route

The routes shown on the maps are approximate. The final route there and back will be decided on in a consensus - not majority - type way, every evening or morning, guided by weather and next area ahead of us.
We all have some say and it usually is a nice exercise to close the day or start one. Special requests of individuals to see this or that particular location will be accommodated as long as it allows us to make it into the Broughtons ... - even this arrangement can be changed if we all can agree on it.
It might be advisable to go up North as directly as possible, meaning transit the Seymour Narrows will be required. David Miller's and Martyn Adams' guidance will be highly valued because they both have experienced the route in both VanIsle Regatta and cruising conditions.
The more scenic, small bout route, lies to the east. It includes the Yucultas, Dent and Greene Point Rapids; and a bit further along, the Whirlpool rapids. Last year we tried to go this interior route. In principle there was no problem to pass the rapids, but the timing of passing the rapids. You can usually only make one or at most two rapids per day - and the trip is badly dragged out. We finally stopped at Shoal Bay, stayed a couple of days for the lovely music festival, and then headed back because we were running out of time. Well, we already had wasted a bunch of days in Desolation Sound.

To the Broughtons: view from above (Google Earth)


Itinerary

start:
  • Cowichan Bay - Monday 05.08.2013


destination:
  • Broughton Islands 


end:
  • Gulf Islands - Monday 26.08.2013 / or earlier


And the way back

Native culture: If one has an interest in the Culture and Arts of the local native population, then there are two Must-See opportunities along your route. They both go back to the time when Canada outlawed the Potlatch ceremony. In 1921, a potlatch was held on Village Island, in the Broughtons, in spite of the law. In effect, all the potlatch regalia of this important Kwakwaka'waku family was seized and sold off to collectors, museums, etc. The family, and the tribe persisted in their efforts to right this wrong. Finally, the collections held by Canadian museums were returned under an agreement that the native communities would build suitable 'Cultural Centers' to house and display the collection. Half of the collection can now be seen at the U'Mista Cultural Center in Alert bay. (It is an easy walk from the harbor.) The other half went to the Nuyumbales Cultural Center in the native village of Cape Mudge. It is located on Quadra Island just across the channel from Campbell River. There is a small dock at the village that will allow easy access to the center. These are the most complete and impressive displays of potlatch regalia (masks, coppers, whistles, drums, etc.) easily accessible.