August 12th – 15th Three Days in the Pinkertons

August 12^th – 15^th Three Days in the Pinkertons

Getting out to Barkley Sound from Ucluelet is very easy.  We listen to a “mayday” unfolding as we motor along.  While the boat in distress is located right where we will be going we do not respond to the Coast Guard as two other boats that are much closer and can get there faster have already replied.  The 27’ pleasure boat is taking on water and the engine is overheating.  We continue to listen, thankful as always, for the Coast Guard and first responders.  A Coast Guard launch is “tasked” and it is on scene about the same time as the local ferry, the Frances Barkley.  A little while later we see the M/V Frances Barkley headed to Ucluelet with the 27’ pleasure boat under tow.  The 128 foot Barkley is a purpose built ferry boat commissioned in Norway in 1958 and moved into Port Alberni in 1990.

While the rescue is ongoing we set up to fish for ling cod.  Carl lands a nice one and we head on up the Sound.  We settle into the Pinkerton Island anchorage for three nights.  We will deploy our kayaks and explore this small group of islands which are just outside of the Broken Group, a very popular destination for kayakers.

We are pleased yet surprised again at having a wonderful anchorage completely to ourselves.  The only boat that ventures through (twice) is the nice couple and their dog who slow way down so as not to rock our anchored boat.  We pass their nice little floating home on our kayak trip.  It is tucked back in a very quiet backwater further into the Pinkertons.

The Pinkertons are home to swimming bears, Osprey, Eagles and perhaps a swimming mink.  We did not get a real good photo of the small, dark furry critter as it swam past.  Our kayaking takes us past Canada geese, seals and a Solitary Sandpiper.  We search the shallow depths for sea creatures, finding mainly a variety of sea stars, crab, and clams.  We enjoy tranquil waters under sunny skies.  We put in at one of the many small, rocky islets for lunch.  Carl enjoys (?!) a refreshing dip as he slips while getting out of his kayak.  Thankful for the sun he dries off while we enjoy our lunch. 

Returning to the boat we enjoy the sunset over the bow while at the same time the nearly full moon makes an appearance over the stern, and is reflected in the anchorage waters.  A very pleasant way to end the evening.