Spicer Islands to Anger Inlet

Some destinations earn a place on the itinerary because everyone recommends them. Others simply spark your curiosity.

Anger Inlet falls squarely into the second category. It's hard not to smile at a chart that labels one inlet "Anger" and, just around the corner, another "Ire." Fortunately, there is nothing hostile about either the scenery or the navigation. We chose Anger Inlet for one simple reason—we had never been there. Looking at the chart, with its maze of coves, lagoons, islets, and narrow passages, it seemed like the sort of place that rewards exploration.

The trip south through Principe Channel was about as pleasant as we could have hoped. Winds rarely climbed above five knots and were often closer to three. Even better, the currents proved favorable despite the forecast suggesting otherwise. Days like these are a gift. With the boat quietly making miles, there's little to do but enjoy the scenery and keep an eye out for whales. They declined our invitation today, but we'll gladly accept calm seas as consolation.

nice ride on a cloudy day

it’s all about the texture of sea and sky

We chose the southeast cove for our anchorage. The approach winds among several drying islets, but the route is well charted. On a fifteen-foot tide, referenced to the Kitkatla Islands, we never saw less than eighteen feet beneath the keel. Looking back, I'll give the inside rock at the ninety-degree turn a little more room next time, but otherwise the entrance was straightforward.

Once settled, we decided to try our luck for spot prawns. Rather than relying solely on the chart, Karen asked ChatGPT to recommend a location. It responded with a specific spot along with a thoughtful explanation of why it looked promising and when it should fish best. We dropped a single pot and then set off to explore while it soaked.

The maze of waterways branching off the main inlet proved every bit as inviting as we'd imagined. Around each bend was another sheltered cove or narrow passage waiting to be explored. The only caution is the tidal current, which can move briskly through the constricted channels. It was no concern for the dinghy, but kayakers would be well advised to time their passage near slack water.

anger inlet is our kind of anchorage

When we finally returned for the pot, the prawns had apparently found somewhere else to spend the afternoon. Not every experiment ends with dinner.

Still, we considered the day a complete success. We discovered another beautiful corner of the British Columbia coast, confirmed that Anger Inlet deserves a far friendlier reputation than its name suggests, and added one more memorable anchorage to our growing list of places we'd happily visit again.

the surrounding geography in anger inlet