Port Alberni Yacht Club to Bamfield

By the time we got up, most of the boats had departed the docks, making them look deserted. They were all off fishing and getting ready for the tournament.

We took our time getting started and left the Port Alberni dock club in bright sun. On our way out of Robbers Pass, we saw Tenacious heading back to the docks after a morning of salmon fishing.

A found farewell to the Port Alberni Yacht Club Outpost

We saw several blows on the short five-mile trip to Bamfield, but never caught sight of the animals. There were lots fishing boats lining the shore, practicing for the upcoming salmon tournament. Bamfield itself is cute from the water as you pass the various docks and structures lining the shore.

As we approached the Westside Harbor Authority docks, they looked full. At first glance it looked like there was room on the outside but as we got closer we saw a sign that said 15 minute loading zone. We took Alaskan Dream inside in hope that we can squeeze into a tight space that looked open -- and we did. But then a couple of nice guys greeted us on the docks and informed us we needed to see Cheryl as lots of the spaces, including the one we were trying to tie up to, were reserved. Cheryl came down in a couple of minutes and told us to go back out to the area that we thought was reserved for loading. She informed us that only the very end of the dock was for loading and that we can snug up in front of the large sail boat named Adrianna Gee.

What a loo! 

You find lots of homemade sign pointing the way to Brady's Beach

The docks had the power and water but we didn’t need either. We paid our moorage and grabbed a quick lunch at the Boardwalk Bistro before we walked over to Brady’s Beach. It took us about 40 minutes, first climbing up and up the stone and gravel road before cresting the top and walking down to the beach. As we arrived at the beach, we were greeted with the most elaborate composting outhouse we’d ever seen. Karen reported that it was clean, smelled good even had reading material as well as hand sanitizer.

The crew of White Tiger enjoy Brady’s Beach

As we walked the beach the fog began to roll in. The crew from White Tiger recognized us  and we chatted for a while sharing stories about anchorages and our travels. 

Great boardwalk at Bamfield

We made our way back to Bamfield to check out the general store which was reasonably stocked. We then made our way along the well-maintained boardwalk checking out the cathouse, which tempted Karen with one stubborn cat that would not come to her. Most cats cannot resist Karen.

Not that kind of Cat House

"Here kitty, kitty"

Once on board, Bob made pizza and we sat on the flybridge listening to the live music coming from the Bistro.

There were lots of boats coming in and out including a small fishing boat that pulled up into the loading zone, where the crew got off and returned shortly with their catch that they had left earlier to be vacuumed packed.

As they departed, we heard someone on the dokcs warn them about the reef which was at the mark right off the end of the dock. The chart says its 2 feet there on a zero tide, and it was plus 4 feet. Nevertheless, they grounded and then re-grounded again as the captain tried to power the boat off the reef. Eventually one guy stripped to his boxers and jumped to the water and pushed the boat free. They quietly and slowly motored off, having survived their embarrassment but providing us with a bit of "glad that wasn't us" entertainment.

Check those charts, and that large mark

It was dark when a small sailboat tied up in front of us. But their arrival did not go unnoticed and Cheryl came down and collected moorage money. They didn’t leave us much room and their dinghy was in the water behind their boat, and ended up touching our bow. We’ll deal with that in the morning. We went to bed early because our 95 mile trip tomorrow is going to require us to start before sunrise. Our plan is that the early start will allow us to beat most of the afternoon winds which are forecast to rise from the Northwest at 20 to 30 knots.

Moonrise over Bamfield