Day 12 - Heriot Bay (Gorge Harbour)

Day 12 – 30 June 2009

Departure – Octopus Islands;

Destination – Heriot Bay (changed to Gorge Harbour, see below)

Arrival Time –
State of The Sea – 1 Foot Chop
Wind – NW 10 – 15

Weather – Sunny and Bright not a cloud in the sky!

Captain / Admiral’s report:

(We have not had internet or cell connection for a couple of days now)

What a beautiful day. Other than the wind it is a perfect day. Sunny, hot and dry.

Last night’s sky put on a dazzling display of extraterrestrial spheres!

We took “Minivacation” for a tour this morning to enjoy the many coves and possible anchorages of the Octopus Islands. This area is definitely on our will return list! See pictures below and we are sure you will agree.

After an early lunch compliments of Susie, we set out to gather our crab and prawn traps from yesterday and then be on our way to Heriot Bay.

The crab trap yielded 10 (too small) red rock crabs. All had to be returned to the Sea.

The Prawn traps had a far more interesting yield. In all, we collected:
2 – Star Fish
2 – Shrimp
1 – Prawn
1 – Sea Cucumber
1 – crab
4 – scallops
1 – squat Lobster
All of which was returned to the Sea. (see pictures below)

After cleaning up our tools, we were off to meet Pat & Claudine in Heriot Bay.

The short cruise of 13 nautical miles was very pleasant with a following sea and 1 foot chop.

As we approached Heriot Bay the wind had picked up and made Rebecca Spit and even the docks at Heriot Bay would be very un comfortable for an overnight stay.

Tom contacted Pat to find out when they might arrive. Pat and Claudine have not been able to get out from Secret Cove for a couple of days now. The winds have been too strong for them to come North.

Because of Pat and Claudine not being able to join us and the state of the Sea at Heriot Bay, we made the decision to make a run for cover into Gorge Harbour for the evening. You may remember our stay in Gorge Harbour from a few days ago.

We arrived without incident at Gorge Harbour for a comfortable stay at the dock.

Tom & Susie out for a "stroll"

Octopus Islands

Birds walking on water?

Octopus Islands

Crabs

Sea Cucumber

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So much for the big Prawn catch...but we did get this smorgasbord...

4 – scallops

Heriot Bay

Rebecca Spit

View looking East from Rebecca Spit to Cortes Island and beyond