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The Broughtons’ Growing Popularity The Broughtons’ growing popularity may be due, in part, to the plethora of cruising guides available for this area, which makes this destination seem more readily accessible. Peter Vassilopoulos’ excellent guide, North of Desolation Sound, is perhaps the most helpful and informative of the guides covering this area. The book is filled with great photography, clearly drawn charts and personal anecdotes that leave one feeling that the author actually journeyed to the area and didn’t just copy out of existing guides. Billy Proctor’s book, Full Moon -High Tide, provides a charming sense of the local history.
Welcoming MarinasLagoon Cove, a common first stop after officially entering the Broughtons, is usually filled with boats and contented, happy tenants. In fact, all of the marinas in the area are welcoming and gracious to boaters, with each offering a special enticement. Lagoon Cove is known for its evening cocktail hour and potluck gatherings. Fresh shrimp is provided by marina owner Bill Barber and, if you’re lucky, he’ll mesmerize you with hilarious stories either at the potluck or at the evening campfire. Many boaters stay put at the popular marina for days, visiting friends made from previous years and welcoming newcomers. Besides Lagoon Cave’s potluck and shrimp fest, all the marinas from Kwatsi to Echo Bay, to Shawl Bay, Sullivan Bay and beyond have their own enticements, from pig roasts to pancake breakfasts. One must tie at the docks, however, to be included in the festivities. While in Echo Bay, pour on the mosquito repellent and hike over to visit the hospitable Billy Proctor and his unique museum. Anchoring in the Broughtons Be forewarned that pristine, vacant anchorages and marine stores replete with a riot of fresh produce will probably not transpire in this area, but this is not to say that the journey is disappointing. It just may be different than you imagined. Many anchorages in the Broughtons are described as "temporary," or as day anchorages only, and this can be a bit daunting if one wants to stay overnight. It appears that one of the problems in what otherwise seem to be wonderful stops is the current that may run through the islets, along with veering wind. As a result, the anchorages that are recommended, like Waddington Bay (an excellent, beautiful bay) can become a bit crowded. With some study and close attention to the weather, however, if you are seeking some privacy, wonderful spots to drop the hook can be found. Stops in the islets, like the Burdwood Group, Bonwick Island, the Carey Group and others provide excellent opportunities for kayaking and for kelp fishing. (There are over 160 areas in the Broughtons that are closed to fin fishing, however, so look before you hook.) Don’t expect salmon until the end of July at the soonest. Crabbing and shrimping are superb if you have enough line! Cautious Navigation Required Traveling the Broughtons requires attention. This isn’t an area in which to be lackadaisical about your navigation and your exact whereabouts. No matter how wonderful your electronics, it’s a good idea to purchase a few nautical charts (a good selection is available at Lagoon Cove). Also, remember the old expression, "Time and tide wait for no man." If you have a small engine, it’s imperative that you travel with the tides and their respective currents as much as possible. Ports and Passes is indispensable in this regard. This summer’s fuel prices didn’t seem to be a huge deterrent for boaters as far as reaching the Broughtons, but the impact of fuel prices was readily seen in the reduced speeds at which most of the super-power boats traveled (making less of a tidal wave for everyone else). Enjoy the Sights Along the Way Despite the long passage through numerous rapids and up the dreaded Johnstone Straits, the trip to the Broughtons is well worth the time it takes for small boats to crawl northward. Stops along the way, including Shoal Bay, Thurston Bay, Blind Channel and Douglas Bay in Forward Harbour are immensely enjoyable and remind one continually that it is not just the final destination, but the journey itself that is important. The sheer beauty of this area compensates in great measure for the cooler, often cloudy weather. Most people seem oblivious to the overcast and occasional drizzle, for the days that are clear and sunny are nothing short of spectacular and awe-inspiring. It is then that the sheer cliffs, verdant landscape and sun sparkling like millions of diamonds on the water seem simply too glorious to be real. ...back to 48° North title page.
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