Broughton Treasures




Beautiful but challenging Beware Passage

Continuing our journey southward, we entered Beware Passage which is strewn with rocks and requires special attention to negotiate the appropriate course and ninety degree turns.  

Scenic Beware Passage

There are two safe routes, the more direct but narrow route along Towboat Pass off Harbledown Island, or you can take the east route along Care Island navigating between charted rocks.  The scenery is lovely but you will need to keep a watchful eye on the charts and waypoints in front of you.  Tucked along the passage is the abandoned ruins of Karlukwees village.  

Abandoned Karlukwees Village

Just south of the old village are several interesting pictographs; you can motor up close, with an eye on the depth sounder, to get a good look.  

Pictograph near Karlukwees abandoned village

Taken together, they seem to be telling a story – several sailing vessels and what looks like a horse-drawn cart; could it be directions showing the way through Beware Passage by land and sea?  

Sailing Ship Pictograph somewhat hidden by the grass

A Horse-drawn Wagon?

After exiting Beware Passage, we crossed Clio Channel and entered Potts Lagoon on W. Cracroft Island to peek around.  The outer bay is mostly filled with a log booming operation but the two inner bays are open and provide good anchorage and protection from all winds.  

Interesting and well-protected Potts Lagoon Inner Bay

The inner bay off to the right past the loggers blue float house is the more spacious.  Ruins from an old pier along with a few float-homes, add to the character of this hidden anchorage.  A smaller but more private cove is found to port, turn left just past the loggers’ blue float house.  Departing Potts Lagoon, we continued northeast along Clio Channel, arriving at Lagoon Cove Marina on E. Cracroft Island, another favorite destination in The Broughtons.  

Guest Docks at Beautiful Lagoon Cove Marina

Jim and Lou, new owners of the marina, have brought their talents and energy to this much beloved marina and have already made improvements while maintaining the original charm of this special place.  

Lovely grounds and flowers at Lagoon Cove Marina

Power lines have been buried underground and flower pots adorn the walkways.  We have witnessed lots of activity at Lagoon Cove where reservations are now accepted.  Prawns are still a main feature at the 5 o’clock happy hour, held on the deck of the historic ‘workshop.’  

Happy Hour at the historic Workshop, Lagoon Cove Marina

Boaters will be happy to know that the ‘exercise stations’ (mowing the lawn and chopping wood) are still available in addition to games like ping-pong and bocce ball.  Most important of all is the fact that the new owners came along at the right time, saving Lagoon Cove from becoming a logging camp.  For the full story, see the upcoming eNews article entitled "The Axe that Nearly Felled Lagoon Cove" at www.WaggonerGuide.com