast. Winds were light, slight overcast and there was a bit of a chop. We arrived at Pender around 1300hr. The only fuel available in Pender Harbour is at the fuel dock in Hospital Bay near the Government Dock. We tied up for the night at Irvines Landing $20(Cdn), pub, coin showers. Plenty of dock space.
4 Sep, 0830hr, departed Irvines Landing – our destination Powell River. Weather was slightly hazy and overcast but warm, bit of a chop and we head northeast up Malaspina Channel toward Jervis Inlet. Wind picked up a bit and the odd shower slightly bigger chop – this is a fairly open area of water, not much traffic though. At end of Malaspina Channel in vicinity of Grief Point (why do they name features like that anyway? – scares the hell out of you) seas calmed and sun was shining, put the tabs down and the hammer down and has a nice fast (20mph+) run into Powell River – actually Westview, somewhat south of Powell River. Westview is quite crowded with commercial fishboats that seem to be permanent fixtures. Schoozed with other boaters, quite a few were Americans on chartered sailboats - just loving the area spending their last weekend. Wharfingers extremely helpful, showers etc. Westview is the eastern terminus of the Comox/Powell river BC Ferry. Fuel and ice available.
Next Chapter coming soon – Lund and north
Dave
It might be a useful start to mention that Sailor-D is a 22ft C-Dory Cruiser equipped with a 100hp Yamaha main and 9.9 Yamaha auxilliary, 2 Fortress FX 11 Anchors (one rigged and one spare c/w chain and rode, Bennet trim-tabs, Icom VHF radio, Garmin 120XL GPS, depth sounder, Davis Echomaster radar reflector and fully fuelled with 200litres ( 75 US gals.) gas. The charts/pubs. that I used were:
Strait of Georgia – Southern Portion, LC 3463
Strait of Georgia – Central Portion, LC 3512
Strait of Georgia – Northern Portion, 3513
Strip Chart 2 and 4 of 3310 (no longer in print)
Sunshine Coast – Vancouver Harbour to Desolation Sound, Strip Charts 3311
Jervis Inlet and Desolation Sound chart book 3312
Sailing Directions, BC Coast (Southern Portion) Vol 1, Sixteenth Edition
Cdn Tide and Current Tables, Vol 5 (2004)
Waggoner Cruising Guide 2004
The complement was myself, 1st Mate (Helen) and Gus the wonderdog, our miniature Schanuzer. Misc equipment is our tender, an 8 ft OMC inflatable (made by Zodiac) carried inflated on the cabin top. It is powered by a 2hp Yamaha 2 stroke.
On the morning of 2 Sep we launched at the Ladysmith Government Dock boat launch, two very substantial floating fingers and a good concrete ramp. At this time there is no charge for launching. There is a large parking lot but since I was going to be away for three weeks I left the boat in control of 1st Mate and took my truck and trailer back to my house in Chemainus. My father (90 yrs old) drove me back to the launch. We were underway at 1050hr and off for a short jaunt to Dodd Narrows, slack at around 1300hr. Dodd Narrows is pretty straighforward and I prefer to transit at slack, it can be quite busy with log tows, polite operators and all too often inconsiderate boaters. We arrived at Newcastle Island at 1400 or so and anchored on the South side in Mark Bay – very good holding bottom. Since it was such a fine afternoon we did a recon of the channel between Newcastle Island and Protection Island with a view of using it when we left the next morning. The tide was up at this time an the water looked OK. That evening we had supper at the Dinghy Dock pub on Protection Island. Ambience is great and the food is passable.
3 Sep, 0900hr weighed anchor and headed out in the channed between Newcastle and Protection Islanda - average water depth was 8ft and the tide was flooding. Our destination was Pender Harbour and area WG (CFMETR Torpedo Range) was inactive so we were able to shoot right across the Strait. Had it been active would have required us to detour northwest along the southern boundary of WG past Range Control on Winchelsea Island to Ballenas Channel and then due north to Pender Harbour. Range Control at CFMETR is quite sticky about vessels entering the range when firings are underway and will not hesitate to order vessels to clear the area. Be precise with your navigation. The marine weather forecast will give the status of WG as part of its forecast. Winds were light, slight overcast and there was a bit of a chop. We arrived at Pender around 1300hr. The only fuel available in Pender Harbour is at the fuel dock in Hospital Bay near the Government Dock. We tied up for the night at Irvines Landing $20(Cdn), pub, coin showers. Plenty of dock space.
