Lagoon Cove



 The Turn into Chatham Channel

In the morning we left our anchorage at Port Harvey and motored around West and East Cracroft Islands then turned northwest up Chatham Channel.  The current here floods southeast and ebbs northwest through this scenic waterway.  We entered the channel just before slack water, running against the remaining flood of 3 knots. 

Chatham Channel

We could see other boats negotiating the big bend in the channel ahead.  As we entered the narrowest part of the channel at the southeast end, a sailboat was approaching from the opposite direction; we gave him plenty of room as steerage is more difficult going with the current.  Our next challenge was to transit “The Blow Hole,” a short but shallow channel between Minstrel Island and East Cracroft Island.  The channel gets its name from the strong westerly winds that sometimes blow through this very narrow channel.  Fortunately we didn’t have any wind to contend with and easily passed through, avoiding the rock islets and kelp along the shore.  Shortly thereafter, we made the turn into Lagoon Cove located between East and West Cracroft Islands. 

Lagoon Cove Marina

The Cove resembles a lagoon with its rocky islets and small entrance.  The bay is home to Lagoon Cove Marina, a very special place in the hearts of numerous boaters, past and present.  The owner lives in a charming country style home on the hill and the wharf sports an historic workshop filled with tools and reading material.  

House and Workshop, Lagoon Cove Marina

Seating just outside the workshop is the site of daily get-togethers, a popular event among boaters.  Everyone brings something to snack on and prawns caught in the area were provided by Bill and Jean.  I say, were, because Bill passed away in April 2013.  However, it seems visiting boaters now carry on the tradition and bring their own catch of prawns to the party.  Prawns are prevalent here and easy to trap just outside the cove on a shelf in 300 feet of water.  

Historic Workshop

Jean, Bill’s widow, continues to run the marina with the help of employees; she is currently seeking new owners who will continue caring for the property with the same love and dedication.  

The Wood Pile Exercise Station

The Totem

The property has a whimsical flare, including a couple of totem poles made from pieces of outboard motors and other spare parts.  We love the “Exercise Stations” where you can mow the lawn with an old-fashioned push mower, or chop wood to store for the winter months.  Leonard honed his skills with the axe while I mowed patches of grass. 

Lorena Mowing the Lawn

It seemed that the grass had already been cut by a riding lawn mower so there wasn’t much left for me to mow this time around, a good excuse anyway.  There are also trails through the dense forest, including one that leads to an overlook at “The Blow Hole.”  Posted signs regarding cougar sightings discouraged us from hiking the trails, especially at dusk!  Leonard who was wearing his WSU Cougar jacket said they don’t attack their own. J  

Jean Sharing her Stories

We said our goodbye’s to Jean the following morning and learned more about her future plans.  She is quite an adventuresome lady and plans to travel in Europe to visit friends and relatives.  She was born in Romania, is part German, and lived in Switzerland during WWII.  We wish her all the best on her new adventures.    

Departing Lagoon Cove