Lagoon Cove to Miles Inlet

Miles Inlet was not our original destination today. In fact, it was not even our second choice. But that is cruising the Pacific Northwest in a nutshell: plans are important, but flexibility matters more.

Today’s objective was simple enough — position ourselves for a safe rounding of Cape Caution. The forecast over the next few days is calling for a procession of weather systems bringing rain, rising winds and building seas. Around Cape Caution, the rain is merely an inconvenience. The wind and waves are what demand respect.

Our first plan was to stop at Stopford Bay, tucked into Sutlej Channel. It is a favorite anchorage of some cruising friends and seemed like the perfect place to spend a few days waiting for a proper weather window.

We departed Lagoon Cove in calm conditions. Light winds, easy seas and a comfortable ride. As OceanFlyer settled into stride, the thought crept in: “Why stop so early?”

So we aimed farther north toward Blunden Harbour.

The conditions held.

Wind and seas stayed comfortably astern, and the ride across Queen Charlotte Strait was remarkably pleasant. With the miles slipping easily under the keel, Alison Harbour suddenly seemed within easy reach. Another well-known staging anchorage before Cape Caution.

But the story repeated itself once again.

The seas remained gentle, the wind stayed cooperative, and Miles Inlet was now only another half-hour away. At that point the decision practically made itself.

Miles Inlet it was.

This little hideaway remains one of our favorite spots on the coast. Tucked at the end of a short, narrow inlet, it offers exceptional protection while sitting only a mile off Queen Charlotte Strait. It is the kind of anchorage that feels purpose-built for waiting out weather.

miles inlet offers refuge just off of Queen Charlotte Strait

Its location also gives it a strategic advantage. From here it is only about 11 miles to Cape Caution, making it possible to time a departure with precision and minimize exposure to open water conditions. And should the forecast prove overly optimistic, retreating to the protection of Millbrook Cove is only about two hours away.

Traffic out here continues to be remarkably light. Today we saw two large tug-and-tow combinations and a single southbound sailboat. Two separate humpback whale sightings added a little extra reward to the day’s run.

Now we wait.

The weather updates will guide the next move. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe two days from now. Around Cape Caution, patience is often the most valuable piece of equipment onboard.