They say every anchorage has its own rhythm. For Grace Harbour, it just happened to start with zero wind and a lot of curiosity.

We motored our way down Okeover Arm (because the wind apparently had better things to do that day), aiming for Grace Harbour — a sheltered spot tucked just far enough out of the way to feel like a secret. The water was calm, the dogs were dozing, and I was already eyeing the shoreline for places to explore once we dropped anchor.

Grace Harbour greeted us with its typical west coast charm: trees leaning in like they had secrets, and water so still it felt like glass. Once the hook was set, the dogs and I piled into the dinghy. The mission? Trails. Sniffs. Adventure.

We first tried the trail that branches off near the anchorage, but a fallen tree had other plans. With Fergus giving it his best “what now?” face, we pivoted toward the marine campsite on the opposite shore. There, a more cooperative trail took us inland, weaving through the forest before delivering us to a small lake — peaceful, remote, and not a single other soul in sight. Just how I like it.

On the way back, we wandered off-course a bit (intentionally, I swear). In true explorer fashion, we poked into shady groves, stumbled across rusted relics of old logging days, and even found a tucked-away waterfall that sounded like it had a story or two of its own. The dogs, of course, thought it was all just one giant sniff-fest.

Back on the boat, the rain rolled in — soft at first, then steady. We waited it out before going ashore one last time, wet leaves sticking to our boots and paws. By nightfall, we were tucked back aboard, cozy and dry.

That’s when I felt it — the tick. On my neck. I’d say that was the price of admission for bushwhacking through coastal wilderness. The dogs, were tick-free and smug about it. They’re both on tick medication, the Pacific Northwest is a tick hotspot.

The next morning, coffee in hand, we pulled anchor and headed out toward the Copeland Islands, already plotting our next quiet hideaway.

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Notes for Fellow Cruisers:

• Anchoring: Good holding in mud, well-sheltered. A peaceful spot even in less-than-perfect weather.
• Trails: One trail near the anchorage is currently inaccessible due to a downed tree. Try the one behind the marine campsite instead — it’s well-marked and leads to a small lake.
• Points of Interest: Keep your eyes open for old logging equipment and a small waterfall tucked inland.
• Ticks: Apparently, they’re a thing here. Do your post-hike checks!

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