Category: Past Trips

Light rain on the boat, welcome to the north coast. Clear skies to the west as we slipped out of our quiet anchorage and made way for Prince Rupert. Past the mouth of the mighty Skeena River, the entrance to Port Edward, by the coal and grain terminals, and finally abeam the new container port and into Prince Rupert Harbour. I don’t know if we have had a nicer trip up the coast, not for weather or for the company. A wonderful chance for us to visit with my Aunt Pat, my Uncle Gerry and his wife my Aunt Betty, and their dear friend Norma. A chance to reminisce, share memories, laugh, and soak in the beauty of our wonderful BC coast line. I know my Dad would have enjoyed the trip and the Company, some how I think he was with us all the way. Our best wishes to our guests and family for joining us and sharing a trip aboard the Thunder up the Inside Passage. We hope to see you all soon.

Off from Bishop  Bay, refreshed by our hot tub soak we had short day ahead. The wind picked up as we entered Grenville Channel for the last straight run toward Prince Rupert. A little breezey for fishing at Lowe inlet so we continued up the channel toward Klunugget. The back bay provided some welcome relief from the wind and we settled in for dinner. First Aunty Betty and the Captain went off to do some bird watching. Sadly our last night on the hook before Prince Rupert, where did the time go!!

We slip out of Work Bay under another sunny sky, feeling a little guilty as no work was done in Work Bay, only a nice relaxing evening with my Aunts, Uncle and their close friend Norma. Today takes us up the narrow reaches of the inside passage, first stop is visit to Swanson Bay. A short lived mill town at the turn of the century only some rotting pilings and a brick chimney poking through the trees gives hints of it’s existance. Some of the crew went to shore for some exploring and beach glass collecting while the Captain, Uncle Gerry and Aunt Pat went prowling the corner for some dinner. And dinner we hooked, 4 lings and a couple of rock fish, nice job. The last 10 lb ling almost became dinner for about a 50 lb ling who reluctantly let go at the boat, thank goodness. We finished the day with a visit from a humpback whale and then a relaxing soak in the hot springs at Bishop Bay. About as good as it gets!!

06:40 and the anchor was up and we were away for Shearwater and then on to Ocean Falls. Once again the sun shone and we crossed Hakai Pass and into Fitz Hugh Channel. Out first wildlife encounter for the day was a little unexpected as we spotted a small buck swimming from the mouth of Hakai Pass to the Mainland. A long swim and we wondered if the wolves had chased him into the water. In any event as we passed in front of him he changed his mind and set a course for the nearest island. We hoped he didn’t get  a hungry reception on his return. Into Lama Passage and a stop for lunch at Shearwater. Everyone got to stretch their legs, some provisioning by the crew and we were on our way to Ocean Falls. Nice day to squeeze through Gun Boat Passage and into Cousins Inlet. Never know what to expect in Ocean Falls however things remain unchanged fro our last visit. The dock was in great shape and the town was it’s ghostly self. Hard to believe the it was the home of the rain people as the sun shone brightly on us. Everyone had a good walk and the crab traps were set.

We awoke to a clear sky and a great forecast. Although the ship was tied down tight the crossing promised to be a smooth one. Seas of less than a meter, light winds and good tides, perfect planning by the skipper ( some luck added) as we were abeam Cape Caution at 07:30. At 9:45 we were abeam Cape Calvert and we left the open water behind with barely a ripple on our morning coffee. Our destination was Pruth Harbour with a walk to the beach for a hot dog roast. 13:00 and our anchored splashed in to the bay. I delivered out guests to the shore to walk to the beach and Deb and I cleaned up and prepared the evening hot dog roast for the beach. What a night, warm breezes, a nice fire and a hot dog roasted on a stick while we watched the waves on the white sand beach. Always our favorite evening in nice weather and this one did not disappoint. Back to the boat with a happy crew and a thank you to mother nature for  providing such a nice evening.

Another beautiful day and we left Lagoon Cove and headed into Knights Inlet and the calm waters of Tribune Channel. For the second time we were treated to an escort of white sided dolphins. This time they put on a spectacular show while they played in the wake, rode the bow and jumped and splashed all around us for about 30 minutes. A great start to the day. We decide to make a short lunch stop at Echo Bay and have a quick visit with Pierre if he was in. We caught him busy preparing for the summer with a new gathering place being built for his famous pig roasts and the docks and buildings looking great. We hope he has an outstanding summer with lots of visitors. From Echo Bay we made the leisurely back water cruise to Sullivan Bay. Not too hard to find on spot on their expansive docks but it was early and they are also anticipating a busy  year. The sun came out for our dock party and we were treated to a great evening with a lovely sunset walk on the dock.

Away early to make the best of the tides we left Shoal Bay and headed for one of our favorite stops in Lagoon Cove. Sunny again as we pushed through Green Point Rapids and into Johnston Strait. A little westerly kicked up but it did not deter our guests from assuming their position on the top deck. Determined not to miss a thing they weathered the wind and the odd shower while they watched and recorded the birds and wildlife along the way. The westerly winds subsided and we motored past Port Harvey and into the narrow Chatham Channel on our way into Lagoon Cove. Arriving at 4 pm we were just in time for a short walk and a visit before gathering on the Dock for the traditional Pot Luck. The highlight is always Bill’s catch of prawns and we were not disappointed. Good to see Bill and Jean looking well and their place was immaculate as always. I know they are trying to sell but it will be a sad day indeed when they are no longer there to greet us. Best of luck to them both.

Monday morning broke under clear skies and calm winds as we fired up the big Volvo and slipped our lines in Campbell River for the trip to Prince Rupert. Our guests were my aunt Pat, my Uncle Gerry and his wife Betty, and their good friend Norma. We were thrilled to have them aboard and looked forward to a great trip and a chance to catch up with family as we traversed the beautiful inlets and coastline of the west coast. First destination was Shoal Bay where Mark Macdonald hosts guest at his dock and cabins in a beautiful setting. We rounded Cape Mudge and as we came abeam Cortes Island we were greeted by a huge school of white sided dolphins, awesome to watch as they rushed by us in pursuit of their dinner. Sliding through the slack tide waters of Dent Island Rapids it was hard to believe that these waters are some of the most turbulent salt water rapids in the world with giant whirlpools and speeds of up to 14 kts on a bit tide. Once through we entered Shoal Bay for our first evening of exploring. Out went the crab pots and then off to visit with Mark. A great first day and evening!!