After a few peaceful days at Potts Lagoon, immersed in the sights and sounds of birds and bears, Ray and I decided it was time to move on. Nestled in the heart of the Broughton Archipelago, our plan was to spend the day exploring and scouting anchorages in the Village Islands.
Little did we know, this would turn out to be one of the most memorable days of our journey.
July 23, 2024
We left Potts Lagoon early to navigate Beware Passageāan aptly named stretch between Turnour and Harbledown Islandsāduring low water slack. I prefer this timing because the rocks are visible, making the challenge more straightforward, at least for me. Some may argue itās easier to pass at high tide, but I like to see what I’m up against.
With Ray stationed on the bow as our lookout for any uncharted rocks, I steered through the maze, grateful for an extra set of eyes. It was a breathtaking journey, one I hope to photograph in the future. This time, however, I was too focused on the navigation to even think about reaching for my camera.
Once through the passage, we spent hours exploring the channels and bays of the Village Islands. There were charming anchoragesāsome big enough for a handful of boats, others a secluded paradise for a single boat.
In the late afternoon, a gentle rain began to fallāit was that perfect rain where the air is still, and each drop lands softly enough to be heard. From the flybridge helm, clad in my rain gear, I stayed mesmerized by the serene beauty around me. It would take far more than a drizzle to pull me away from such an enchanting scene to seek shelter in the inside lower helm. Iāve always loved photographing wildlife in the rain, especially when the water is dotted with shimmering raindrops like tiny jewels.
As we explored, I marked several potential anchorages for the future, but this time, we chose Leone Islet to anchor for the next couple of nights.
That evening, we had gone inside after enjoying happy hour on the flybridge as the sun dipped below the horizon. Getting ready for dinner, we were interrupted by a distant, haunting sound.
āDid you hear that?ā I asked, catching Rayās eye.
āYes. Was itā¦?ā
āI think so!ā
We listened intently. The unmistakable howl of a wolf echoed across the water. A second howl followed, this one much closer.
Grabbing our binoculars, we crept out onto the deck, trying to stay as quiet as possible. Thatās when I saw itāa coastal grey wolf, standing majestically atop a bluff, the dark green forest making his grey and tan fur stand out.
My heart raced with excitement and disbelief. Spotting a coastal grey wolf had been on my wish list for this trip, and here it was, an unforgettable gift from the wilderness.
I couldnāt take my eyes off it, but the photographer in me couldnāt resist. With shaking hands, I reached for my camera, safely stowed in its Pelican case. I adjusted the settings hastily, forgetting to switch to the silent shutter. As I clicked the shutter, the wolf turned its head, locking eyes with me for one heart-stopping moment before vanishing into the forest.
I managed to capture a few shots, but the memory of its gaze will stay with me far longer than any image.
The next morning dawned clear and calmāa perfect day for exploring. We launched the dinghy and spent hours weaving through the serene bays, taking in the rugged beauty of the coastline.
Later, I indulged in one of my favourite activities: capturing the underwater world with my action cam. I set it to timelapse mode and let it work its magic, knowing Iād sort through hundreds of photos later in search of a few gems.
Despite our deepening affection for this anchorage, the need to re-provision cut our stay short. As we pulled up anchor, we made a promise to return. The Village Islands and their magical moments had stolen a piece of our hearts.
Next Stop: Madrona Island
Anne
My wife and I are enjoying your travels because they remind us of the 18 years we lived on a 40′ motor home. One year we took the ferry to Vancouver Island and some of the San Juans. The sun doesn’t shine every day, but it’s a magnificent way of life. Enjoy.
Ted & Carol
Hi Ted & Carol, I’m so happy to hear my stories remind you of good times in your motor home. We RV in the american southwest in the winter and now live aboard our boat in BC in the summer. You’re right, the sun doesn’t shine every day, but you can’t beat BC in summertimes! Thanks for your visit and comments.
Living through you Anne as usual! š Just wonderful to be out in such beautiful areas. Thank you for including us!! come again soon.
Glad you are enjoying the posts Sonja, thank you! Next one coming soon š
What a beautiful trip….We would love it.
I bet you would, I hope you get a chance to experience one day. Thanks for your visit and comments Larry!
It’s been a long time since leaving Port Hardy to the Queen Charlottes (Haida Gwaii) on the Eva Jean in the early 70’s. Your pictures are incredible, so clear and vibrant, It’s like seeing my trip all over again. I still remember seeing ‘my wolf’ crossing the ocean waters to Susan Island. Missed the howl of which there was none. There’s something about wolves you never forget isn’t there? Thanks for the amazing memories.
Hi Susan, thanks for sharing your experience too, that sounds like an incredible trip. I haven’t seen one swimming yet and I’m really hoping I get to see that one day. I saw a grizzly bear swimming a few years ago, but not a wolf yet. That must have been awesome. Thank you very much for your comments!
What an awesome experience Anne and Ray!
So happy for you to check this one off your bucket list.
It was a fantastic day, and we had many awesome days on the boat last summer. Can’t wait to get back out there this year! Thanks for your visit and comments Bill.
Wonderful Photographs Anne!!! You make Nature Beautiful!!!!!
