A Dreamspeaker Cruising Guide, Vol. 5: The Broughtons — Vancouver Island, Kelsey Bay to Port Hardy
Description
Contains Photos, Illustrations, Maps, Bibliography, Index
$49.95
ISBN 1-55017-406-1
DDC 797.1'09711
Publisher
Year
Contributor
Nikki Tate-Stratton writes children’s picture books and novels for
preteens. Her most recent novels are Raven’s Revenge, Tarragon Island,
and Jo’s Journey. Her latest picture book is Grandparents’ Day.
Review
In the fifth volume in the Dreamspeaker Cruising Guides series, the authors turn their attention to the complex waterways on the eastern side of British Columbia’s Vancouver Island, from Kelsey Bay north to the top end of Queen Charlotte Strait. An introductory chapter includes an overview of the area, a list of its key destinations, history and wildlife protocol, weather tips, general information about tides and currents, and a list of official publications for boaters.
Passage planning is covered in Chapter 2, briefly putting the territory covered into geographic context. Chapter 3 provides information about transiting the eastern end of Johnstone Strait, known for strong currents and summer winds. Each of Chapters 4 through 14 focuses on a smaller area within the Broughtons, describing anchorages, marinas, beaches, and hikes easily accessible by boaters. Clear, hand-drawn maps show approaches to anchorages and marinas, and the location of stores, museums, cafés, galleries, and pubs as well as amenities like showers, laundries, and restrooms. The maps, though excellent for locating a destination, should not be used for navigation. Chart numbers are given for each location.
The main text also includes descriptions of parks, expeditions, businesses, and local residents, giving a sense of the type of cruising experience one might expect to enjoy. Full-colour photographs throughout showcase the stunning natural beauty of the area. A lengthy list of selected reading offers sources for those seeking additional information, and a comprehensive index makes it easy to quickly find specific details.
The Yeadon-Joneses have created yet another useful, attractive, and comprehensive guide to one of the loveliest cruising areas in the world.