August 10 - Gorge Harbour, Cortes Island

The view of Marina Island adjacent to Gorge Harbour on Cortes Island

The view down Calm Channel as we motor toward Desolation Sound

We left Cordero Lodge today around noon as the tide in the three sets of rapids we had to transit, Dent, Gillard and Yacultas all turned around 1:30. We cruised down Cordero Passage which prior to tide change time looks like the Don Valley Parkway at rush hour (well almost like that).
All manner of boats were strung out ahead of us all trying to make the rapids about the exact same time. I had to check my patience at the door and maintain my position in line behind a huge 80 footer who I used like a pulling guard in football. Where he went, I went, so if anyone was going to get the finger for passing too close to a sailboat or slow moving trawler it would be him. He was parked across the dock from me in Cordero Lodge and called his boat White Rabbit which I thought was kind of cool.
At any rate despite being admonished on the radio by a dock guy at a really large fishing lodge on Sonora Island for kicking up too much wake, Bojangles and White Rabbit blasted through the rapids and we then leisurely proceeded down Calm Channel into Desolation Sound. We had typical Desolation Sound weather, sunny, with calm seas. It was nice getting back to familiar waters and getting a feeling like it was actually summer.
We anchored in Gorge Harbour on the west side of Cortes island. It was a bit of an eye-opener to see all the boats after our idea of a crowded anchorage was us and another boat. I hollered at a sailboat near me to keep an eye out for my anchor chain when he dropped anchor but it turned out he was not intending to drop there and actually knew what he was doing. So when we took the dinghy out to go to the dock for dinner I cruised by and apologized for jumping the gun. He was very gracious and actually invited us aboard for a libation of some form but we were already late for our dinner reservations at the excellent restaurant at Gorge Harbour.
We used to stay at the docks at Gorge but they are really crappy now with no power so we don't bother any more. Rumour has it that the new owner of the marina and facilities is intending to redo the docks and add power. I will wait and see with anchor ready.
We had a great meal and for the first time on the trip had to open all than hatches to sleep and Nance finally took off her parka (just kidding). But it was chilly for most of the trip.