The weather was definitely getting colder, as the snowman bowsprit reminded us when this crab boat was out on the stays at Lagoon Cove. We waited for a weather window here for a couple of days and then headed home, almost beating the cold front.

This is a beautiful spot. It's deep, so anchorage is difficult, but fortunately we were able to tie up to a dock near a logging camp. Although the weather was starting to turn, we were blessed with a gorgeous day to explore. We were hoping to see grizzlies, since the salmon were running.

We didn't actually see any grizzlies, but we had clear evidence they were around. One of the trappers we met said he'd been approaching this spot the day before we were there, and a grizzly was munching on the wild blackberries. The trapper chose another route.

Tucked into a back corner of the northeastern region of the Broughtons, Kwatsi Bay is a family-run, friendly marina in a bay off Tribune Channel. Nearby is a spectacular waterfall (when there's water). Off the beaten path, it's nonetheless highly recommended by cruisers who've been there.

We had a very foggy crossing of Queen Charlotte Strait from Port McNeill back to the Broughtons. It seemed just patches at first, but really socked in after an hour or so. Thank god for radar, GPS, and Nobeltec. Just as we approached Arrow Passage, the fog lifted and the rest of the day was like this.

We actually have been on a secret mission to circumnavigate Broughton Island, but we seem to have been lured to Port McNeill. And now this!! However, the good news -- it had burned off by noon.

This is a large lagoon, entered on slack tides. Several fish farms used to be located here, but thankfully they've gone.

Apparently there were three Native villages in Booker Lagoon, and this was one of them. A really beautiful spot.

We were able to dinghy in pretty close to this guy. We were downwind and he knew something was up, but was more concerned about where the next crab was coming from. He turned over those rocks like they were puffballs.

Roly Brown has been sailing the BC Coast (and beyond) for most of his life, currently on his converted fish boat, Tropic Isle. He's a familiar voice on the GNBN ham net. Check out his website under Related Sites.

Joe Cove is off Misty Passage which opens onto Queen Charlotte Strait. Queen Charlotte Strait opens onto the Pacific Ocean. The winds get up there!

It's not very big, but it's pretty well protected. And the holding is good. We know this because it gusted up to 20 knots in there.