4 Sep, 0830hr, departed Irvines Landing – our destination Powell River. Weather was slightly hazy and overcast but warm, bit of a chop and we head northeast up Malaspina Channel toward Jervis Inlet. Wind picked up a bit and the odd shower slightly bigger chop – this is a fairly open area of water, not much traffic though. At end of Malaspina Channel in vicinity of Grief Point (why do they name features like that anyway? – scares the hell out of you) seas calmed and sun was shining, put the tabs down and the hammer down and has a nice fast (20mph+) run into Powell River – actually Westview, somewhat south of Powell River. Westview is quite crowded with commercial fishboats that seem to be permanent fixtures. Schoozed with other boaters, quite a few were Americans on chartered sailboats - just loving the area spending their last weekend. Wharfingers extremely helpful, showers etc. Westview is the eastern terminus of the Comox/Powell river BC Ferry. Fuel and ice available.
Next Chapter coming soon – Lund and north
Dave
True Story
New member
I can't get this trip out of my mind. I'm currently obsessing about fuel availability and volume requirements for the Desolation Sound trip. I noticed Sailor-D indicated they were carrying 75 US gallons in Chapter One. I would imagine that some of this fuel was carried in portable containers. I think I remember earlier discussion on the board about portable fuel container restrictions on the Canadian Ferry system.
I was hoping one of our northeren bretheren could refresh my memory and clarify if this restriction applies to containers in general or just containers holding fuel.
Obviously, fuel requirements hinge directly on where the heck we're going to go, guaranteed fuel locations and comfort levels regarding fuel reserves. My sense is that my magic number is going to be somewhere between my 40 something gallons and Sailor-D's 75. Perhaps an extra 10 gallons.
Sure interested in any thoughts the rest of you may have in this regard.
Tim
I was hoping one of our northeren bretheren could refresh my memory and clarify if this restriction applies to containers in general or just containers holding fuel.
Obviously, fuel requirements hinge directly on where the heck we're going to go, guaranteed fuel locations and comfort levels regarding fuel reserves. My sense is that my magic number is going to be somewhere between my 40 something gallons and Sailor-D's 75. Perhaps an extra 10 gallons.
Sure interested in any thoughts the rest of you may have in this regard.
Tim
Tim.
Unless drastic changes lately there is plenty of fuel available. Just bring money!! Some of the little stations close when the tourists go home, but a phone call ahead can verify what's available. Google can help. And of course there are cruising guides that come out every year and are usually reliable. I've had more trouble with water in the fuel -- always able to find it.
Dusty
Unless drastic changes lately there is plenty of fuel available. Just bring money!! Some of the little stations close when the tourists go home, but a phone call ahead can verify what's available. Google can help. And of course there are cruising guides that come out every year and are usually reliable. I've had more trouble with water in the fuel -- always able to find it.
Dusty
Tim,
Dusty is right, good tasting water is harder to find than gasoline in the Desolation sound area. If you have 40 gals and get 4 MPG thats 160 miles, which should be plenty. I carry 50 gals in tanks and get 2.25MPG(old 2-stroke) and I have not had a problem getting fuel in that area.
The BC ferrys prohibit gas cans, but not portable fuel tanks( they allow two six gallon Coast Guard approved portable tanks).
I crossed from Tsawwassen to Duke point last summer. As far as I know they don't look in your rig or even ask about gas cans. I think people have stashed a new unused gas can out of sight and had no problem. :wink
Another prohibition is no loose propane cylinders. Small camping stove cylinders are OK. If the propane cylinder is installed in a compartment or bracket its OK. They will give you a tape-like 'seal' to apply to the valve which must be closed before boarding.
Dusty is right, good tasting water is harder to find than gasoline in the Desolation sound area. If you have 40 gals and get 4 MPG thats 160 miles, which should be plenty. I carry 50 gals in tanks and get 2.25MPG(old 2-stroke) and I have not had a problem getting fuel in that area.
The BC ferrys prohibit gas cans, but not portable fuel tanks( they allow two six gallon Coast Guard approved portable tanks).
I crossed from Tsawwassen to Duke point last summer. As far as I know they don't look in your rig or even ask about gas cans. I think people have stashed a new unused gas can out of sight and had no problem. :wink
Another prohibition is no loose propane cylinders. Small camping stove cylinders are OK. If the propane cylinder is installed in a compartment or bracket its OK. They will give you a tape-like 'seal' to apply to the valve which must be closed before boarding.
starcrafttom
Active member
can any one help me with on-line maps of this area . i mean maps that i can look at on line, not buy. my searches just keep giving me online stores to buy maps.
Here is a link to page three of my photo album. (Nancy H photo album) I took these images off the web.
Tim
Maybe before I go any further I must point out an errata on tank capacity and a mea culpa is in order. I checked my gas tank, the sticker is somewhat degraded, did a photo enlargement and the capacity is indicated at 58US gallons (219 litres). This gives a fuel load of 348lbs (@ 6 lb per 1 gallon). The tank is the original C-Dory installation, it is aluminum and holds just over 100 litres (29 gals) each side. Herinafter I will state all fuel capacities in US gallons.
