The upper rapids of Okisollo Channel were only about 5 minutes away. It is hard to believe how fast it would have been running because it was so lovely and calm when we arrived. But that meant everything was to plan. So we took the plunge with Orpao behind. Below is Orpao’s emerging from the fog and out of the rapids.
There was a bit of turbulence but we couldn’t have hoped for a better crossing. We then went through the narrows, which are really pretty, before emerging into Octopus Islands Provincial Park.
There is a sign on the islands indicating the park, and we later also found this small plaque embedded into a rock.
There are a few anchoring options to choose from so we made our selection, dodged the numerous crab pots and dropped anchor. While we are currently the only two boats here, in summer it is a popular destination and is quite packed, with stern tying to the bank necessary to fit everyone in.
While I am grateful we don’t have the crowding, I totally get why it is so popular. How could you not find peace with a back drop like this?
It was cloudy, but high tide, so Dean and I went for a paddle, while Frederique and Bruno went for a hike.
It is a perfect area for kayaking. We just wove our way around the little islands and down channels. We surprised a family of land otters and they surprised us as they suddenly sprung up in the water in front of us and made a dash for the nearby hillside. Scrambling out of the water they scampered up the slope. Then unhappy with their position we saw them one at a time dash through a gap in the trees and disappear into the undergrowth.
Regulars had made a fireplace out of stones on the beach, had a rock shaped chair set up next to it and had even made a bush table out if logs. Quite the set up. Dean of course couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have a poke around.
While I waited in the kayak.
Continuing on we spotted the occasional seal and a few birds, but didn’t see a lot of wildlife. While most of the birds flew away before we could get near, this Common Merganser, a type of sea duck, sat quacking at me like it wanted to be noticed.
We knew one of the islands had a hut on it where visitors hang their boat name up. The first hut we checked was the wrong one. But you can see how clear the water is looking down from it. Looks like a nice place to take a dip….until you put your toe in that is!!
We were on the correct island so we continued around until we found another hut. Yes, this one looked right!
It always fun looking at these places. Some people are so creative. This one had a bit of thought put in into it. An Octopus for the Octopus Islands!
Others showed their annual pilgrimage, which is really nice. Someone onboard Escargot Too clearly had an arty streak.
And for people who just wanted to leave their mark, there was a pile of drift wood marked with names and dates. And the pile extended outside into the deck.
At the harbour where the hut is, some human beavers had dammed up a shallow portion of the inlet with a rock wall. I can imagine they scoop out the weed at the beginning and it’s a safe place for the kids to play. I’m sure there are lots of happy memories in these waters.
I love looking at the lichens and moss that are prolific growers in these cold climates. Lichens are such a primitive life form and once they are established, allow an entire ecosystem to build up. The acids they produce crack the boulders they grow on and allow dirt to accumulate, then more advanced plants can take hold. The rock ahead of me was bearded in lichen and moss.
As we headed back we could see up the narrows, where it had been pretty foggy that morning, all clear now.
The boats were still safe at anchor, when we got back.
We are staying another night as we want to slow down and enjoy before the end of our cruising season. But Orpao are moving on. So we cracked open a bottle of champagne in our last night together to celebrate the lovely few weeks we’ve had.
After we waved them off I had another kayak. A lovely way to end the day.
And the reason for the smile on my face, this was my views around the bay!
The night after Orpao left was our first clear night in forever. With the cold air, no clouds, it was a magnificent sky. But something that blew our minds were the reflections. The moon had not yet risen and we could see the milky way perfectly reflected in the water. We just soaked up the moment, pinching ourselves to show it was real. It was satellite central up there being so close to the pole, and sometimes we spotted them in the water before we did in the sky. It was truly one of those moments where time stands still. A moment to cherish forever. I feel people tend to overuse the word awesome. But there is no doubt in my mind this was awesome.
So imagine what I just described, and absolute silence. Then wolves start howling. It was surreal.
Our next morning was another timed crossing as we went through Hole in the Wall. But we would certainly be leaving the Octopus Islands glad that we had visited.
You may ask why they are called the Octopus Islands. I have no idea!!
Run to Paradise 