This video starts out at Port McNeill Harbor, where we’ve been docked for a week due to strong winds and rainstorms, giving us time to restock groceries and water for another two to three weeks in the Broughton Archipelago. Despite the windy conditions, we enjoy watching the bustling harbor from the fly bridge, filled with commercial and recreational boats. The weather here has been cooler at 20-22°C, a pleasant contrast to the 30°C heat happening further south.
August 16th, we got off the dock and set out across Blackfish Sound, timing our passage past Stubbs Island for slack tide to avoid strong currents. The scenery is breathtaking with low fog, bursts of sunlight, and a comfortable 16-17°C temperature. We’re thrilled by sightings of otters, humpback whales feeding, and distant dolphins. Fishing off Hanson Island, I hook a feisty dogfish and lose a salmon, but Anne catches a lovely little pink salmon.
With late afternoon thunderstorms looming, we head to a spot beside Madrona Island in the Broughtons, a favorite anchorage from last year. We savor the pink salmon for dinner, using the scraps as crab trap bait, and enjoy the calm, scenic surroundings with kayakers passing by and the dramatic Echo Wall nearby. Despite some rain, this crossing of Blackfish Sound is unforgettable, filled with wildlife and stunning views. Stay tuned for more adventures!