Teakerne Arm Cassel Falls and Lake Swim, Evan's Bay and Rebecca Spit

The plan was to depart between 09 and 09:30 to go have a look at Cassel Falls and then maybe travel beyond. However Norma was unwell and at 08:30 (after cleaning the entire bathroom) announced an immediate need for a shower, laundry and garbage disposal.

Refuge Cove has all three and is about 6 NM from Squirrel Cove. It is a very popular place, but a quick call confirmed that there was space available but they do not reserve. We skipped breakfast and quickly hoisted anchor. As we crossed Lewis Channel, three boats go in ahead of us. Luckily, when we arrived there was just enough space for us between two large power boats (with towing tenders tied alongside). Refuge refused our call for docking assistance but one person from a neighboring boat took our midship line and we slotted in perfectly.

Shower, laundry and trash disposal was done in 2 hours and we took another hour to enjoy salmon burgers at the outdoor restaurant amongst the yellow jackets. Bug zappers were provided by the restaurant.

We departed at noon, not having to pay for the under 4-hour stay at the dock. We proceeded a few miles around to Teakerne Arm and anchored and stern-tied at Cassel Lake. We really need to get a reel for stern tying. We remained aboard for the rest of the day. On Sunday, we got up early, packed for a hike and swimming and went to have a look at Cassel Falls.

Cassel Lake, a warm fresh water lake perfect for swimming

Allen celebrates a successful stern tie. Using the chain to get out of the lake.

We tied up to the nearby dingy dock. The climb to the lake along the rocky trail was assisted by a number of chains to hang on to to get into and out of the water.. The lake was really wonderful, relatively warm and it took only a minute to get used to the temperature. We swam and posed for photos. We had brought masks and snorkels and Allen found a smooth black man's ring that had settled on a small rock shelf above a very deep drop-off. He felt sorry for the man who lost it but is wearing it now.

Allen poses for the swimsuit edition

On the way back, Norma got a couple of scrapes and raspberries when she accidently swung out on one of the chains, but she is fine. Allen picked up some oysters then we raised anchor and headed out towards Bird Cove on Read Island just for a calm overnight swinging at Anchor.

We left Bird Cove the next morning and motored to Rebecca Spit on Quadra Island. This is a long rock spit which create a big and well-protected bay. On the bay are two resorts and a campground as well as many anchored boats but still with room for plenty more. When we arrived, we met a CYC boat which we had been trying to meet. Unfortunately Saorise ("rhymes with inertia") was getting ready to raise anchor and catch the tide heading up the Hoskin Channel. We had a very short visit with Bob and Sarah McDonald and their two sons Skye and Roscoe.

We went ashore on the spit to collect some sand and check it out. Then back to the boat where Allen prepared spaghetti with fresh oyster sauce. Allen practiced his harmonica while Norma did a little work.

Oysters

The next day we took the dingy ashore to Taku resort and they allowed us to tie up for a couple hours for no charge. They even gave us a free refrigerator magnet and postcard! The resort looks really fun and we would recommend it to our friends. We walked to the local food co-op and did a very light shopping. Allen had an Iced Latte while Norma picked up a few gifts, once again contributing to a local economy! Later in the day we took a 3 KM walk to the end of the spit and enjoyed many views.

Tomorrow we head over to Campbell River and look forward to reuniting with RENOVATIO.