Stories behind the People




New Docks at Denham Bay Resort

 

Departing Big Bay, we transited Dent Rapids on a 2-knot current, experiencing some boil but nothing dangerous.  On the northwest side of Dent Rapids is the charming Denham Bay Resort.  We stopped in to check on the new dock installation, an addition of 170 feet for a total of 500 feet of moorage accommodating boats up to 60 feet.  We are happy to report that the new docks are in and the old docks are being removed this week.  Once the new docks have been configured and secured, Peter and Sarah will be ready to welcome guests including those who may not have been able to moor here in previous years.  Their long-time dream of owning a resort continues to evolve for the benefit of everyone.  Denham Bay is not only attractive, but is a convenient place to overnight for timing the rapids in the area. 

Beautiful Cordero Channel

Cordero Channel

Another sunny day made for a pleasant trip up beautiful Cordero Channel.  Next stop, Shoal Bay, one of those very special places with views that can’t be beat.  

The Views at Shoal Bay are hard to beat!

Visitors can relax on the deck or inside the cozy wilderness pub overlooking the pier.  We always enjoy walking through the vegetable gardens adorned with art work and patches of flower beds.  

Lovely Gardens at Shoal Bay (pub in background)

Seems there is something new added each year.  Owners Mark & Cynthia tell us they will be adding gates to the existing artistic wood fence that surrounds the large garden.  While visiting, be sure to ask Mark about his previous career of accompanying race horses and exotic animals on airline flights, he has some interesting stories to tell.  

Homestead at Sidney Bay off Loughborough Inlet

Continuing west, we transited Greene Rapids and then turned north up Loughborough Inlet in search of Sidney Bay and the stories it holds.  Sidney Bay on the west side of Loughborough Inlet is the site of an early homestead where Dane Campbell and Helen Piddington continue to live, having raised their children here.  

Guest Dock at Sidney Bay, Loughborough Inlet

A rustic guest float (approx. 150 ft.) located on the south side of Sidney Bay is like being at one’s own private dock in the wilderness, this place is definitely off the beaten path.  

Picnic Shed in Sidney Bay

The moorage fee is posted at the dock; you can pay at the picnic shed on the float (home-made mailbox deposit), or take the dinghy across the bay to the north side and pay Dane directly at their place of residence.  Wanting to meet Dane, we motored across the bay where he was eagerly awaiting our arrival and invited us to sit and chat.  

Dane waiting to extend a Welcome

Dane talked about the area and the rail-logging that took place here, old ruins and pilings from the period can be seen across the Inlet.  His wife’s book, The Inlet, describes their experiences in Loughborough Inlet; and her other book, The Rumble Seat, describes growing up in the 1930’s near Victoria.  After Dane showed us these books, it made me wonder why people choose to live in such a remote area – is it the peace and quiet? Is it being surrounded by nature and beauty? Or is it the unique adventures that come with the territory?  Sadly, Helen’s health is failing, and the homestead like so many others of that era, may soon fade into history.  

Dinner at the Picnic Shed, our private clubhouse for the day

Glad to have come, we enjoyed our dinner at the picnic shed, our very own exclusive clubhouse for the day.