I think to put some sort of context into the fuel range I will relate my own consumption. The boat had two people on board, full fuel or fairly close as I recall, 25 gals fresh water, 100 Yamaha and 9.9 kicker.
My leg from Ladysmith to Pender harbour was 27.6 statute miles (24 nautical miles). This is not the actual track made good but legged off with a divider on the chart. I am not disciplined enough to reset the odometer on the GPS unit or to record start and stops by mileage in the log – hell, I am just out there to have fun!! In other words the distance was likely more that the chart distance.
Some portions of the trip were close to WOT, there was some idling involved, some maneuvering and waiting under power – the usual fiddling around that one does.
I re-fuelled in Pender Harbour and took 16gals. If my gzintas are correct that makes for 1.7 statute miles (1.5 nm) per gallon. Full fuel tanks (on my boat) then theoretically give a range of 98 or so statute miles depending on a million other circumstances that may give more or less.
Larry knows this area a lot better than I do. He and Dusty are right, fuel availability is not a problem. Having said that, if I see a fuel dock at my destination but don't really need it I re-fuel anyway – probably what most boaters do.
Tanks Tim for you comments – it got me thinking about my tanks and now I have the correct capacity noted.
Cheers - Dave
Maybe before I go any further I must point out an errata on tank capacity and a mea culpa is in order. I checked my gas tank, the sticker is somewhat degraded, did a photo enlargement and the capacity is indicated at 58US gallons (219 litres). This gives a fuel load of 348lbs (@ 6 lb per 1 gallon). The tank is the original C-Dory installation, it is aluminum and holds just over 100 litres (29 gals) each side. Herinafter I will state all fuel capacities in US gallons.
I think to put some sort of context into the fuel range I will relate my own consumption. The boat had two people on board, full fuel or fairly close as I recall, 25 gals fresh water, 100 Yamaha and 9.9 kicker.
My leg from Ladysmith to Pender harbour was 27.6 statute miles (24 nautical miles). This is not the actual track made good but legged off with a divider on the chart. I am not disciplined enough to reset the odometer on the GPS unit or to record start and stops by mileage in the log – hell, I am just out there to have fun!! In other words the distance was likely more that the chart distance.
Some portions of the trip were close to WOT, there was some idling involved, some maneuvering and waiting under power – the usual fiddling around that one does.
I re-fuelled in Pender Harbour and took 16gals. If my gzintas are correct that makes for 1.7 statute miles (1.5 nm) per gallon. Full fuel tanks (on my boat) then theoretically give a range of 98 or so statute miles depending on a million other circumstances that may give more or less.
Larry knows this area a lot better than I do. He and Dusty are right, fuel availability is not a problem. Having said that, if I see a fuel dock at my destination but don't really need it I re-fuel anyway – probably what most boaters do.
Tanks Tim for you comments – it got me thinking about my tanks and now I have the correct capacity noted.
Cheers - Dave
Dave,
Your posts are great so keep 'em coming! Good idea to run a tank dry and then fill it up -- might surprise you how much range you really have. An actual 4.0 NMPG is pretty realistic for steady cruising.
Because I ran my 85' charter boat in the area for 5 or 6 years and in addition took many personal family trips I think :roll: I know the area. Times change, and that's a while back. Love the area.
Dusty
Your posts are great so keep 'em coming! Good idea to run a tank dry and then fill it up -- might surprise you how much range you really have. An actual 4.0 NMPG is pretty realistic for steady cruising.
Because I ran my 85' charter boat in the area for 5 or 6 years and in addition took many personal family trips I think :roll: I know the area. Times change, and that's a while back. Love the area.
Dusty
Dave,
I have been going to and thru the Desolation Sound area almost every summer since 1986, but the last time was in 2003 and we just transited thru Desolation on our way north and south. We stopped at Refuge on the southbound run for fuel and a break.
Though I know a lot about that area, it's been awhile since I cruised it. Your information is probably more up to date.
I recall meeting you at Secret Cove in 2003. We were at the fuel dock and you were over in the marina.
I have been going to and thru the Desolation Sound area almost every summer since 1986, but the last time was in 2003 and we just transited thru Desolation on our way north and south. We stopped at Refuge on the southbound run for fuel and a break.
Though I know a lot about that area, it's been awhile since I cruised it. Your information is probably more up to date.
I recall meeting you at Secret Cove in 2003. We were at the fuel dock and you were over in the marina.
