August 14, 2010 – Leg 6, Day 13 – Blind Channel to Squirrel Cove

We were up early for a 7 am departure from Blind Channel in order to hit the rapids we would be going through today close to slack. It was a beautiful morning and as we cruised down Cordero Channel in the early morning light, layers upon layers of mountains unfolded before us, rising up out of the water to give the channel a fjord-like appearance. Mystic Eagle alerted the fleet to a pod of Dall’s Porpoise coming our way, and most of the boats had the thrill of having porpoises riding the bow wakes! Wow!

As we approached Dent Rapids, the boat traffic picked up as everyone was aiming for slack at the rapids. This area is home to several large hotels and resorts which seem a bit jarring in contrast to the wilderness setting around us. Even being so close to slack, the rapids at Dent and Yaculta were still running about 2-3 knots against us and the skippers had to mind their helms; their crews got to enjoy the harbor seals cavorting along the tidal rips.

As we were cruising along, the haze in the sky thickened and began to obscure what should have been a beautiful day. It smelled smoky and we learned it was caused by forest fires on the BC mainland. British Columbia is experiencing a dry summer and multiple fires are a result.

We arrived in Squirrel Cove in good time to find anchorages for all our boats; we are in Desolation Sound now, a very popular cruising ground for northwest boaters, and the anchorages can fill up quickly. Dinghies and kayaks were launched to explore the cove, and to pay a visit to the Squirrel Cove store (ice cream!) and craft shop. The day had gotten quite hot and the inviting water lured several intrepid mariners to jump in to cool off – which they quickly did as the water temperature was a chilly 55 degrees F! Mystic Eagle generously hosted a Happy Hour and we finished out a fine summer day with good company in a special place.