BC Gulf Islands & Vancouver Island

[localboy]

We just returned from a week in BC. I must say that the "anchorages" there are ridiculously crowded with "private moorings" and derelict boats. I'm talking well known and popular spots like Ganges, Montague, Genoa Bay, Ladysmith... We tried to anchor out and couldn't find any open decent spots. "Private moorings" and doper/derelict boats were everywhere. From speaking with locals at various marinas, it's a frustrating problem for them too. I guess no enforcement leads to anarchy. In Ladysmith we were even warned not to leave our dinghy tied up while we went to town for fear of returning to find it stolen. There's a derelict boat enclave that we passed at the mouth of the bay that looks like a scene from a Mad Max movie. Very disappointing to say the least.

 

[JamesTXSD]

Wow - that hurts to hear. That area was one of our favorites to cruise. With the animosity between our two governments and this situation, it would be hard to recommend a Canadian get-away to boat cruising friends.

I don't think it is just in Canada or just on the water. We have been doing land cruising again since retiring from our jobs with the whale watch company in Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor. Big cities in the US have issues with people living in broken down RVs that could only move if hauled away by a tow truck. BLM land that has 14 day stay limits for "campers," is having issues with people who think that stay limit doesn't apply to them. Just like boats dumping their waste in those anchorages, you know these "campers" are doing likewise in the woods (or on city streets).

You mentioned "dopers" - I think this, along with mental health issues and a lack of civility regarding responsibiliy, has created the situation. We see it in parts of Phoenix (our transplanted home), where summer daytime high temperatures are often well over 110º - life threatening for those who can't get out of the heat. Seattle, San Diego, LA... it's an issue all over.

 

[ssobol]

... BLM land that has 14 day stay limits for "campers," is having issues with people who think that stay limit doesn't apply to them. ...

BLM and other places are proposing using license plate tracking to monitor comings and goings on lands that have stay limits.

I've seen videos of RV encampments in west coast cities that look more like landfill dumps than a place where people live.

 

[robhwa]

Go more Northwest, young C-Dorian! We just returned from a wonderful trip in BC with friends, and anchored every night except one in Shearwater. Last year I flew to Prince Rupert and travelled S to Bella Bella in their trawler over about 10 days. Anchorages were pretty open, and there was always a place where you could fit in, even into the evening. The anchorages you mention are associated with urbanized areas from the Broughtons south. If you have time, and feel comfortable passing crux points like Cape Caution, you won't be dissapointed going further. There are lots of wild alternatives north, even north Vancouver Is, though you might not be able to eat at a nice restaurant. The derelict boat problem is also quite serious in Washington anchorages as well. We have a very nice and relatively popular anchorage in Oro Bay, three marinas and very sheltered water. Locals fight back when a derelict boat appears, and one was just removed by the State, but only after locals documented that it was unregistered and unmaintained, might actually sink, and requested its removal.

 

[Catman]

Localboy, it's good to hear from you, though those discoveries are distressing.
I figured after you retired, you'd moved to Arizona and said goodbye to this area. I'm glad you continue to share your experiences.

 

[JamesTXSD]

Localboy, it's good to hear from you, though those discoveries are distressing.
I figured after you retired, you'd moved to Arizona and said goodbye to this area. I'm glad you continue to share your experiences.

Umm... what's wrong with Arizona? No, wait - don't answer that. I can make a list for you.

Good to see you post here, too, Brock.

 

[Catman]

Thanks, Jim, and I always enjoy reading whatever you have to say on these here pages over the decades. I need to get back on this great site and write a bit about what goes on around these San Juan Isl. parts. I'm out a lot, and though folks over the years have maybe sold their boat, aged out of boating, moved to another state, or bought a motorhome and split, I'm gratified to have found that new C-people have taken their place. Almost all of 'em are sociable and enthusiastic about their boat as they experience the Salish Sea, and north.
Whether it's 2006 or 2026, C-Dory owners are one fine boating species, regardless of era.
And as far as I know, nothin' wrong with Arizona!