British Columbia
Fitz Hugh Sound
Fury Cove: Setting Ourselves Up
Thursday, July 18, 2013TheCambrians
We left Sea Otter Inlet Monday morning and made our way down to Pruth Harbour on Calvert Island for a few nights. The Hakai Institute, which now owns the property, has an unsecured wifi signal for boats anchored in the bay to use and David wanted to get the most current and complete weather picture that he could before we round Cape Scott. I wasn’t complaining. The beaches along the west coast of Calvert Island are some of the most beautiful and pristine I’ve ever seen. Walking along them with my two best friends is always a great way to spend a day or two . . . especially when it’s sunny and warm, which it was.
A humpback whale just off Calvert Island in Fitz Hugh Sound
But it was time to move on so this morning we made the 20 nautical mile passage down Fitz Hugh Sound to Fury Cove in gloomy conditions. Several humpbacks kept us entertained along the way and, before we knew it, we were motoring through the somewhat intricate entrance to Fury Cove, our final anchorage along the Central Coast for the season.
The middens in Fury Cove
According to David, Fury Cove got its name from all of the sailors who come in for a quiet night only to find several other boats (13 in our case) spoiling the serenity, therefore making them “furious”. I’m not so sure about that. I think it has more to do with the fact it’s formed, in part, by Fury Island or that during southeast and southwest gales the gusts are “furious”. Either way, it’s a busy anchorage and one night will be more than enough. But it’s also a very pretty anchorage and has the most significant midden beach at its head that we’ve ever seen – I guess it was popular with the First Nations, as well.
After a nice walk on the beach with our four-legged friend, we prepped the boat for tomorrow’s passage with jack lines and pulled out the harnesses and tethers. We couldn’t find the bridle to lift the dinghy onto the deck, so we’ll have to tow it. We’re both positive that we put it some place handy, but have no idea where that might be. I looked in the usual suspect of places but can’t find it anywhere. I’m sure it’ll show up . . . eventually.
So this is it. Our final day along the Central Coast, a somewhat bittersweet moment. We have a special affinity for this section of British Columbia and it’s always a little difficult to leave. The region is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places and best cruising grounds in the world and leaving it behind for an area that we know can’t possibly compare isn’t easy. But it’s time to go. The Pacific High has finally set in and the weather will be ideal for sailing down the West Coast of Vancouver Island where new challenges and experiences await. So we’ll up anchor early tomorrow morning and round Cape Scott, the tip of Vancouver Island, and let the adventure begin.
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