We cruised down Whalesback Channel today to anchor at Sanford Island.
As those of you who have cruised the North Channel with us know, Whalesback Channel is a beautiful place, full of scenic islands, fine anchorages, and in the summer, lots of cruising boats. The water was so calm this morning that there were mirrorlike reflections of the islands in the water making these picture postcard scenes.
This is the view from the top of Sanford Island down to the anchorage and the beach, another picture postcard scene. I chose Sanford Island because it has a beach and it’s little visited by cruisers, owing to the fact that it does not have a completely protected anchorage. There is good protection only from Northwest through Southwest wind and waves, but since there is no forecast for strong wind or waves, it should do fine, and we’re the only boat anchored here today. That's Nonchalance out in the bay and Kathy on the beach.
The beach has very gradually sloping shores into the water so there’s only about a foot of water 50 yards out. We had to leave the dinghy (anchored by the motor) and walk to shore.
Of course, that also makes it nice for walking in the shallows. Kathy added one shell to her collection.
After we had explored the island and were back on the boat, a few thunderstorms passed by briefly, but were dramatic because of the unobstructed views. Only one actually rained on us much and by dinner time it was nice and sunny again.