Advise on 2 weeks from San Juans to Desolation Sound

20dauntless

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C Dory Year
2008
C Dory Model
22 Cruiser
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Retriever and Nordic Tug 37
Hello all,

While I don't currently own a C-Dory, I have always admired them and am interested in acquiring one when I no longer need the speed of my Whaler. But for now, I must cruise with what I have, a 1996 20 foot Boston Whaler. It is a dual console boat with full camper canvas. I can cruise around 30 knots and have about 250 miles of range.

The reason I am writing here is to gather information about cruising to Desolation Sound this summer. I have spent many summers messing around in the San Juans (I have a cabin on Decatur Island) but would like to venture further North.

I am planning on leaving for this trip on or around June 11th (this is flexible due to weather, of course). Right now I have 13 days planned, and I don't have to be back home for many more days in case of bad weather or side trips. I would definitely like to visit Princess Louisa Inlet, and have penciled in a number of spots in Desolation Sound, but am wondering what you guys think the best places to go are.

In terms of weather, what can I expect in June? How is the Strait of Georgia crossing? What are the must see places? I have a spreadsheet with my plans so far (including distances, fuel burn...) that I am happy to send to anyone to review if you PM me your email address. Thanks so much guys!
 
20dauntless,
As you go north be sure to stop in Lund and visit Nancy's Bakery. Almost every place in Desolation Sound is great-be sure to gather your own oysters. There are many places where you can just pick up a limit on the exposed beach. Highly recommended.
 
You can be into Desolation Sound from Anacortes in 6-7 hours if the weather is with you. When Pat A on Daydream and I went to Ketchikan I left Anacortes and motored up the east coast of Vancouver. Went across the northern end of the Georgia Straite and waited for hi at gorge Harbor on Cortez Is. They made it up in 6 hours from Blaine.
You have to cross the Georgia Straite sometime, but you can choose when and where. I have crossed it several times from Nanimo heading to Princess Louisa. And I have gone up the eastern side of Vancouver twice on different trips. Comox is a nice place to stop on that route.
We did our trip to Ketchikan leaving June 7-8. I came back a month later. The weather was mostly very good the whole trip.

Fuel shouldn't be an issue with a 250 mile range. There is good fuel at Nanimo, Comox, Gorge Harbor, Campbell River, and several places on the BC coast.
 
I have crossed the straits twice. Once at 30 knots on glass seas and once in a 42 krogen getting tossed about the seas. Both days started out looking the same. Watch your weather and have fun.
 
Thanks for the help so far. Regarding the strait, is it better to cross in the morning? Assuming good weather on the trip up, I assume I could be starting the crossing around 8 or 9 if I left at daybreak.

One other question, where should I clear customs into Canada? I was thinking it might be easier to wait until Nanaimo, but would it be better to clear in Bedwell Harbour?
 
I would clear in bedwell at poets cove, they have ice cream. That way if you see something or some place you would like to stop you can. lots to see between san juan and desolation.
 
dauntless,

I agree with Tom, clearing in at Bedwell Harbor gives you all the options. Traveling thru the Gulfs, transiting Gabrolia Passage and then to Silva Bay skips all the congestion at Dodd Narrows and Nanaimo.

From there, cross the Georgia Straits east of the 'bomb zone' (restricted area WG) and proceed thru Welcome passage. You can then go to Secret Cove, Pender Harbor, or proceed north on the east side of Texada Island to Lund, or on to Desolation Sound.
 
Hi dauntless,

Our our cruising thread (Cruising Adventures of Wild Blue and crew), there is a log of our time in Canada, including where we crossed, where we stayed, and our time in the Gulf Islands with the C-Brats and then on up to Princess Louisa Inlet and Desolation Sound. It was an incredible trip and one I'd highly recommend. You will have no problem with a 250 mile range.

Details on that part of our travels are at...

http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t= ... &start=315

starting around page 22.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
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