Description
We will set out to explore Thormanby Island, located across from the Sunshine Coast area of Secret Cove. Thormanby Island is known for its excellent salmon and crab fishing, thanks to the sandy bottom and reefs in the area. The island features sand dunes and cliffs reminiscent of Savary Island. We will take the tender ashore to explore the various untouched and protected fauna of the area and wade in the warm waters of the sandy beaches. A beach lunch or onboard service will be provided.
The island is rockier than its neighbour North Thormanby Island. There are two main hills on the island: Mount Seafield in the south and Spy Glass hill in the north. South of Mount Seafield there is a large lake in an area known locally as the farm. Tattenham Ledge, a long shallow underwater shelf of rock, extends from the northern side of the island and is a hazard to navigation. There are several small islands attached to South Thormanby island, including Pirate Rock and Merry Island to the South. Welcome Passage separates South Thormanby Island from the mainland along the Sunshine Coast.
The island is quite heavily forested, mainly with second growth douglas fir and cedar. There are some semi-wild apple and cherry trees near the lake in the old farm. Other common tree species found on the island include hemlock, alder, arbutus, lodgepole pine, and broadleaf maple. Edible berries found on the island include salal, salmonberries, thimbleberries, huckleberries, and blackberries. In marshy areas bullrushes and swampgrass is found. It is estimated that the South Thormanby Island has a population of approximately 300 coast blacktail deer. Other small animals include mink, raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, and birds of all sorts. There have also been beavers inhabiting the lake and in recent memory bears and cougars have been present on the island, though they are not believed to be present now. The area is well known for its fishing, especially salmon fishing.
