Today’s journey from Waddington Bay to Mound Island was a tranquil yet foggy passage, testing both our patience and navigational skills. With visibility reduced to almost nothing, we relied heavily on our charts, radar, AIS, and autopilot to guide us the 13 miles to our destination. This brought our overall trip to an impressive 606 miles over 23 days. We made this trip on our own as last night was the last night we had with the Bellingham Yacht Club as they head south and we head towards Port McNeil to refuel and reprovision for the next 2 weeks.

The calmness of the water was remarkable, turning the sea into a mirror-like surface that made the fog seem even more surreal. It was in this quiet stillness that we were treated to the sight of many dolphins gliding effortlessly through the water. Their sleek bodies breaking the surface added a sense of magic to an otherwise muted day. Watching them play in the gentle swells was a highlight, a reminder of the life that thrives beneath the surface, even on the most overcast of days.

As we navigated through the mist, we passed a First Nations community, where the silhouettes of spectacular totem poles emerged from the fog. Even in these conditions, the intricate carvings were a sight to behold, standing tall as guardians of the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Upon reaching Mound Island, we found a calm anchorage and took the opportunity to explore. The fog began to lift just enough to reveal a midden beach—an ancient site where generations of indigenous peoples once lived. We beached the dinghy on the shore, stepping onto a landscape steeped in history. Our walk along the beach was peaceful, the layers of shells and stones beneath our feet telling stories of the past.

Though our trip today was short, the experiences were rich. The sight of dolphins in the calm waters, the cultural significance of the totem poles, and the ancient echoes of the midden beach all made this leg of our journey unforgettable. As we anchored for the night, the fog finally began to clear, revealing the full beauty of Mound Island and leaving us with a sense of quiet contentment as we reflected on the day.