|
Up the West Coast of Vancouver Island:
Mosquito Harbour to Matilda Inlet, Flores Island, Clayoquot Sound
 |
Day 7:
Matilda Inlet,
Flores Island, Clayoquot Sound |
 |
The next morning the water was packed with moon jellyfish, literally
thousands and thousands. It was also quite foggy, so we waited until
mid-morning to leave so we could see the mountains better. |
 |
It turned into a fabulous, clear day. We followed the eastern shore of
Meares Island north through Fortune Channel. This is the view looking
down Warn Bay opposite the northeast corner of Meares Island. We
continued west along the north shore of Meares Island. |
 |
As it was so clear, we went down Bedwell Sound
for the mountain views. They were very impressive. Snow-clad mountains
jutted straight into the sky, well above the tree line. From the head, we
could see the the peaks of the southern boundary of Strathcona Park. It
was surprising to see that park from here - it's such an "east coast of the
island" entity to us. |
 |
We tucked into Quaite Bay at the eastern corner
of Cypress Bay, just west of Bedwell Inlet. The entrance is tight, but
easily managed. Inside is a large sportsfishing resort, but it was
fairly tasteful. There was nobody anchored inside though. We
settled in for lunch and planned to stay the night. |
 |
We became restless however and weighed anchor.
Following Calmus Passage along the north shore of Vargus Island, we turned
north into Millar Channel and down into Matilda Inlet. We picked up a
load of diesel in Ahousat, then continued south to anchor near the head.
There were several sailboats already on the hook. This was the first
time we'd shared an anchorage on the trip. Had we not wanted to visit
Gibson Marine Park, we would have probably gone elsewhere. |
 |
Gibson Marine Park extends from the head of
Matilda Inlet to the exposed southern coast of Flores Island. A trail
leads from one side to the other. There are hotsprings at the
trailhead, but they are not particularly hot at 77F. A concrete basin
has been built to contain the springs, which also marks the trailhead. |
 |
The trail is about 1/2 mile long. We had
to really hoof it because it was nearing sunset and we did not want to be
coming back in the dark. The trail is well-maintained, well-marked and
well-trod, but quite muddy in parts. Good rubber boots are essential.
It is well-worth the trip however -- the beach at the other side is
wonderful, with talcum-soft sand. |
 |
We brought a picnic dinner and ate sitting on a
rock outcropping facing out towards the Pacific as the sun set. |
|
|
[Previous]
[Next] |
|