Thank you very much Jon, I don’t think nature needs my help being beautiful, but capturing it in an image is a different story, and it is very rewarding to be able to do it. I appreciate your comments.
Amazing images, Anne! I am following your southwest adventures avidly.
Many thanks Margo! It’s beautiful down here in the southwest this winter, we are having a warmer winter than the past few years. Thanks for following along. I’m still doing catch up on the blog posts.
Awesome story and pics to go with it.
Much appreciated Michael š
Anne & Ray,
You guys are seeing the beautiful landscapes of the various Channel Islands & thank you for sharing.
The Grey Wolf was once in a lifetime shot that the Wolf staring at you was telling youā¦youāre a great photographer!!!
Stay safe, be careful & keep sending us those wonderful shot & cannot wait to see those underwater pic
Awww, thank you so much for the very kind words John, I really appreciate it. This is the second time I’ve been able to photograph a coastal grey wolf, but the first time he didn’t look at me, so this one is so special to me. I hope I get a chance to see one again this summer.
Anne
I am curious about your action cam technique. Do you snorkel, or have it mounted on a “stick” to hold it underwater? Whatever it is, it captures some great photos.
Hi Jack, I mount it on a stick and hold it underwater. I set the camera to timelapse mode so it takes a photo every 5 seconds, and I just point it around and hope for the best. It takes awhile to go through the hundreds of photos I end up with, but it is really fun to do, and there are always a handful of keepers. You can get accessories to attach it to a pole. I use a broom handle.
Spectacular
I’m so happy for you both that you live the life you set out to live
I am thrilled too that your camera is in “go” mode and that you are able to share more fully what your eyes get to see
Thank you for your wisdom and these devine moments in time
Please keep it coming!
Thank you Kim, we are living the dream! I am so lucky to have Ray who was willing to take on this dream of mine provided he had enough room to do projects and fix stuff. I told him if we got a boat like this one, he wouldn’t run out of projects or things to fix! And fortunately he seems to love the live aboard life too. I feel like I am living my true life when I’m out on the ocean like it is where I belong. Glad you are enjoying the posts and photos! Thanks for commenting š
I am almost literally green with envy. Your prose spoke to my heart as Iā feel deeply connected to my spirit animal, the wolf. That experience alone no doubt made the entire journey worthwhile, not to mention the incredible scenery that you were surrounded by on your journey. Thank you for sharing such a deeply spiritual moment with us.
“Your prose spoke to my heart” – oh my!!! Thank you so much for saying that, I’m blown away with these kinds of comments. It truly means the world to me that my posts resonate with people. It really was a spiritual moment and you’re right, that one moment made the whole journey worth while. And there were so many more. Even the moments when there were no animals were special to me. I just love being out there and feel so fortunate to be able to do it. Your comments are very much appreciated š
Obviously, your wolf shot was not done with the Tamron 150 600 mm, I remember your review. Nice work.
Can we go for the best caption? Wolf ” Is that breakfast I see? “
ha ha, no it wasn’t or it would have been blurry and I would have been so mad about missing the shot I would have thrown the stupid thing in the ocean. I know lots of people have good copies of that lens, which is awesome, but mine truly sucked. I’m sticking with my time tested 400mm f/5.6L, which was actually a cheaper lens. It breaks my heart a little that they don’t make it anymore, it’s a beauty! Love your caption š Thanks for your comment Warwick, glad you are enjoying the posts.
A wonderful story, such a fortunate encounter with the grey wolf.
Iād love to be able to pootle round that area, such isolation getting so close to nature is a dream, but living in the centre of the UK miles from the coast the chance is very remote, but I do enjoy your tales!
Best wishes
Hi Andrew, this is such an awesome area to explore because there are hundreds of little islands all in the somewhat protected area between Vancouver Island and the mainland. You’re absolutely right, being so close to nature is a dream. I am very glad you are enjoying the posts and I appreciate your visit and comments.
Loved this story. I almost thought I was there. Great post, thanks as a newbie.
Thank you so much Royce, I’m glad I was able to convey the feeling of such a magical place in the story. I appreciate that.
What a great shot of the wolf! I can believe your hands were shaking. My goodness. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much Hety, I appreciate your kind comments!
Hi Anne, Your descriptions of what you saw and felt are so beautiful, enhancing the experience so I could feel it. That is a rare gift, and added to the photography it completes the communication of your experiences. Your nomadic ,life sounds so romantic, although I know there are times when it is not all fun. Lots of work to maintain a boat and keep safe.
I love to travel, taking pictures in different kinds of places. Not doing it much any more. You are so fortunate to have come through your health problems which must make your life now even more precious.
Thank you for sharing.
Susan
I agree with you, Susan. Great description Anne !
Thank you so much, I’m so glad you guys are enjoying the writing too!
Susan, thank you so much for your wonderful feedback about my writing and photos. It means so much to me that the whole experience resonates with you through my words and pictures. And yes, I absolutely feel fortunate to be coming out the other side of my disease and can get back to doing the things I love. Nothing makes you appreciate things more than when you fear they may be gone forever. I definitely appreciate every single moment I get out in nature. And I wouldn’t be able to do any of it without Ray who takes on all the hard jobs. But then again, he loves fixing stuff, so we both get to do what we love, lol š Thanks again for your very kind words, they mean the world to me.