Islands of Octopi/Octopuses, Whatever

This morning, we departed Blind Channel for our 23-mile cruise to Octopus Islands Provincial Marine Park.   This is one of our favorite places to visit when we just want to hang out.   And that is precisely our plan.

Yesterday, we left the Broughton Archipelago and then entered the Discovery Islands.  Blind Channel is kind of the unofficial boundary between the two regions. Today we went deeper into the Discovery Islands at Octopus Islands.  I have no idea why they named it such, but I could make up a great story...

This morning on our way down, it was windy and a bit rough out in Johnstone Strait, but we only had to endure that for about 30-minutes, then the channel turned enough that the current and winds were not opposed.   The seas flattened out, but the current was still against us.

We were motoring (always, always, against current) southeast down Johnstone Strait.   Johnstone Strait becomes Discovery Passage at Chatham Point.  Continuing, we rounded the corner and headed up Okisollo Channel where we encountered a typical commercial fish farm. 

I understand that they generally farm Atlantic salmon, but a few are rumored to be farm raising native Coho salmon.   I can attest that native Coho are significantly tastier than Atlantic!

We arrived about 1500 and dropped the anchor in 32' of water at high tide (14'), so I put out 120' of chain rode.

Dropping the tender, Roe, we took off for a tour of the Marine Park and the adjoining Wyatt Bay.

As we were puttering around, we found a family of river otters playing along the shore.   They are seriously cute.

Clearly, Fall is here.

As we sat out on the aft deck, we were treated to a beautiful sunset tonight.   I'll leave you with a few pictures of it.

And tonight's Big Dipper.