SULLIVAN BAY AND ALERT BAY

As nice as Sullivan Bay Marina was last night, it was remote enough to be beyond cell phone or internet reach. This evening, however, we are back at least close enough to civilization that we have a phone signal and can get online.

Alert Bay

Sullivan Bay is an interesting little floating community with all structures in the "town" on floats. There are several private homes, a restaurant, a marina, a general store, golf range, laundromat, boat repair/fuel dock and a floatplane airport all on floating docks anchored in the bay. It is probably the nicest marina we have seen in the Broughton Islands, a tribute to the hard work and ingenuity of the staff.

Sullivan Bay

The "golf range" takes a little explaining. There is an artificial turf tee box out on the end of the dock past the airport and a "hole" anchored out in the water. The hole is a small float with a flag on it and ranges between 100-150 yards out, depending on the tide and currents. Any marina guest eating at the restaurant is entitled to 4 tries to hit the "hole," and if you do, your marina stay for the night is free. You are also entitled (required) to wear just about the ugliest green plaid sportcoat I have ever seen, to dinner. Elaine & I both gave it a try - didn't have to worry about wearing an ugly coat!

We thought we'd cross Queen Charlotte Strait this morning, even though the weather forecast was for 15-25 knot winds with possible gale warning. The winds were to be out of the northwest, which means they would be behind us, so even if things got a little bouncy, at least we wouldn't be slamming into the waves. We got out there and it was almost like glass. There were a few smooth, small swells, but no wind and no waves. The sun was out and it was just about the nicest day we have had up here.

Queen Charlotte Strait

It took a few hours to cross the strait, then we turned in to Alert Bay on Cormorant Island, just northeast of Vancouver Island.  The harbour is a real "working boat" marina, but our trawler style boat fit right in. The town is primarily a "First Nation" settlement and they have a very nice cultural center which we visited, then visited the grocery store for a few essentials. We'll be heading over to Port McNeill in a day or so, and it is supposed to be a much more cosmopolitan town than Alert Bay, so we'll save any significant provisioning until then...