Central British Columbia
6/3 we departed Pruth Bay area at 6:00 am. Winds were light and it was cloudy. We went out through Hakai Passage which is open to the Pacific Ocean so we had steady swells of ocean waves while in the passage. That’s what is different about this area is how much more remote this part of the country is. We did have to notify our insurance company to get a special rider for our trip. We had increased our anchor chain from 300 to 400 feet because the water is deeper up here.
There is less opportunity to get out for walks or hikes up here. Lucky for us Bosun has adapted very well to using the washable pee pads although we have used them in the house since he was very little to get him potty trained. On the boat we place the pads in plastic trays with a plastic grate on the boat deck for him. This is to make sure the pads don’t blow over since they are a good weight and don’t fly around much. Some we set out without the tray and grate just to get him used to the containers. He held out for awhile at first getting confused about why he can get off the boat in some places but not others. He is getting better at not holding out and doing his business on the boat when there is no dock to tie up to.
At 11:30 (5 ½ hours) we arrived at Shearwater and tied up to the dock. Bosun is always happy to arrive at a dock so he can get off. He requires lots of petting and will stand on the boat deck waiting for unsuspecting people passing by to give him lots of attention. Most of them comply with his request. Wanderlost pulled into Shearwater marina later in the day.
Shearwater marina is a bustling port. They even have a marine store and haul out facility. Even some fishing charters go out from here. The people were all really friendly. We got caught up on laundry, got a few things at the local store, and we had a nice breakfast the next morning. The following evening we enjoyed a great dinner at the local restaurant with Tom and Robin and caught up on their adventures.
The marina was purchased by the Heiltsuk Nation in 2021. Originally the marina was the site of a WWII Royal Canadian Air Force seaplane base. Muralist Paul Gartua was commissioned to paint the images of seventeen people who had an impact on the growth and development of Shearwater. They include tribal leaders, medical professionals, and the original manager of the Hudson’s Bay Company outpost. The mural is 120 feet wide and 22 feet tall on an outside wall of the shop.
This video shows us coming into Hakai Passage which opens to the Pacific Ocean so it can get really rough. We didn’t go the day before because the weather forecast had high winds. It didn’t stop our friends on Wanderlost from going. I’m sure our trip was much calmer.
Views looking west towards the inside passage and mountains in the distance. It is a beautiful area.
The marina has a memoral park recognizing Shearwater as the site of a WWII Royal Canadian Air Force Seaplane base. Here is a 17 foot replica of a Stranraer flying boat. This memoral commemorates First Nations veterans and other veterans from the area for their service. You can see our boat in the background; the one with the teak butt.
Shearwater - Mural of the 17 people who were had the greatest impact on the growth and development of Shearwater. Artist is Paul Gartua. It includes people of different ethnic backgrounds and expertise including tribal leaders.