We headed out early again this morning to get through Queen Charlotte Strait before the forecast wind increase in the afternoon. Everyone pulled out of the Mound Island anchorage at six, for what turned out to be a very pleasant cruise. One boat detoured to Port McNeill to get some fuel, but made great time and actually beat the rest of the fleet to Allison Harbour.
Soon, we were joined by some playful Dall’s porpoises who surfed our bow wakes.
The seas built a bit on the last stretch into Allison, but we were soon securely anchored and had the place to ourselves except for one other boat who is probably planning to round Cape Caution in tomorrow’s weather window as well.
Most everybody seemed to have a few boat projects to do in the afternoon, but managed to fit in some kayaking and exploring. Allison Harbour is beautiful and a nice jump-off place for rounding Cape Caution. It is also adjacent to Nakwakto Rapids, which is one of the fastest tidal rapids in the world. We’ve checked out Nakwakto in the past, and didn’t have time to dinghy around to it this visit, but we’ll be back.
Tomorrow, we’ll have one more early morning, leaving at first light to catch the calmest conditions around Cape Caution (unless the 4am forecast has changed and alters our plans.)
The next phase of the trip will be the amazing and lightly traveled north coast of BC leading up to Alaska.