We left Walters Cove about 6:30 a.m. for the 24nm run from Kyuquot Sound to Esperanza Inlet. This route leads around Tatchu Point, and while it’s not as significant a headland as Brooks Peninsula, Cape Scott, or Estevan Point, it still deserves respect. Environment Canada called for 15-25 knots of northwesterly wind and 1-2 meter seas. Windy showed the wind would come, but not until later in the day, hence our early departure.
The whole trip was beautiful. Sunny skies, gentle swells, and beautiful scenery.
As we crossed the mouth of Kyuquot Sound we had about 15 knots of outflow wind, enough for Dog Star to hoist their sails.
The wind was relatively short-lived. We navigated around rock piles into Clear Passage and the wind died completely. A few miles later, we exited Clear Passage and felt a bit more swell before turning into Rolling Roadstead where things conditions really calmed down. The view up Esperanza Inlet was beautiful!
Nuchatlitz is a favorite anchorage. It’s a huge, easy anchorage, with depths around 30 feet, excellent protection, and good holding. At first glance the scenery isn’t that dramatic—low islands and islets abut forested (and in some cases, deforested) hills in a scene that’s quite familiar. From a kayak or dinghy, though, the area is far more interesting. Large tidelands, mazes of islands, and beautiful beaches make the entire area rewarding to explore. And the wildlife! In the past we’ve seen orcas swimming in the entrance and bears ashore.
We arrived by about 10 a.m.—plenty of time for a nap and exploring. The weather cooperated perfectly, with 70+ degree temperatures, a cooling breeze, and sunny skies. This beach on Rosa Island felt almost tropical:
The many neighboring islets and inlets make for some wonderful kayaking!
We met on Nereus for taco night potluck and to discuss the upcoming days. Tomorrow we’re heading to Westview Marina in Tahsis, then we’ll explore Nootka Sound for a few days before rounding Estevan Point.
