The Contest




Entering Wellbore Channel 

We left Port Neville around 9am and re-entered Johnstone Strait, turning eastward until we reached Hardwicke Island where we took the northern branch, Sunderland Channel, rounding Hardwicke Island to then head south down Wellbore Channel.  As we approached Whirlpool Rapids in Wellbore Channel, we noticed a sailboat ahead of us.  Passing through the rapids, we continued admiring the scenery and found ourselves catching up to the sailboat.  

Wellbore Channel

To our surprise it was our friends Roger and Chris on White Squall, we enthusiastically waved to each other.  Soon we came to another branch in this complex maze of passages and headed east again along Chancellor Channel as did our friends.  

The wind started to pick up and White Squall hoisted its sails, a nice opportunity for us to take some pictures of her under sail and email to our friends.  

White Squall in Chancellor Channel

It was a beautiful day with fabulous scenery.  Next came Greene Point Rapids then another “fork in the road.”  

Chancellor Channel

We continued east with reservations at Cordero Lodge Marina on mainland B.C., while our friends turned south for Blind Channel Resort on West Thurlow Island.  We were looking forward to visiting Cordero Lodge, a casual marina with “at-home” style hospitality and lovely scenery.  From a distance the marina may appear rather rustic since logs and old docks are used for a breakwater, but beyond the breakwater are nice docks offering 800 feet of mooring space.  A swift 

Approaching Cordero Lodge Marina

current that runs through the area can make docking a little tricky, but we didn’t have any problems with dual engines and a bow thruster.  Located in front of the lodge are comfortable lounge chairs, a screened fire pit, and a gazebo all conducive for socializing and relaxing.  

Beautiful Scenery near Cordero Lodge

Got d' Fever at Cordero Lodge Marina

The attractive, cozy restaurant serves well-balanced home cooked meals and Wayne the proprietor helps wait tables.  For exercise, guests can hike the trail located behind the lodge which leads to a network of roads used for logging.  Another form of exercise is to paddle the kayaks to nearby Tallac Bay, a pretty cove that serves as anchorage.  Since we were on a mission in search of another pictograph, we took the dinghy over to Tallac Bay.   

Cordero Lodge, a place to relax

Before leaving, we asked Wayne if he could tell us the exact location of the pictograph, he wasn’t aware that there was a pictograph nearby and hoped that we could find it, providing additional interest for his marina.  We had looked earlier for the pictograph when we approached the marina with Got d’ Fever, we scoured the shoreline with binoculars but hadn’t found anything; perhaps we would find it with the dinghy.  We headed off with mounting anticipation, circled inside Tallac Bay then headed west around the point, “there it is!” I shouted.  

Pictograph at Tallac Bay near Cordero Lodge

Two figures were tucked inside a rock alcove partially covered by a tree leaning over the bank, I snapped some pictures and we returned to the lodge with the good news.  We printed some copies of the pictograph for Wayne and we jokingly told him our theory about what they might mean. 

Cozy Dining Room, Cordero Lodge

That gave him the idea to pass the pictures around during dinner, asking his guests for their interpretation – a fun contest - who could come up with the best story?  It turned out to be great fun, sparking conversation among his guests and between dinner tables.  Perhaps we helped start a new tradition at Cordero Lodge Marina!