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Articles by Michael Boyd
Hikes for Boaters: More Gulf Islands
The Canadian Gulf Islands are just across the border from the San Juans and are similar in many respects: in the large number of islands, the many marine parks, and the wealth of opportunities for boaters including some truly excellent hiking. As we leave high summer behind us, many of us narrow our cruising scope from faraway dreams to more protected local waters—and for most readers of this publication, that includes these wonderful islands.
Hikes for Boaters: Northwest Coast of Vancouver Island
Most boaters visit the northern half of the West Coast of Vancouver Island as part of a counterclockwise circumnavigation, heading down the coast from north to south. This article is written with that in mind. Moreover, we’re now entering the most common window—late June to the first weeks of August—for this quintessentially adventurous voyage, considered by many boaters to be the ultimate Pacific Northwest boating challenge.
Hikes for Boaters: Even More San Juan Islands
No reader of this publication needs to be told that the San Juan Islands are one of the great treasures for boaters in the Pacific Northwest. Still, if you’re a cruiser who likes to go hiking, the walkable riches provided by the San Juans are a trove beyond one’s wildest imagination. At the dawn of this Salish Sea summer, most boaters are at the apex of their opportunity to venture far beyond our local islands.
Hikes for Boaters: Cape Caution to Shearwater
The Central Coast of British Columbia is the region between Cape Caution—approximately opposite the northern tip of Vancouver Island—and the Alaska border at Dixon Entrance. Part of the Great Bear Rainforest, this remote and wild land of deep inlets is an ambitious and self-reliant cruiser’s paradise with narrow channels and a multitude of islands offering tantalizing itineraries—we’ve always cherished our adventures here.
Hikes for Boaters: Northern Strait of Georgia
At the northern end of the Strait of Georgia, between Desolation Sound to the east and Vancouver Island to the west, there are a number of islands with wonderful anchorages and some of our favorite hikes along this section of the British Columbia coast. Many boaters include this area on a trip to Desolation Sound, but there’s enough to like that it’s worth a standalone trip if you’re short on time.
Hikes for Boaters: Southwest Coast of Van Isle
The northern half of Vancouver Island’s West Coast has long been the domain of those with the time and spirit to do a circumnavigation, and these rugged and remote destinations are undeniably special for that reason. On the other hand, Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds in the southern half of the island can easily be reached from Puget Sound without committing to a circumnavigation; just head west out the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Hikes for Boaters: More Strait of Georgia
Autumn can provide some of the absolute best times on the water, and good times are also a fair expectation when you dinghy in to stretch your legs on a lovely hiking trail near Salish Sea anchorages throughout the fall. In this season, cruisers rightly tend to condense their distances, but since we’re not into the winter approach of short days in backyard waters, options abound—including in the Strait of Georgia.
Hikes for Boaters: The Broughtons
Ah, the Broughtons, one of the dreamiest cruising destinations in the entire region. It is a cruiser’s reward, whether you’ve just challenged often-blustery Johnstone Strait or are ducking in from the bigger water of Queen Charlotte Strait and the Pacific Ocean beyond. This area offers much more than just protection from winds and waves, however—it is a treasure trove of islands and waterways to explore and enjoy.
Hikes for Boaters: More Gulf Islands
The Canadian Gulf Islands are just across the border from the San Juans and are similar in many respects—in the large number of islands, the many marine parks, and the wealth of opportunities for boaters, including hiking. Of course, the Canadian islands and the cruising experiences there have their own flavor as well. Whatever your Salish Sea homeport, there’s a decent chance that some summertime exploration of the Gulf Islands is in your future.
Hikes for Boaters: More San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands are one of the great treasures for boaters in the Pacific Northwest, even more so for those who like to go hiking. Our previous column on the San Juan Islands covered our favorite hikes on Cypress and Sucia islands, and at Garrison Bay. In this installment, I’ll cover a few more excellent options. STUART ISLAND Stuart Island is blessed with two large, protected bays on the north and south sides of the Island.
Hikes for Boaters: Desolation Sound
Desolation Sound has long been a mecca for cruising boaters. Muriel Wylie Blanchet wrote about her family trips of the 1920s and 1930s in the classic, “The Curve of Time,” and Pacific Northwest cruisers could surely pen volumes of love letters to such a breathtaking destination. Its draw extends beyond the region as well, with charterers arriving from around the world to explore this beautiful locale.
