Thormanby & Texada Islands

04/07 — Duke’s Marina (Sechelt) to Buccaneer Bay (Thormanby Island)

At Duke’s Marina, the tide was low and the ramp stretched steep, with seaweed drifting in the clear water and purple starfish fastened to the pilings. We stowed our bags into a wheelbarrow and trundled down to the dock, something I had always wanted to do. First time loading up, first time heading out. Sea Goat waiting below felt like the start of everything.

She still carries Maria on her stern, but to us she is already Sea Goat. The name surfaced in a conversation with my mom, a quiet nod to our Capricorn stars and our love for both the mountains and the sea. It is said that changing a boat’s name without the proper ritual can anger the sea gods, so for now her new name is only spoken between us.

We pushed off at dusk. The water was calm and easy, only the hum of the motor and the occasional ripple. The sun set straight ahead, casting gold and pink across the Malaspina Strait.

A cool breeze came up as we moved, carrying cedar from the shore mixed with salt from the water. It was exactly the kind of beginning we had hoped for, smooth and quiet, with the evening light pulling us toward Buccaneer Bay.

Thormanby’s Buccaneer Bay is known for its long sandy beaches and its safe, sheltered anchorage. Even from the water you can tell why people fall for it — the stretch of sand, the quiet protection of the cove, the soft pull of summer gathering here year after year.

05/07 — Buccaneer Bay (Thormanby Island) to Anderson Bay (Texada Island)

Woke to still, shallow water. Very shallow. Too shallow. We’d anchored just outside the deep channel, close to the sand stretching out with the low tide. Time to move. Fast. We won’t make that mistake again.

Pulled anchor and headed for deeper water. Drifted toward Texada Island for a couple of hours. Coffee brewing, sun warming up, air salty and clean. Let the day start slow.

Anderson Bay sits on the southeast tip of Texada Island. It’s quiet, tucked in, and well-sheltered when the wind comes from the north side. The water is clear green along the shore and fades into a deep blue further out. The warm pine scent from the forest hangs in the air.

We anchored for the day and watched eagles circling overhead while fishing boats hummed past.

On the distant shore, a little otter appeared. She slipped into the water and swam toward us, curious. Pirouetting in the waves, juggling her meal, she floated on her back, paddling slow and snacking on little fish. Otta will be her name. I hope I see her again.

We didn’t make it to shore, but next time for sure.

Headed back to Buccaneer Bay for the night, and this time we’ll set the anchor right.