Haida Gwaii: Two Days!

This map covers the first half of our next two days in Haida Gwaii, beginning in the morning of May 27, 2025, at anchorage #3.

The 27th was a wet day; our first adventure aboard the Island Solitude was an early, misty zodiac ride. My camera's timestamp claims it's 7:25 am, but I'm not sure I trust it. (Click on any image to enlarge.)

An optimistic snorkeler.

A starfish exposed by the low tide.

Photographing spiny urchins.

A critter securely attached.

A view of our anchorage, after re-boarding the Island Solitude.

Then we spent the rest of the day sailing down to anchorage #4, exploring on the way. Here's an overview.

We visited inlets and bays, and passed by islets,

The red circle highlights Skittagetan Lagoon and its tributaries.

under wet and misty conditions that prevented me from taking any photos, even if zodiac rides or landings were still possible. If only I had taken notes, I could be more specific. Next time!

  

 

On May 28, 2025, we sailed to anchorage #5, and it was quite a journey. First, we inspected the Burnaby Narrows, hoping that the passage, although a tight squeeze, would allow the Solitude to avoid going out into the Hecate Strait. Unfortunately, you can see in this map segment that we had to turn around.

Upper left quadrant; Click on any image to enlarge.

So we prepared for the Strait; our course was the wide sweep you see along the top and right edges of the map above. The Hecate separates the Haida Gwaii archipelago from the mainland, and is noted for its strong winds, seasonal fog, powerful tidal currents, frequent southeast gales, and shallow waters. I'm prone to seasickness in anything beyond a mild swell, so I took some medication and went below to our cabin for a 1½ - 2 hour lie down. There was bouncing and banging as the Solitude fought the waves, but I survived without any nausea. Hardier souls stayed above, and ginger was available for all to chew.

 

We arrived hale and hearty at anchorage #5, but I hadn't taken any photos all day! Tomorrow, however, would be the complete opposite.