Intriguing Side-Trips

Passing a sailboat in Beazley Passage through Surge Narrows

Heading south from Waiatt Bay, we transited Surge Narrows, the “gate” between Okisollo Channel and Hoskyn Channel.  The current was running between 3 and 4 knots through Beazley Passage in Surge Narrows, but the transit was uneventful. 

North Entrance around Bold Island

South of the Narrows, we found some interesting side trips on the east side of Quadra Island along Hoskyn Channel – Bold Island and Village Bay.  Appropriately named, one has to be bold to circle around Bold Island, the north entrance is narrow with twists and turns leading to a small back bay and an oyster farm operation.  The south entrance appears to be open, but rocks and shoals lay in wait below the surface.  We entered from the north to circle Bold Island and exited at the south end, hugging the field of oyster-farm buoys to avoid the shoals. 

Workers at the Oyster Farm behind Bold Island give a wave

By following the charts and taking it dead slow, we had no problem.  This hidden spot is quite intriguing, and we appreciated the friendly waves from workers as we passed by the oyster farm float.  Continuing further south, we came to Village Bay, where we saw the remains of an old homestead on a cliff above the bay – a chimney and other recognizable pieces made the imagination wander.  We tried to anchor on the east side of a small islet in the bay, but we found poor holding in a rocky bottom.  Time to find another option for the night’s stay. 

Lovely Grounds and Marina at Gorge Harbour

Since we were meeting friends for dinner the next evening at Gorge Harbour Marina Resort, we decided to head east and arrived at Gorge Harbour, which has room for a large number of boats to anchor; we prefer the east end of the bay, where anchoring depths are good. 

The inviting swimming pool at Gorge Harbour Marina Resort

The following day, we were able to confirm space at the dock and join our friends for some social time.  The resort has beautiful manicured grounds, a cute store, nice restaurant, and an inviting swimming pool overlooking the harbour. 

 Having a Wonderful Dinner at the Resort is a Highlight

Dinners at the resort are excellent, and we really enjoyed the wonderful time with friends filled with lots of laughter and good conversation. 

Departing Gorge Harbour, other boats arriving

After a leisurely breakfast and morning farewells, we departed Gorge Harbour, headed for historic Mansons Landing located further south on Cortes Island.