Rounding Cape Caution
On 5/31 we left Port Neville at 6:45 am and as we departed we saw many other yachts tentatively creeping out of their safe anchorages ready to continue their journeys up Johnstone Strait. We had flat, calm seas on our cruise to Blunden Harbour going through Queen Charlotte Strait. We put our anchor down around 2:15 pm (7 ½ hours later). Don chose this route to round Cape Caution rather than going from Port Hardy. The distance is about the same using either route. We reminisced about our trip last year in the Broughtons as we passed different channels and bays we had been through.
At 5:15 am on 6/1 there was a line of boats exiting Blunden Harbour all ready to round Cape Caution. First we had to finish weaving through the string of islands and rocks in Queen Charlotte straight and then open ocean! Wow, I’ve been on some whale watching boats in open ocean but first time with our boat. The seas were calm but still there was the unmistakable cold winds and low rolling waves following us as we crossed. By 1:15 pm (8 hours later) we were anchored in the west arm (south) of Pruth Bay. The bay is deep, wind was light and it was mostly sunny. Wanderlost also pulled in and anchored.
The next day (6/1) we joined Tom and Robin (our Wanderlost friends) in their dinghy to go to the Hakai Beach Institute at the head of Kwakshua Channel in Pruth Bay. This institution has ecological and observatory labs under the umbrella of the Tula foundation. The long term research work is conducted with help from Canadian and U.S. universities and government agencies. The Hakai Institute represents what happens when the elements of funding, infrastructure, science programs, skilled staff, and partners are integrated into one organization. In 2015 and 2016 they extended their interests farther across the BC coast and to Washington and Alaska through strategic partnerships.
The institute allows boaters to tie up their dinghy behind the main docks and hike the well-maintained boardwalk and gravel pathway to the beautiful West Beach. This entire area is part of the Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy Area which is a huge provincial park that includes the northern half of Calvert Island, the southern two-thirds of Hunter Island and Goose Island. The walk was amazing and the fine sandy beach is beautiful. Bosun was racing around on the beach until we thought there were just too many eagles that were showing interest in him. Back on the leash again.
We stayed another night in the bay due to a windy weather forecast but that didn’t stop Wanderlost from leaving; brave souls. 
From Blunden Harbour around Cape Caution to Pruth Bay
Queen Charlotte Strait looking back towards Blunden Harbour. This is the sunrise so looking east.