Hikes for Boaters: North Puget Sound
During the fall, winter, and spring, like most boaters in our area, we stay fairly close to home. Sometimes that means not leaving the slip. Other times, it could include traveling to a nearby urban area where we can stay at a guest dock and take in the local sights. It’s never crowded, and there’s still no shortage of winter wonders on the water and when exploring on foot. Here are some of our favorite local destinations for a town walk and possibly a hike through the woods, weather permitting.
Hikes for Boaters: Strait of Georgia
On the way to Desolation Sound, there are several locations north of Nanaimo where boaters can stop to break up the long trip. Some of these also have excellent hiking opportunities and are worthy of a longer stay. The places I mention in this month’s column are ones that we have stopped at many times and think of as destinations in their own right.
Cruising's Magical Moments
Our boating has been filled with memorable moments. There was that first, and thankfully only, moment I forgot to shorten the dinghy towline before setting the anchor—then spent the rest of the day disengaging the line from the prop. There was the time the engine stopped in the Duwamish Waterway as we were leaving the marina, because I had forgotten to turn the fuel valve back on after changing the Racor filter.
Hikes for Boaters: Gulf Islands
The Canadian Gulf Islands are just across the border from the San Juans and are similar in many respects—in the large number of beautiful islands, the vast array of marine parks, and the wealth of opportunities for boaters, including hiking. In spite of the similarities, we find the hikes to be at least as varied as those in the San Juans.
Hikes for Boaters: Discovery Islands
North of the Strait of Georgia and Desolation Sound and south of Johnstone Strait, the Discovery Islands fill most of the area between the British Columbia mainland and Vancouver Island. The area is a postcard-perfect cruiser’s paradise, and one of the dream destinations for this region’s boat folk. The gaps between the Discovery Islands are small, which makes for passages that have strong tidal currents—notable among them are Seymour Narrows, Dent Rapids, and Hole in the Wall.
Hikes for Boaters: San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands are one of the great treasures for boaters in the Pacific Northwest, and that is even more true for boaters who like to go hiking. The large number of state parks and forest areas mean hiking trails abound. Most of them have trail maps posted at a kiosk on shore and are well maintained and gorgeous to boot. I’m sure many readers will have their favorites, but please don’t be surprised if they aren’t here—space is limited so we can only discuss a few.
Hikes for Boaters: South Puget Sound
Ah, the dawn of the high cruising season around the Salish Sea. It’s always an exciting time to make plans for where you’ll travel and what you might explore when you get there, and also a great chance to start getting out there! For us, finding and enjoying lovely boat-accessed hikes sits near the top on the list of priorities, and our experiences with that pursuit are what this column seeks to illuminate.
NEW COLUMN: Hikes for Boaters
We are excited to welcome Michael Boyd and Karen Johnson to the family of 48° North columnists. Michael has written a handful of excellent 48° North features, which were paired with Karen’s beautiful photographs. Experienced and well-traveled cruisers, they are excited to share one of the major passions that cruising has enabled: exploring Pacific Northwest hikes that are difficult or impossible to access unless you arrive by boat.
Mischief on the Edge
Our rather daring goal for the 2023 cruising season was to explore some of the inlets on British Columbia’s North Coast that are on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and Hecate Strait, some of which are open to the ocean waters, and to do it without too much drama. As Pacific Northwest cruisers are well aware, part of the magic of our expansive cruising grounds is just how much of them may be enjoyed by traveling almost exclusively through the relatively protected waters of the Inside Passage.
Defying the "Do Not Touch" Sign. Why Do We Do It?
Resist the urge! The art's allure lies in looking, not touching. 🚫🖐️ (Photo by Erik Mclean / Pexels.) I once found myself in a chic, minimalist art gallery, staring at a piece that looked suspiciously like a giant button. Next to it, in bold letters, was a sign: "DO NOT TOUCH." Now, I'm a civilized guy with more than half a century of life experience. I should know better. But that sign, those all caps, it was like an itch. And what do we do with itches? We scratch. I won't lie, my finger twitched.
My Brother Wrecked My Sleep for 50 Years
One scream. 50 years of sleepless nights. A story of trauma, understanding, and the reclaiming of peace. Photo is yours truly with my older brother Martin (circa 1970-72). Apparently, I'm struggling to stay awake. 🤣 (Photo taken by our Dad and his Polaroid and cleaned up with AI). The world offers moments that shape us, carving out the contours of our personalities, fears, and joys. Some of these moments are grand, sweeping, and cinematic.