Sailor-D - voyage to Desolaton Sound – 2004, Part 2
5 Sep – Weather is perfect, warm, slight northwest breeze and sunny. One thing we do notice is that the daylight hours are getting shorter – evenings are starting to get dark by 1730 or so. We checked our charts and the idea of anchoring for the night in the lee (south) of Savary Island looked seductive. It's long sandy beach on the south side and the forecast of light northwest winds was promising.
We anchored fairly close in (100 yds) on the south side just a bit east of Beacon Point with very good holding bottom. There was still a fair chop and light wind, enough to make deploying the tender, boarding (we board over the gunwhale) and then landing a bit challenging.
Dog loved the deserted beach, it is the sort of place you can sit on a log for hours and watch the expanse of Georgia Strait with your tiny C-Dory bobbing at anchor in the distance – a major idyllic moment.
Back to the boat and and after boarding considering the state of chop we started to have misgivings about anchoring overnight in such an exposed location – I like the idea of a good night sleep. It is now 1600hr and we had to make a go or nogo decision. We weighed anchor.
It is only a short run back to Lund. The south side of Savary Island has two underwater fingers, one about a mile long and the other a mile and a half extending southeast. Each finger is very shallow, rocky and kelpy and terminates in a reef. My Sailing Directions does not recommend using Manson Passage at the west end of the Island.
To avoid any problems I opted to navigate around a feature called Mystery Reef (aptly named) which is indicated on the chart as a flashing green bell buoy. The mystery being that I never did find the buoy. Our excursion in the vicinity of Savary Island with the rocky shallow water was logged by Helen (wife/1stMate) as “tense moments this aft.”
We docked in Lund, managing to nicely parallel park Sailor-D (a first for us)!!
to be continued....................
Dave
5 Sep – Weather is perfect, warm, slight northwest breeze and sunny. One thing we do notice is that the daylight hours are getting shorter – evenings are starting to get dark by 1730 or so. We checked our charts and the idea of anchoring for the night in the lee (south) of Savary Island looked seductive. It's long sandy beach on the south side and the forecast of light northwest winds was promising.
We anchored fairly close in (100 yds) on the south side just a bit east of Beacon Point with very good holding bottom. There was still a fair chop and light wind, enough to make deploying the tender, boarding (we board over the gunwhale) and then landing a bit challenging.
Dog loved the deserted beach, it is the sort of place you can sit on a log for hours and watch the expanse of Georgia Strait with your tiny C-Dory bobbing at anchor in the distance – a major idyllic moment.
Back to the boat and and after boarding considering the state of chop we started to have misgivings about anchoring overnight in such an exposed location – I like the idea of a good night sleep. It is now 1600hr and we had to make a go or nogo decision. We weighed anchor.
It is only a short run back to Lund. The south side of Savary Island has two underwater fingers, one about a mile long and the other a mile and a half extending southeast. Each finger is very shallow, rocky and kelpy and terminates in a reef. My Sailing Directions does not recommend using Manson Passage at the west end of the Island.
To avoid any problems I opted to navigate around a feature called Mystery Reef (aptly named) which is indicated on the chart as a flashing green bell buoy. The mystery being that I never did find the buoy. Our excursion in the vicinity of Savary Island with the rocky shallow water was logged by Helen (wife/1stMate) as “tense moments this aft.”
We docked in Lund, managing to nicely parallel park Sailor-D (a first for us)!!
to be continued....................
Dave
True Story
New member
Thanks for the feed back on fuel requirements. I sure like the idea of not having to fuss with additional containers of fuel not to mention the additional weight. Tim
Not so fond memory of Lund! Could only happen to me. Stopped at Lund to top off fuel and water on the way to Glacier Bay. 2,000 gal. of diesel, 100 gal. of water. Only hitch -- they put the water in a diesel tank. 
All the rest of my Lund stops have been great, but gets noisy at night. Guess it takes a drunk to recognize one. :angel
Dusty
All the rest of my Lund stops have been great, but gets noisy at night. Guess it takes a drunk to recognize one. :angel
Dusty
Ron on Meander
New member
I've found a site that seems to have a lot of good info on it for people not familiar with Vancouver Island and Desolation sound. It has some fairly good maps, links with info about the towns, links with ferry info and some links to campgrounds and provincial parks.
Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island
Mr. Fisherman
New member
Have the target dates been established for this shin dig yet?
I am eligable for subatical this summer. 8 weeks off with pay in addition to my vacation and PA time. I could be gone for up to 13 weeks all together. I don't want to spend it all working on my boat trailer but I want to go somewhere fun even if it is by myself.
I am eligable for subatical this summer. 8 weeks off with pay in addition to my vacation and PA time. I could be gone for up to 13 weeks all together. I don't want to spend it all working on my boat trailer but I want to go somewhere fun even if it is by myself.
Alyssa Jean
New member
September 3-18,2005 is what was decided on.