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IPod Touch with GPS to Desolation Sound BC

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zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1297 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/06/2011 : 21:53:16

Just returned from a 370 nm (425 Miles or 685 km) 3 week long cruise aboard our '95 C250 WB Someday Lady to Desolation Sound located roughly a hundred miles north of Vancouver on the West Coast of British Columbia. Seawater temps even that far north will reach mid 70 F 21 C in some areas. It is described as one of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world. We wholeheartedly agree...

For the trip we purchased a $99.00 Bad Elf GPS for our IPod Touch in addition to large scale paper charts for the area. Good thing we did since the GPS refused to place us on the IPod Touch INavX charts.

It was only at our last stop, 25 nm from home, in Ganges Harbor on Salt Spring Island where we had WIFI on the boat that it locked on and kept locked as we left the harbor. The INavX Charts complete with way-points, tracks and instruments appear adequate if only one could read the display through the glare of the shiny surface of the IPod Touch. Apparently for the GPS to lock-on outside WIFI reception, one will have to open IPod Touch maps first and then open the INavX charts. Had we only known!!

Having used the IPod Touch/GPS/INavX charts only briefly, we much prefer the clarity of the Garmin hand-held unit.

Henk & Johanna
"Floating", a few off your "barnacles".
"Someday Lady" '95 C250WB #151 ('03 - 2016)
"Sea ya" 30ft Bayliner (04-2018 - 09-2018)
"Mariah" '96 C250WB #191 (05-2019 - 15-05-2023)
"Lady J" '00 C250WK #499 (05-2021 - 09-2022)

Edited by - zeil on 08/07/2011 22:04:28

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1519 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2011 : 04:52:17

It's great scenery with the mountains and the sea! I hope you have some pix to show us. My daughter spent part of a summer with friends on Quadra Island. Here's a map showing a 40 km piece of that area. It's amazing!

I've always wondered how you deal with dead-heads when cruising in an area like that with gigantic trees falling into the water once in a while or escaping from logging operations? A floating 60 foot log makes for a big dent in a C250!

Edited by - on

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2011 : 08:06:47

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"> I've always wondered how you deal with dead-heads when cruising in an area like that with gigantic trees falling into the water once in a while or escaping from logging operations? A floating 60 foot log makes for a big dent in a C250! Association Forum <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

And then there's the huge currents and the renegade Ferries (talking about boats, haha). Would seem a little dangerous but wow, what scenery and destinations!

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3754 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2011 : 10:16:25

Henk, the glare can be a problem, but do the GPS and iPod connect over bluetooth? I can connect directly to my GPS receiver over bluetooth or over wifi by opening a computer/computer network on my Macbook when it has a GPS connection. I plan to try a matte finish screen protector.

Edited by - on

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1297 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2011 : 17:51:29

Even in my native Dutch words seem inadequate to describe the beauty of the Desolation Sound area. One can easily spend the entire summer, going from one of its many bays, coves and anchorages and live of the water & land. But make no mistake, it is wilderness. Elements, tides demand full attention in order to get there and back. Your boat and equipment should be in trustworthy condition.

Waggoner Cruising Guide,(a must have), describes it as follows; "With its name of Desolation Sound, its unforgettable beauty and its location beyond the end of the road. Desolation Sound is one of the most dreamed about and sought after cruising destinations".

Since it is located close to point where tidal currents flowing north/south around Vancouver Island meet, water in Desolation Sound is not regularly exchanged with cold ocean water and is therefore comfortable to swim in.

The best time to visit is July/August or during the shoulder periods of June and September.