Students Choose Electric Shocks Over Quiet Reflection
Much like our aversion to solitude, the needle's swing reveals an unexpected charge beneath the surface, echoing the shocking findings of Wilson's study. (Photo by Thomas Kelley on Unsplash) Every now and then, a piece of information emerges that challenges our understanding of the human condition, making us reevaluate the very core of who we are.
Why Do People Follow Me Throughout the Grocery Store?
WHERE FATE CHECKS OUT Decades of wisdom meets the art of choosing the perfect berries. Photo by Beth Macdonald on Unsplash Navigating the world of a bustling grocery store is a lot like navigating the complexities of the human psyche: fraught with confusion, peppered with inexplicable moments, and layered with those "What the hell?" contemplations. Basket in hand, I've embarked on countless food quests, but none so baffling as the dance of shadow shoppers in aisle five.
The Unforeseen Lessons from the Night Stalker's Terror
The mug shot of Richard Ramirez, captured on December 12, 1984, following a car theft arrest, played a pivotal role in his eventual capture. Photo via Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain. 1985, Anaheim, California - Growing up in this part of the Golden State, one would think that the sunny days and the atmosphere of the beaches would be enough to keep the shadows at bay. Yet, the year I recall with a chilling shudder is one where darkness seemed to creep into even the sunniest of days.
Is Your Therapist a Miserable Person?
A moment of connection: A therapist and client delve into the healing journey together. Photo by cottonbro / Pexels. Picture this: a dimly lit room, two armchairs, and a gentle voice coaxing you to share the depths of your heart. You unspool your worries, lay your fears bare, and hand them over to this learned professional. And while you're grappling with your own internal monsters, have you ever stopped to wonder about the demons your therapist might be dancing with? Let's get one thing straight.
Are We Really Glad for Others' Misfortunes?
True empathy goes beyond generalizations. Let's challenge our beliefs and recognize the potential for kindness in every heart. Photo by Matt Collamer on Unsplash We've all heard variations of the idea that people are inherently self-centered or take pleasure in others' misfortunes.
The Perils of Self-Diagnosis in the Digital Age!
Since we hit that certain age bracket known as "more than middle-aged," my wife and I have embarked on a relentless quest for knowledge. We've been reading everything. And I mean everything. From the back of shampoo bottles to the fine print on our insurance policies. If it's written, we've probably read it. I've always been a curious soul, but this newfound obsession? It's like we've been bitten by the insatiable bug of midlife enlightenment. And let me tell you, it's contagious.
The Lessons I Learned From Watching Jerry Springer
Photo taken by Justin Hoch. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. The 90s. A decade of grunge, dial-up internet, and the rise of boy bands. But amidst the flannel shirts and baggy jeans, there was a television phenomenon that, for better or worse, became a cultural touchstone for many of us: The Jerry Springer Show. The Jerry Springer Show first aired in 1991 and quickly became a staple of American television.
Why Do Old Men Blow Their Noses in Restaurants?
Elderly gentleman prepping for a nasal symphony amidst restaurant ambiance. (Photo by Bjarne Vijfvinkel on Unsplash) A peculiar kind of music plays in the background of our lives, a symphony of sounds that we often overlook. The laughter of children, the hum of traffic, the distant chatter of conversations. But one sound stands out, especially in quiet places like libraries, parks, and restaurants: the unmistakable sound of an older man blowing his nose.
How Big Brands Trick Us With the Halo Effect
The pillars of commerce: Where corporate decisions shape consumer landscapes and global narratives. (Photo by Abbe Sublett on Unsplash) In the vast, sprawling metropolis of global commerce, some alleys and avenues lead us to places we never intended to go. We're often lured by the siren song of brands, their shiny logos, and the promises they whisper in our ears.
Make Everything in Your Life Epic!
In the center of the hustle and bustle of my city, I stumbled into a moment that transcended the usual. It wasn't the immense neon structures or the organized mayhem that trapped me, but rather something more delicate, more profound. My earbuds were playing the hauntingly beautiful tones of traditional Japanese music, and everything around me seemed to take on a new dimension.
Mischief Around Vancouver Island: Part 2
After leaving Seattle and heading north, following the east side of Vancouver Island, the crew of the Eagle 40 trawler, Mischief — my partner Karen and I — had cleared the first hurdles of our ocean-side transit of the wild west coast. We were proud to have explored and enjoyed our passages around Cape Scott and the Brooks Peninsula. As we continued south, we would complete the circumnavigation we’d been dreaming of for years. Next stop, the Bunsby Islands.
