Von Donop Inlet to Carrington Bay

Today’s journey was little more than a short hop from Von Donop Inlet to Carrington Bay—another new anchorage for us this season.

Karen had read about several pleasant walks near the head of the bay, where a narrow channel opens into a tidal lagoon. The trails are part of Carrington Bay Regional Park and wind through one of Cortes Island’s more frequently visited stands of mature forest.

Carrington Bay with the lagoon at the head

looking back out from carrington bay NW to Sutil Channel

We have found that wherever a trail can also be reached by road, there is usually more development and upkeep—the natural result of easier access and heavier use. That was certainly the case here.

The unmistakable landmark at the lagoon entrance is an aluminum footbridge spanning the channel. We landed the dinghy just west of it, where broad granite slabs provided an easy, dry place to step ashore.

The trails lived up to what Karen had read. They were well maintained and threaded with the sort of rustic infrastructure that industrious visitors seem compelled to build when left to their own devices. Even the privy on the east side of the lagoon entrance—unexpected, thoroughly improvised and cleverly assembled from found materials—continues to serve the kayakers and boaters who camp nearby.

After our walk, we returned to OceanFlyer and settled in behind Little Jane Islet. The evening was calm, the anchorage quiet and the moon just short of full.

mother nature puts on another show for us

Some cruising days are defined by currents, weather and careful timing. Others ask for nothing more than a short passage, a walk through the forest and a peaceful night at anchor.