Vancouver Island
15 April 2009
Liberte circumnavigated Vancouver Island in April-June 2009, with crew of Kilmer, Galbraith, Rundlett, Bell and Mrs. Kilmer, at various stages of the trip. We originated from Bellingham, and crossed our own track about two months later near Patos Island, San Juans. Our counter-clockwise route had us clearing in at Nanaimo and visiting LaSquitty Island, Hornby Island and Desolation Sound. We transited the rapids at Yaculta, Gillard Pass, Dent, Greene Point and Whirlpool, and had two days of fast and fun downwind sailing through notorious Johnstone Strait. We spent a week in the Broughton Islands, with excellent stops at Pierre's at Echo Cove and at Kwatsi Bay. After a delightful stop in God's Pocket, we left at dawn from Bull Harbour, navigating inside the bar. We shut off the engine after passing the bar and sailed around Cape Scott on Rundlett's 40th birthday. The hospitality at Port Alice was amazing as we waited out big winds on the outside. At Friendly Cove, we were told by the Nootka Light keepers that we were the first boat around that season. The soak at Hot Springs Cove soothed our sailing muscles and was all the sweeter by our sense of accomplishment on the journey.