Cruise itinerary: We completed this cruise as part of the Fraser Valley Power Squadron who determined the itinerary and places to visit. 5 sailboats and 4 powerboats participated and met-up most evenings. We sailed the entire cruise in company of Peter and Angela aboard their '95 C250 WB "Seabear", and parts of the trip with Ray and Betty aboard their 26 ft MacGregor. It is assuring to have back-up and trip planning skipper meetings. Both couples, besides acting as our guides, were great company and fun to be with. We've spent now almost 3 months sailing together with Peter and Angela and look forward to the next opportunity

Trip synopsis: Our cruise took us from Crescent Beach Marina via Point Roberts (USA) and crossing the Straight of Georgia to Active Pass for an overnight sterntie at Wallace Island. Next day trough Dodd's narrows to Nanaimo (New Castle) and again crossing the strait to Smugglers Cove. Next day on to Westview which has a nice harbor including supplies, showers and shopping. From there via Lund, we stopped for fuel, a look around and for lunch, clearing Sarah Point to Grace Harbor for the night. From there to beautiful Prideaux Haven and the next day on to Refuge Cove were weather forced us, in spite of the rain, to spent 3 wonderful days. It it steeped in history, has boardwalks, some houses, electricity 24/7 supplied by a diesel generator, fuel, showers and laundry facilities, a well stocked general store, breakfast and dinner facilities. You'll love it.

We skipped Squirrel Cove and went on to Teakerne Arm, visited in past days by Captain Vancouver, enjoyed the waterfalls and continued on via Lewis Channel to anchor deep in the VonDonop Inlet. Watch out the Von Donop entrance contains a rock just below surface which we barely missed. It is on the chart, we were warned and still nearly hit it!! Since we spent years before several summer holidays on Quadra Island the next leg we sailed on a beam reach all the way to Rebecca Spit and into Heriot Bay on Quadra Island. Since the wind was just perfect we sailed around the bay several times. After spending the night on the hook at Rebecca Spit we headed for Gorge Harbor on Cortes Island with its narrow entrance where we tied up to the dock, refueled, stretched our legs walking all the way to Whale Town and back, had dinner, cleaned up a bit and decided to stay two nights. It has brand-new facilities and is in the summer a busy place.

From Gorge Harbor we set out again via Sutil Point, Hernando Island, Lund and Savary Island back to Westview's harbor located just south of Powell River. We spent the night on the dock in Westview sailed, leaving Texada Island to our port, the next morning to Deep Cove on Jedediah Island for a two stern tie overnights. This Island has a semi Mediterranean Climate, lots of history and fishing was awesome!! From there crossing the strait under light conditions to Nanaimo (New Castle's) harbor which has exceptional mariner facilities.

Next morning, we planned our departure to coincide with slack tide at Dodd Narrows to arrive during the afternoon in Pirate's Cove for a stern tie, BBQ and long walk. From there the next day we proceeded via Stuart Channel and Trincomali Channel to the harbor of Ganges on Saltspring Island. There is so much to see and do on the Island that we could've stayed a week. The harbor is busy with lots of boats but we were assigned a nice slip and spent two glorious days wandering the town, restaurants, shops, library and talked to locals. From there, we went through Active Pass at slack water via the Strait of Georgia, crossing at right angles through the shipping lanes to Point Roberts (USA) where we cleared customs to our slip on D dock. We spent an additional 4 days just enjoying being on the boat, taking our kids for a sail and cleaning up.

Food: Johanna stocked ample breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack food for a 3 week plus period plus sufficient for occasional guests. Veggies, fruit, meat and cigars are available in some locations (we set out well below our lines)

Fuel: On board fuel for our Honda 8 hp was a total of 42 liters roughly 10 gallon kept in 3 (10 ltr) 2 gallon containers and one 3 (12 ltr) gallon main tank. We used an estimated 150 liters or 1 liter (0.264 gallon) per 4.7 nm or (5.3 mile) or (8.6 km) This includes sailing without the use of the outboard

Charts and GPS; We purchased and used all charts for the area extensively. In addition we purchased the 370 page Waggoner (another dutchie) cruising guide ($25.00) which is full of up-to-date information and recommendations including harbor layouts, phone, internet, VHF etc. We used and older Garmin GPS and a new IPod Touch in conjunction with Bad Elf GPS and InavX charts which we could not get to work properly until the very last portion of the trip. A good functioning VHF is indispensable for radio contact, monitoring channel 16 & working channels, communication with others and above all weather reports.

