Due to some hiccups in accomodation, Kelly and I didn't appear to have a room for the night at the group's hotel. As it was full, we were a little discouraged at first. But the very pleasant lady at reception asked us to wait and see if everybody showed up. But we discovered a comparable (though lesser) quality hotel next door, so we went over there, and they had rooms, so we spent the night there instead. As it turns out, there actually were rooms that we could have used, but we didn't want to take the chance.
The first part of this day's journey was across Queen Charlotte Sound, an area of open water. The forecast was for an approaching storm, possibly making this an unpleasant crossing, or possibly even bad enough for us to return and spend another night at Port Hardy. To reduce the impact of the storm, we left early. Fortunatley, the strategy worked, and we had a fairly mild crossing to the protection of the islands north of Queen Charlotte Sound. I think we were travelling at less than cruising speed, but the swell was coming from behind us, which apparently makes it less troublesome. Anyway, we did not return for another night at Port Hardy! And so the rest of our trip was likely to be on schedule - especially important for airline schedules (and more so flight change costs).
An early departure from Port Hardy. This photo was taken as we were pulling away from the wharf, at 07:39 - I think this was our earliest start of the journey.
As the boat pulled out, breakfast was served. Breakfast was the traditional light meal - cereal, fruit, muffins/pastries, juice and coffee/tea.
The initial part of the journey was under protection from Vancouver Island. It's about 30 km (20 miles) from Port Hardy until the really open water. As we left port, the order was given to stay inside. With the rough (and worsening) conditions, the boat was lurching somewhat, and it would be easy to be thrown overboard, and perhaps not missed for quite some time. Which would not be conducive to a long life! The crossing of the sound is about 50 km (30 miles).
Detiorating weather as we pass a string of small islands near the northern tip of Vancouver Island.
The northern tip of Vancouver Island disappears into the distance.
We were now in open water, albeit close to shore, on Queen Charlotte Sound.
Day 2: At Port Hardy
