Perils at Perceval Narrows.

Monday, May 24 (Victoria Day)

Today was a long 73-mile day of cruising … heading north through Fitz Hugh Sound to Lama Passage, past Bella Bella and west into Seaforth Channel … names that mean nothing to most people reading this, but to fellow cruisers, provide insight into the route we are taking to get head to Alaska.

Leaving Seaforth to head north into Reid Passage was a bit of a heart-racer. The entrance to the passage is exposed to the open water with fairly large swells and water crashing against some very intimidating rocks on both sides of the approach, shallow water to dodge, and on top of all that … we had to cross Perceval Narrows to get through to Reid Passage, which at the time was ebbing towards us with a fairly strong current of about 4 knots (our top speed is around 9 knots). We yet again were reminded of the importance of checking our tide and current charts!

Our fearless captain prevailed, safely guiding us through the narrows, and by 6:15 pm we were safely anchored in Mary Cove, off Finlayson Sound, which reportedly is great for salmon fishing. Jim dropped a line in, but under a light drizzle, a fresh salmon dinner was not to be had. Instead we were treated to a spectacle of diamonds surrounding the boat from the drops of fresh water hitting the salt water.