After winding down (even more!!) at Squirrel cove we headed up Homfray Channel to explore Prideaux Haven. We had been up here a number of years ago on our first ever cruising trip and thought it would be great to go there under our own direction. On the way we dropped into Refuge Cove to fuel up and change the oil on the engine, then we headed up in beautiful scenery towards the numerous anchorages of Prideaux Haven. It being mid august though, the area was packed! We first tried to find some room in Laura cove but there was nowhere to drop the hook so we heaed back out and into the main anchorage where we found room in the extreme West end.

Even with all the boats present it was still a very chill and quiet spot and we had a wonderful time exploring the anchorage by kayak and going through to eveleigh anchorage which was totally deserted!

The next morning we headed out and after a pleasant sail, dropped into Malaspina Inlet. We found a nice pocket on the west side of the inlet and ticked in with just one more boat in the space. It was pleasant having some solitude again. It rained for most of the afternoon and through the night and we ended up having a movie marathon watching both 2001 and 2010. After watching them both back to back they finally started to make a bit of sense to me!

The following day we left early, went around Sarah Point and headed south to the Copeland Islands. Although a busy thoroughfare we found somewhere to tuck in and then dropped the kayaks to go and explore again. A wonderful quiet and picturesque group of islands which are a marine park to didge around.

Waking up early again we weighed anchor and headed south on what was going to be a fairly long day to Beach Gardens Marina; our first stop for a long while in civilization. We were pleasantly surprised to find that for once, the wind was with us and we had a glorious four hours sailing on a broad reach past Powell River and down to the Marina

The entrance to the Marina was to say the least 'interesting' and once in there was very little maneuvering space but we managed to get tied up safely and then thoroughly enjoyed the showers and getting everything clean at the marina. That evening we also had a lovely meal at the restaurant, looking out over the Malaspina Straight at Texada Island and watching many whales breaching a blowing on what is obviously a very busy channel for them

We had booked into the marina for a couple of days and so the next morning, after repositioning our boat at the end of the dock to make an easier escape, we headed into Powell River. We sauntered around some lovely shops on Marina Drive and stopped for lunch and a drink at a great bar. Aftergood's we headed across to the main shopping center to reprovision. Whilst back in Save on foods we realised this was the first time we had been in a big town since Campbell River in early July; over six weeks away from the real world. It was a bit sad to be heading back into real life but we both agreed it was about the right time to start reengaging!

Back at the boat we relaxed for the afternoon along with another swim. In the meantime a large motor yacht (Blueprint) had pulled up right behind us with their bow and huge anchor towering over our stern.  We were invited for diner and drinks but we had already booked another meal at the Seasider restaurant and so agreed to drop in for a glass of wine after that.  The diner was wonderful with views over the straight although a bit blowy.  For entertainment we watched as many humpabck messed around in the setting sun. 

On getting back to the boat the wind had really got up but we took advantage of our new friends invitation and saw what a $2m 65 foot yacht is all about !  the owners were great company and in the middle a little tub a boat fought its way into the breakwater (it must have been blowing a good 25 - 30 knots).  We all went out and had to help them get tied up.  The owner seemed to know her stuff but her crew was 'just someone she had picked up' and was absolutely hammered so really not that helpful.  We got them safely lashed to the dock and left them bobbing merrily for the night.