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Four Bookstores and Many Musicians Found in Powell River Unbelievably calm water through the southern Strait of Georgia catching fair tides all the way to Powell River leaves us perplexed, but happy with our successful long passage. We had enjoyed our days in Vancouver but as the saying goes, “boats are not meant to be at harbor.”
I am realizing the benefits of planning specific destinations for this trip. On this trip, both Captain & crew spend little time calculating, deciding and planning where we are going to spend night. Usually we are torn between great fishing spots, this time of year it’s prawns we’re after, versus the benefits of being at harbor where we can easily have discussions with other boaters, marina operators and port managers. Since IPDP drives our destinations into harbors so it’s just a matter of when depending on weather and tides.
In all the years sailing north, we have never stopped at Powell River because the San Juans and the Gulf Islands are infinitely wonderful to cruise through and we usually traverse the west side of the Strait, along Vancouver Island because Nanaimo is one of our
most favorite towns on the Inside Passage. So we are surprised to learn just outside the harbor basin that Powell River isn’t an accessible port, at least not for recreational boaters. We must dock in Westview, a few km south of the Townsite, the original downtown where the mill still operates today.
First there’s the stern tie lesson. We find no open docks spaces and the only open linear dock on the walkway clearly states: “Stern Tie Only.” There’s plenty of room to tie up but Ama doesn’t back gracefully. Peter eases, then reverses, then accelerates quickly, inching Ama’s rear end up to dock using the dingy as a fender. We get dockhand help from Sydney, Powell River native, who assures that rafting up to an old fish boat so our stern isn’t the only contact point is the only safe way to stay here.
Relieved and registered, we wander the docks until live music entices towards the main street of town. We find fun swing dancing with old rock‘n rollers in the town bar with the median age of the band and clientele probably around 74. It seems that everyone who lives in
Powell River wants to live there. There is a strong music community and the town’s ambassador, also the president of the local flying club, says that PR is where the locals who can no longer afford to live in Vancouver find music heaven.Exploring by bike the next day we figure that every one must be a performer with the number of concerts scheduled, live performances and open jams promoted on the doors of every business in town.
Our Petrol Free Boat stickers draw people into IPDP conversations and before long Peter’s new boat banjo comes out and tunes commence. Music spontaneously erupt on our dock with a jam on Torhaven or “Cod house.”
Powell River seems like a hidden jem expecting visitors with two ferry lines making daily runs to nearby islands and a short drive or flight back to the big city making easy connections and bringing tourists. Its clear that the locals want visitors, just maybe not to stay. People are relieved to be able to buy a big house with gardens at affordable rates having been priced out of Vancouver. Townsite businesses and those lining Marine Avenue in Westview
have beautiful gift items as well as necessities. They are hosting events, staging music festivals and appreciate all guests so it seems only a matter of time before Powell River makes a come back. Finding four open bookstores in Powell River makes us want to return soon!
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