Travels of "Emma B" (JD powered Helmsman)

[Durant F]

After what can only be described as a “violent” day yesterday weather wise... this was mid afternoon today.
I’m sure we’ve all made Port on a crazy day, thankful to have been in there after the bumpy seas outside, then to wake up the next day to flat calm and wonder “how can that be?”...
That’s weather for ya...



After so many days of no or minimal sun, I was motivated! Washed the entire exterior. Hauled out the dingy and cleaned it and it’s bottom, filled the water tanks and walked over 3 miles.
After so many dull days, sunshine will do that to ya ��

[Durant F]

Has anyone been to Port Browning marina on N Pender Island?

[koliver]

Originally Posted by Durant F

Has anyone been to Port Browning marina on N Pender Island?

Yes, but not at this time of year. In the season, there is a nice pub there, the marina is better than just adequate, though coming from Port Sidney, you may be disappointed. There is a decent breakwater out front, so except in a strong SE, the marina is protected. You can walk up to the shopping centre in 5 minutes, the only good shopping on the Penders. Other than the pub, whose food depends on staffing, I know nothing about other eating opportunities. In Covid times, I wouldn't expect much, but you did get lucky at Maple Bay, so you may also do well at Pt B.
Good luck and enjoy.

[Greg S]

Originally Posted by Durant F

Has anyone been to Port Browning marina on N Pender Island?

High on my list of favorites but that may be because of old memories. Great pub at the head of the dock. Docks are good too. Highlight is arriving by going through the cut from Bedwell Harbour. Better to go against the tide than with it, unless you can hit slack, then great. Did anyone say "narrow"? Pre reading about going through the cut is useful but if you can follow aids to navigation you should be fine. Convoluted bend at the Bedwell end. If there is a good current the cut is one of the few useful places to make a radio "Safety" call on 1 watt to announce your transit and ask if any concerned traffic.
Have you heard of bus stops? Just up the road from the marina is the closest "ride stop". Hang there and a local will pick you up and take you down the road (if they feel like it), no obligation to stop for you and no obligation on your part to accept them as a ride, it is all explained on the information sign at the "stops". COVID? I don't know. Rides might be cancelled because of it.
FYI, the Camano Owners Club has been having their annual rendezvous at Port Browning Marina for the last few years. We were only able to make it to just one.

[NorWyn]

Agree with Greg S.

Pender Canal transit is definitely a highlight!

If you have time and decent weather check out the anchorages on Prevost Island as well.(about 12 nm from Port Browning and would be an ideal spot to gunk hole if you need to kill time while waiting to time slack at the canal).

[Durant F]

Thanks for the replies.
No worries on being disappointed after Sidney.
I favour funky over fancy..
I’ve emailed them last night to see if the pub is still open.
Look forward to checking it out.
Appreciate the info lads

[Durant F]

Stopped to visit my friend and fellow Helmsman owner John on a nearby island.
Come see our new place he says..
It will be fun he says...
So, not wanting to look like the boat bum I am, had a shower and put clean cloths on before heading over.
Once there I was treated to hauling brush across a muddy field
Some fun eh
Im only teasing and it was fun, great exercise and followed up by an awesome meal, drinks and nice visit.
I’ve mentioned before that although I am a long time boater, John was such an awesome mentor in learning the tides, currents and how to deal with the rapids out here! Made the steep learning curve far easier.
A great friend!
You can see by the picture why I call him “big John”

[Durant F]

Quote:
If you have time and decent weather check out the anchorages on Prevost Island as well.(about 12 nm from Port Browning and would be an ideal spot to gunk hole if you need to kill time while waiting to time slack at the canal).

Is that not entering USA waters?

[Island Cessna]

Originally Posted by Durant F

.............the anchorages on Prevost Island......

Is that not entering USA waters?

Prevost is definitely in Canada, and Annette Inlet is a magical spot.

[koliver]

Originally Posted by Durant F

Quote:
If you have time and decent weather check out the anchorages on Prevost Island as well.(about 12 nm from Port Browning and would be an ideal spot to gunk hole if you need to kill time while waiting to time slack at the canal).

Is that not entering USA waters?

No, Frank. Prevost gave his name to both the Island in the Gulf Islands (BC waters) and the harbour on Stuart Island in the San Juans, (US). Roughly equidistant from Port Browning, in opposite directions.

[Durant F]

Got ya..
Just found it and yes, I was looking south..
Certainly looks protected in a SE
I’ve been by it a few times before in/out of Ganges but never stopped, I will check it out, thanks

[Durant F]

Well... was tucked in again at Maple Bay for the last few nights of wind and rain.
The ribs at the pub had nothing to do with the choice.
Awoke to sunshine.....SUNSHINE!
After such an extended crappy period how glorious to get underway in blue sky’s and feel the heat of the sun!
Very calm seas all the way to Annette Inlet (thx lads). Yep... had to try it out.
So nice to be swinging at anchor again.
Amazing how the sun lifts your spirit.


Leaving Maple Bay
Underway
Looking out Annette Inlet
View from dinette

[Durant F]

Thanks for the recommendation on this anchorage.
Very protected in a SE and enjoyed 2 coffees watching the multitude of birds and seals this morning. Great way to start the day.

[Conrad]

Very pleasant anchorage for sure Frank! I have, on occasion, seen Sea Otters flat on their backs enjoying the sun at the entrance to Annette.

[Durant F]

It’s now on the “go back to” list...
Selby Cove, next up, looked very nice too.
I’m enjoying “putting around”... no set plan..
Hope to be back your way mid February or so.

[Durant F]

So nice to have a couple of decent days in a row.
Looking back leaving Annette Inlet
Resident eagle Pics are typically iPhone, eagle is my Nikon with zoom)
Lighthouse on the point
Calm waters of Trincomali Strait

[Nomad Willy]

I remember Trincomali Strait.
It’s a long run.

[Durant F]

I was surprised at the wildlife yesterday.
Quite a variety of birds, seals and was blessed by 2 humpbacks feeding.
This was my first whale encounter since being north.
Sure makes a run more interesting

[Conrad]

Originally Posted by Durant F

I was surprised at the wildlife yesterday.
Quite a variety of birds, seals and was blessed by 2 humpbacks feeding.
This was my first whale encounter since being north.
Sure makes a run more interesting

Interesting. Most Humpbacks head south to breed for the winter although I'm hearing reports that some do stay around; it has been suggested that perhaps they are not old enough to breed yet.

[Durant F]

I was surprised to see them. Always a treat. Was also surprised at how fast they can move at times.