summer: Pendrell sound
Date: July 21, 2018
Time Start: 11 a.m.
Time Finish: 12:40 p.m.
Cruise From: Melanie Cove
Cruise To: Pendrell Sound
Engine Hours Start: 839
Engine Hours Finish: 841
Weather/sea conditions: Gray a.m., clearing, breeze, 80 degrees
We're moving to the "tropical" waters of Desolation Sound today. Pendrell Sound is know for water that heats into the upper 70's, making swimming a joy. The Sound supports a natural growth of oyster spat as well, due to the warm water. Because of the presence of the shellfish industry, the entire Sound is a no discharge zone.
We meander our way out of Melanie Cove and Prideaux Haven, past the gatherings of yachts large and small and picturesque islets.
Time Start: 11 a.m.
Time Finish: 12:40 p.m.
Cruise From: Melanie Cove
Cruise To: Pendrell Sound
Engine Hours Start: 839
Engine Hours Finish: 841
Weather/sea conditions: Gray a.m., clearing, breeze, 80 degrees
We're moving to the "tropical" waters of Desolation Sound today. Pendrell Sound is know for water that heats into the upper 70's, making swimming a joy. The Sound supports a natural growth of oyster spat as well, due to the warm water. Because of the presence of the shellfish industry, the entire Sound is a no discharge zone.
We meander our way out of Melanie Cove and Prideaux Haven, past the gatherings of yachts large and small and picturesque islets.
Crossing the Homfray Channel to Waddington Channel, the mountains of the B.C. Coastal Range are in view.
Turning away from Waddington Channel and into Pendrell Sound, our views change to the shores and mountains of East Redonda Island. The island is shaped somewhat like a horseshoe, with a narrow isthmus connecting its two sides at the head of the Sound.
A small island backed by a cove filled with oysters is partway up the Sound, a popular spot to anchor. We find a spot along the shore to drop our anchor and stern tie. The island has been given the name "shell island" and the cove the name "oyster cove" by the authors of the Dreamspeaker boating guides, and the names are most appropriate and descriptive. There is also a small stream filled with oysters and shells that is accessible by dinghy at high water. Here's a look at our new surroundings:
A few black oystercatchers fly over us as we arrive and are vocal in their greeting. Now to enjoy this beautiful spot! The day stays clear and calm through sunset. And, of course, we swim!
Date: July 22, 2018
Pendrell Sound layover day
Weather: Sunny, upper 80's, calm
The tide is low, and it looks like we are so close to shore! Fortunately, the shoreline drops off to deep depths very quickly, and although it looks like NORTH STAR is about to become a part of the pile of oysters, there is plenty of water under the hull. We have fourteen feet of depth at the stern! And about those oyster shells on the beach, they are sharp. There is a small tear and leak in our dinghy that needs repair after taking it ashore for the stern tie yesterday.
Pendrell Sound layover day
Weather: Sunny, upper 80's, calm
The tide is low, and it looks like we are so close to shore! Fortunately, the shoreline drops off to deep depths very quickly, and although it looks like NORTH STAR is about to become a part of the pile of oysters, there is plenty of water under the hull. We have fourteen feet of depth at the stern! And about those oyster shells on the beach, they are sharp. There is a small tear and leak in our dinghy that needs repair after taking it ashore for the stern tie yesterday.
Here is a look at our neighborhood on this terrific morning. Compared to the other boats, NORTH STAR is pretty small!
Now for a dinghy cruise to the head of Pendrell Sound. We pass some of the collectors for oyster spat along the way. Underwater strings of buckets are used to collect the spat.
A couple of large cruise ships are anchored in the Sound. They have plenty of water toys for entertaining their passengers, including inflatable water slides.
Returning to our cove, I fall in love with the flotsam made up of fucus algae and other plant debris. The algae gets carried off of the shorelines by the tide, and it is quite beautiful! What terrific works of natural art these floats make! I am going to have my eye out for more of them.
It's swim time on a hot summer day, and Dan decides to check out and replace the zincs in the thrusters. The water is warm, but he adds an extra layer for the task.
Now join me while I paddle the kayak into the oyster filled stream and along the rock islet in the cove. Keep your eyes open for the black oystercatchers on the rocks.
Here's to a great day!
Date: July 23, 2018
Pendrell Sound layover day
Weather: HOT! We reach 98 degrees in our cabin!
It's a day for lots of swimming, a super hot summer day, and beautiful. We spend a lot of time in the water!
Pendrell Sound layover day
Weather: HOT! We reach 98 degrees in our cabin!
It's a day for lots of swimming, a super hot summer day, and beautiful. We spend a lot of time in the water!
Date: July 24, 2018
Pendrell Sound layover day
Weather: More sun, calm, hot, beautiful, into 90's again
The water here is so amazingly clear. We can watch the marine life off the stern of NORTH STAR without even needing to be in the water with a snorkel! And, we are really surprised to see a scallop among the oysters!
Pendrell Sound layover day
Weather: More sun, calm, hot, beautiful, into 90's again
The water here is so amazingly clear. We can watch the marine life off the stern of NORTH STAR without even needing to be in the water with a snorkel! And, we are really surprised to see a scallop among the oysters!
The marine biologist gets out his snorkel for an even closer look.
Some of us just play and cool off.
Evening, that wonderful time of day to go paddling . . . with black oystercatchers!
And then, a beautiful moon rises over the mountains, a perfect ending to the day.
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