On our third day out, we decided to head straight for Desolation Sound, and our ultimate anchorage, Prideaux Haven. At 10kts, we crossed the Strait of Georgia, and reeled in Texada Island, and Malaspina Strait at a nice, steady pace. I’m used to a go-fast boat, for racing to the fishing grounds, but I could get used to this kind of relaxed cruising.
As we rounded the final corner into Desolation Sound, the geography changes totally. Everything enlarges. The hills of the Gulf Islands give way to the steep peaks of the Northern Sunshine Coast.
Upon Charting the Sound in 1792, Captain George Vancouver named it Desolation, saying there was not a single prospect that was pleasing to the eye. With mountains of well over 3000 ft. above sea level, swelling upwards from depths more than 1000ft. below, it may have looked daunting to the Captain, but it sure looked like heaven to me for the recreational explorer.
The next seven days were spent fishing, playing in the warm water, enjoying the great food and drinks, and taking in the incredible sites. One might call it a once in a lifetime experience, but I don’t think it works that way. Once you are there, you certainly don’t want to leave. And you need to come back.
