We decided to put our visit to Princess Louisa Inlet towards the front of the trip. Once there,
we could take a leisurely trip back to Bellingham through the Canadian Gulf Islands. We started
in Bellingham at the docks of San Juan Sailing in Squalicum Harbor on the morning of July 16th.
We left as early as possible because I wanted to keep the audience at our departure small in case
there were any mishaps. Fortunately, nothing unexpected happened. Of course this in itself was
unexpected.
Our first stop was South Pender Island in the Canadian Gulf Islands to clear customs. We elected to
stay there for the night.
First day - Departure to South Pender Island
The second day we passed quickly from one end of the Gulf Islands to the other setting bookmarks
at the places that we wanted to visit on our way back. We passed through Dodd Narrows and spent
the night at what felt like a sketchy anchorage in Nanaimo.
Second day - Through Gulf Islands to Nanaimo
The next day was our first crossing of the straits of Georgia. As expected, we had a lot of wind directly
in our face all day. We pounded our way across to finally pull into the safety of Pender Harbor.
Third day - Nanaimo to Pender Harbor
Today was going to be a big day. We were to make our way through the inlets and reaches to the
entrance of Princess Louisa Inlet.
Fourth day - Pender Harbor to Malibu Rapids
After a sphincter puckering crossing of Malibu Rapids, we were in Princess Louisa Inlet. It was like
entering a cathedral. We were dumbfounded with the beauty that surrounded us. There were
waterfalls, snow covered mountains, cliffs, and warm water.
Fourth day cont. - Malibu Rapids to Chatterbox Falls in Princess Louisa Inlet