Don't Be an Idiot
Breakfast just got a lot more fun! These eggs are ready to crack you up with their silly expressions. Who said breakfast can't be egg-citing? Photo by Tengyart on Unsplash Life, in its majestic chaos and endearing absurdity, has a way of guiding us toward unexpected revelations. If you've seen as many sunrises over alien landscapes as I have or rubbed elbows with as many strangers in far-off locales, you start to distill a certain wisdom from the ether of existence.
Dancing with the Tyrant of Time
CARPE DIEM Seizing the day, embracing the present. A reminder that time is fleeting, urging us to make the most of every precious moment. #CarpeDiem (Photo by Agê Barros on Unsplash) In the great play of life, one performer stands tall, undefeated, inescapable - Time. It's a tyrant, unrelenting and indifferent to our pleas. At some point, we all play the waiting game with it, hoping for the right moment, the perfect opportunity.
Mischief Around Vancouver Island: Part 1
Like many Pacific Northwest boaters, my wife Karen and I wanted to cruise the west coast of Vancouver Island but were intimidated by what conditions might be like on the ocean. I’m somewhat prone to seasickness, and she thought our boat at the time, a 25-foot motorsailer, was too small. A few years ago, we bought Mischief, an Eagle 40 trawler, and felt we finally had the boat and the experience to tackle it.
An Intertwined Dance
FINDING A BALANCE BETWEEN ALCOHOL AND THERAPY Let's be honest. The connection between the alcohol industry and mental health is an uncomfortable and fascinating tango. It's like watching a highly skilled dance couple gracefully spin around a dance floor, their steps in perfect sync. But the question remains: does the alcohol industry want you to spend your hard-earned cash on therapy, or would they prefer you drown your sorrows in a glass (or several) of their liquid gold?
Are We Literally Being Brainwashed by Social Media Influencers?
Think critically, and avoid marketing traps. As the digital age accelerates, we are constantly bombarded with information from a wide array of sources. In a world filled with influencers, gurus, and experts, it can be challenging to decipher fact from fiction. With the prevalence of social media marketing and persuasive tactics, it's essential to recognize and scrutinize the argument from authority.
Yes, Ladies Love a Thinking Man!
It's no secret that, throughout the annals of history, we've seen society heap praise upon physical attributes when it comes to male attractiveness. Swagger, bulging biceps, and chiseled jaws have been the hallmarks of desirability. But hold on a minute, what if I told you that in our ever-changing, high-speed world, women are increasingly seeking something deeper and more meaningful in their relationships?
The Beatles' Anthem That Taught Me to Relax
Let me take you back to the mid-seventies. I was a young kid, fresh out of elementary school for the day, being picked up by my mother. Instead of heading straight home as I wished, we took a detour to the dreaded barbershop. I despised going there - it was incredibly boring, and all I wanted was to spend time with my friends after school. As we drove through the streets of Los Angeles, my mom had the radio tuned to KRTH. That's when it happened. I heard "Let It Be" by The Beatles.
The Science of Love and Hate
The Sweet (and Sometimes Not So Sweet) Smell of Pomades: Why We All Experience Scents Differently Yours truly, taking a moment to appreciate the classic scent of our Original Pomade As a grooming enthusiast and co-owner of Battle Born Grooming Co., I've always been fascinated by the wide variety of hair styling products available on the market, especially the ones with tantalizing scents.
Cruising the North Coast Wilderness
The North Coast of British Columbia is the area between the northern end of Vancouver Island, Cape Caution on the mainland side, and the Alaska border. It’s a land of wild beauty, from the fjords reaching deep into the mainland Coast Range to thousands of islands along the Pacific shore with their white sand beaches. There are no cruise ship stops, so the only tourists are fishermen at fly-in resorts and cruisers on their own boats. We love it. Getting there requires time and commitment.
Mischief Beyond Nakwakto Rapids
For more than 10 years, our 40-foot pilothouse trawler Mischief has been both our comfortable home-away-from-home and our magic carpet to new places. My wife Karen and I especially love beautiful scenery and opportunities to anchor all alone. Being beyond signs of civilization is always a plus. This year, we decided on a late summer cruise to the waters beyond Nakwakto Rapids in British Columbia.
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