Princess Louisa Inlet

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Good night in Hardy Island Marine Park, aka Musket Bay.  I went to shore to get the stern tie as it would not slip around the rock.  150 feet of chain and anchor held us in place as we put the dingy away.  This is definitely a good alternative to Sturt Bay.  It looks like there is protection from the wind 360⁰.  The weather is good.  There is some wind coming out Blind Bay, then dead calm turning up Jervis Inlet.  It may be another long day so we are taking breaks from the cockpit.  We’re timing our arrival for Malibu Rapids at 15:39.  This is such a majestic area, well worth the long trip.  Around every turn there is a photo opportunity. 

JERVIS INLET

HEADING UP THE ROYAL REACHES

RUGGED MOUNTAINS

The water is quite deep and the mountains very steep.  Some of the peaks have snow and possibly glaciers.  I love the names of the waterways:  Prince of Wales Reach, Princess Royal Reach, Queens Reach, and Princess Louisa Inlet. 

MALIBU RAPIDS

The rapids are narrow and crooked.  Only one vessel should attempt it at a time.  Unbelievably as we approach a 158 foot boat is coming out.  We follow an 89 foot vessel through and down the three miles to our anchorage at Chatterbox Falls. 

MACDONALD ISLAND IN PRINCESS LOUISA INLET

THE SCENERY IS BREATHTAKING

CHATTERBOX FALLS, PRINCESS LOUISA INLET

We are torn between looking at the falls and finding a place to settle.  The dock may have enough room, but we choose to anchor north of the falls close to shore and stern tie to an existing loop around a boulder. 

ANCHORAGE WITH STERN TIE

There is a roaring waterfall at shore creating a cool breeze and current.  The cliff is giving us afternoon shade.  Sea Temp 72⁰, air temp 70-80⁰, travel time 8 hours 10minutes, engine hours 8.4, nautical miles 50.3.  Our GPS coordinates: 50⁰12’310 N, 123⁰46’489 W.