Weather during the cruise: Weather conditions overall were excellent with enjoyable temperatures. Mornings and evenings are cool, mid-day warm, wind stays cool. Layered clothing is a must. Sunshine on the water is intensive. Hats, caps and protection is a must. We headed a couple of times directly into a 10-15k wind which is for our 25 footers plenty given the chop and all.

Sailing and motoring: About 75% of the distance was completed on our Honda 8 hp with the balance sailing or sailing with motor assist. Did some glorious stretches by sail only!!

Tender: When we set-out from Crescent Beach we were towing our hard bottomed 8.6" inflatable tender. It slowed us right down and in Peter's words we were towing a barge. Nearing Point Roberts, USA, a severe weather warning made us turn around and head 10 nm for our home port again. It also gave us a chance to run home again and exchange the "barge", for our 7'.6" 40 lbs lightweight "Someday Baby". Mind you it is rather tippy and Johanna does not like it, but it tows very easily. The best tender for our size of boat is the inflatable 8ft soft bottom West Marine with a Honda air cooled 2 hp motor. (I've been ordered by the skipper to buy one)

Approach to area cruising: Waggoner Cruising Guides states: "The Pacific North west is a series of cruising areas separated by "Gates" - significant bodies of water that must be crossed. Although gates define our experience and abilities, they also serve as natural stopping points. For example we stay in the Puget Sound because the strait of San De Fuca is a gate. So are the Gulf Islands because of the Strait of Georgia and we go no farther than Desolation Sound because the reversing tidal rapids north of Desolation Sound. However, once beyond a gate and in a certain cruising area, the waters are protected. Fortunately summer weather is usually agreeable. With study of the tide and current books, a close eye on the winds, and a properly equipped boat, the gates can be negotiated in safety and perfect comfort. The farther one ranges, the more time is needed which is a principal element for the NW cruiser".

Wish list: We have enjoyed this cruise immensely. It also has given us confidence in negotiating West Coast waterways, interpreting charts and navigation. One area that we would like to explore is the Barkley Sound area on the west side of Vancouver Island. An initial vague outline is to cross to the Island by ferry rather than negotiating the San De Fuca waters around Victoria and launch the boat somewhere in Port Alberni or Ucluelet, Vancouver Island. The Broken Group, Deer Group or Chain Goup offer unlimited anchorages, exploring and fishing. Any takers for next year??

Edited by - zeil on 08/08/2011 09:32:47

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1297 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2011 : 19:10:51

Dave:

The GPS connects directly to the IPod Touch. When opening the InavX charts the GPS starts looking for satellites and will lock on when in an WIFI area.

Outside the WIFI area it keeps searching... forever!!

When switching to the Map Icon on the IPod Touch it will allow then to switch over and keep locked on and place locate us on the INavX chart. I contacted Bad Elf who will investigate and report.

The IPod Touch screen glare is annoying in outside direct sunlight and restricting the usability of the unit. Hope you find a solution

The Bad Elf GPS multiple pin unit connects directly to the IPod Touch as per image. The cable that came with the unit is plugged into the cigarette (bought separately) in order to keep the unit and IPod Touch powered from the boats 12 v house battery. Works well!! Bluetooth is turned off on my Mac Ibook

Edited by - on

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1297 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2011 : 21:12:09

John & Dave:

Quadra Island is awesome... we spent several very pleasant holidays doing house exchanges with people on the Island who had a beautiful house right on Rebecca Spit. We meandered all over the Island and spent a lot of time at the marina, ferry and government docks in Heriot Bay wishing to have a sailboat and to be able to sail around the area. Been there and done that and hope to do it again!!

Yes... deadheads, logs and other floating debris is scary and can be for slower moving boats too. There is lots of floating debris in tidal lines where it seems to accumulate and float around. These tidal areas are easy to see and no problem steering through them. Also, the Canadian Coast Guard, channel 16, will issue warnings and position of floating deadheads.

