Into the Mist: British Columbia

We just completed our first week of the season sailing the Safari Quest through British Columbia and the San Juan islands. We will run this itinerary during the shoulder seasons before and after our Alaska summer.

 I had not spent much time in British Columbia so I was anxious to get out and see it from the water. I had sped through the channels before on our way to Alaska in previous seasons but was never allowed to stop. The Quest is a SOLAS boat which allows us to take her internationally into Canada waters. This does mean a few stops during the week are planned for customs and such but they work pretty seamlessly into a very fun itinerary.

  The first stop in Canadian waters is Victoria, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Its a beautiful first view of British Columbia and everyone enjoys a bit of High Tea at the Empress Hotel. But then in typical UnCruise fashion we head off into the wilderness. We run the rapids at Skookumchuk and continue on to the crown jewel of the area, Princess Lousia Inlet.

  It was here that the mist and fog moved in, which really brought the landscape to life. One moment you could see towering mountain summits, then the next moment they were lost in a sea of white. The mist had a way of clinging to the tree covered cliffs as it ran in and out of the trees almost like a river. The calm waters of the fjord cast reflections that tried to trick the eye.

  They say that mist can be a landscape photographers delight but you can see here for yourself. I tried to capture some of the mood that the mist brings with it. I do hope for some sunny days in Princess Louisa but I admit, they might not do it as much justice as some good misty fog. So for now I will throw on my rain gear and enjoy the changing landscapes, and guess as to what a sunny day might bring.