Edited by - on

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1297 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2011 : 21:56:04

Here are a few images of our cruise to Desolation Sound

Lewis Channel east of Cortes Island just past Teakerne Arm

Rowing out the anchor

Rafted and stern tied in one of the coves

Refuge Cove, rich in history and a wonderful place to spend a few days on the dock

Store at Refuge Cove with all conveniences of home

Board walk at Refuge Cove

Note the height of the pilings at Refuge Cove

Ferry between Whaletown on Cortes and Heriot Bay on Quadra Island

Stern tied at Deep Bay Jedediah Island for two glorious days

Pirates Cove steeped in history

Rebecca Spit on Quadra Island during a brisk morning walk with Peter and Ray... Betty, Angela and Johanna are walking in the distance

Motoring at about 4.8 to 5.5 nm depending on currents... it was choppy

Edited by - zeil on 08/08/2011 09:35:38

glivs
Admiral

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USA
822 Posts

Response Posted - 08/08/2011 : 04:21:37

Henk & Johanna....spectacular! What a beautiful area. Thanks for sharing and hope to see more pics and hear more stories.

Edited to correct spelling error.

Edited by - glivs on 08/08/2011 04:25:54

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1519 Posts

Response Posted - 08/08/2011 : 08:52:02

Thanks a lot, Henk!

Here's a planning question for you. If you had restricted your itinerary to places you could sail during each day, except for the harbors and the narrows, how much less distance would you have gone? Is it possible to plan an enjoyable, open-ended, summer trip in those areas based on the prevailing winds?

Or are the winds too unpredictable or variable, or the channels too narrow, in general?

I'm interested in picking up a copy of Waggoner's to help me decide on a place to move for retirement with sailing as good as the Chesapeake Bay.

Edited by - on

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1297 Posts

Response Posted - 08/08/2011 : 11:03:08

Glad you enjoyed it... we did too!!

The Waggoner Cruising Guide, $21.95 US, is highly recommended and widely used from Puget Sound US to Prince Rupert Can. It has all and more to plan your trips and... will confuse you to no end since there are an unlimited number of places you'll be able to choose from. Let me know and I'll be happy to contribute to your confusion of picking a retirement location!!

Sailing the Chesapeake can probably not be beaten but there are perhaps dozens other factors here to compensate.

Prevailing summer winds are generally light from the South East and North West. They are ideal (or not) for crossing the straits and open waters. Wind direction changes frequently though. In fact we were in the Malaspina Strait running on the way to Westview when the wind did a complete 180.

Wind direction and strength in the 5-20 range with no time limit would allow you to sail to hearts content anywhere we went with the exception of narrows, coves and inlets. You'll love it and even more so working/planning to take advantage of the currents which we did as much as possible. Makes a huge difference during a days track

Interestingly the majority of boats encountered were sailboats of all makes and sizes. Perhaps the cost of fuel nowadays restricts the slurpers going that far north. (some, not too large, use as much as $3000.00 of fuel and are saving up for next years cruise)

However, our boats are a little on the small end of the stick. If it were not for the trailer-ability we would be seriously considering something a little larger with more space and comfort including cabin heat, toy storage and a fishing station. Not complaining though... but everything is a little cramped especially when it rains it can get miserable pretty quick.

Edited by - on

JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1519 Posts

Response Posted - 08/08/2011 : 12:53:49

Thanks. I'll be in Vancouver next June for a week, and maybe we could meet up and chat more then about sailing in your area.

Edited by - on

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 08/08/2011 : 12:53:54

Henk, if you guys keep posting those gorgeous pictures, I am gonna have to retire and move up there, along with everyone on this site!

Of course an invite would be nice too.

Steve A

Edited by - on

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1297 Posts

Response Posted - 08/08/2011 : 13:21:31

Steve, John

Come on up anytime... the boat is in a slip in Point Roberts for at least this month and probably next, slips are hard to come by this time of the year. We have lots of room at home and you're most welcome to stay with us anytime. Let us know!! Perhaps Peter and Angela are also available to join when you visit Vancouver

This weekend and part of next week is set aside for a family reunion in the interior with all our 4 married kids and 13 grandchildren ranging in age from 14 to 2 years old. Looking forward to it.

Edited by - on

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