God's Pocket Situation

YellowEye · Post by **YellowEye** » Tue Mar 20, 2018 8:04 pm

Hi NWDC Peeps!

I'm sad to report that God's Pocket, the quintessential ultra deluxe and awesome northwest diving destination, looks like they will be closing their doors in July :(

Its a very sad situation, but the owners need to retire due to health issues. They haven't been able to find a buyer. The logistics of running such an operation require a skillset that is hard to replace. Canadian laws also make things more complicated.

So, if you can find a spot to join them before they close, do so! You won't regret.

If there's off chance you may know of a qualified buyer (perhaps an operator elsewhere), talk them into it.

SJ and I are jumping on this and going up there Friday. We'll report if there's any further info to share...

-Eric

bradmond · Post by **bradmond** » Tue Mar 20, 2018 9:34 pm

that is bad news..never been and looks like never will. Have a great time, look forward to the report and pics.

dlh · Post by **dlh** » Tue Mar 20, 2018 10:00 pm

That's tragic news for sure! I'm heading up there April 8th for my annual trip, I think for the 12th time in God's Pocket. I really hope they find a buyer before we lose this amazing treasure in the PNW!

Tangfish · Post by **Tangfish** » Wed Mar 21, 2018 5:08 am

What- another reversal? Oh no, I thought there was a big breakthrough last time they said they were staying open.

Well I can’t make it this Friday but anyone here interested in putting together a mini NWDC trip up there if we can find the space available?

YellowEye · Post by **YellowEye** » Wed Mar 21, 2018 5:42 am

Hi Calvin
The last challenge they were going through was renewing their lease. It took a while, but they made it thru that hurdle, and secured a new 30 year lease on the land. Getting thru that hurdle allowed them to put the place for sale....

This Friday's trip is all booked up now. The website https://www.godspocket.com/calendar/ says there is room for 12 on April 28, and there's missing info for May. Someone could check, but Im guessing they're booked as they usually book up years in advanced. I'm guessing there are 1-2 spots or waitlists for most of the remaining weeks.

jmartel · Post by **jmartel** » Wed Mar 21, 2018 8:22 am

Well it looks like I'll never get the chance to go up there. No vacation time, unfortunately. What a bummer.

Gdog · Post by **Gdog** » Wed Mar 21, 2018 11:04 am

jmartel wrote:Well it looks like I'll never get the chance to go up there. No vacation time, unfortunately. What a bummer.

Same here. That sux.

Penopolypants · Post by **Penopolypants** » Wed Mar 21, 2018 1:05 pm

Tangfish wrote:Well I can’t make it this Friday but anyone here interested in putting together a mini NWDC trip up there if we can find the space available?

I would be interested!

Tangfish · Post by **Tangfish** » Wed Mar 21, 2018 8:44 pm

Penopolypants wrote:
Tangfish wrote:Well I can’t make it this Friday but anyone here interested in putting together a mini NWDC trip up there if we can find the space available?

I would be interested!

Well there’s room on April 28 according to YellowEye!

I’ve been putting it off and putting it off getting up there. Really want to see the place before it’s too late.

Sharkb8 · Post by **Sharkb8** » Thu Mar 22, 2018 8:05 am

Is the Browning Pass Hideaway an ok option these days, assuming they don't dump your gear into the water before you get there.....? I was also hoping to make it up there in the next year or two, but a last minute trip is definitely not happening for me.

dlh · Post by **dlh** » Thu Mar 22, 2018 11:07 am

Sharkb8 wrote:Is the Browning Pass Hideaway an ok option these days, assuming they don't dump your gear into the water before you get there.....? I was also hoping to make it up there in the next year or two, but a last minute trip is definitely not happening for me.

The Hideaway takes rustic adventures to a new level. To compare the two is like the difference between a seedy pay by the hour hotel and the Hyatt. GP is not fancy but it clean, well organized, well maintained and consistent. (and on solid ground) The Hideaway has the reputation for looking a bit like a floating junkyard.

60south · Post by **60south** » Thu Mar 22, 2018 4:38 pm

dlh wrote:The Hideaway has the reputation for looking a bit like a floating junkyard.

Hey now. It is an floating junkyard, no equivocation. But still a lot of fun... assuming the boat continues working.

I was hoping to make it to GP myself. Sad to hear it's going away.

Magoi · Post by **Magoi** » Sat Mar 24, 2018 9:26 am

YellowEye - it would be good to check on the Hideaway while you are there. I was at GP last August and we discussed the Hideaway. It is my understanding that the Hideaway lost their lease but have not closed their door.

I was trading emails with Bill a few weeks ago and he had some openings in June. He was still going to be operating in the fall then. Sad to hear they are closing. One of my favorite dive sites.

YellowEye · Post by **YellowEye** » Thu Mar 29, 2018 7:46 pm

Greetings!
We just got done with our week of diving at God's Pocket. Wow, another great trip!

Regarding the Hideaway.... People best ask John on the situation there... unclear.

If God's Pocket is not going to be swooped up as I dearly hope it will be, I will likely be visiting Browning Pass via Sun Fun divers the next time. Those guys run out of Port McNeil, but they trailer their boat out to Port Hardy as needed. They have a fast new boat.... we saw them out at the Pass this weekend! I'd love to dive the Port McNeil area again as well (haven't done it since Nautilus Explorer!).

I need to clarify... Bill/Annie are not exactly retiring due to health reasons. They'll be okay. They need to take care of their parents, as well as Bill's knees which are on the mend (he's up and walking around but had surgery). Some people are misunderstanding the situation, so please pass that along.

Thanks!
-Eric

YellowEye · Post by **YellowEye** » Fri Mar 30, 2018 9:57 pm

Last Chance Trip by Anacortes Dive Shop...

https://mailchi.mp/9505c7b1a445/last-ch ... port-hardy

Tangfish · Post by **Tangfish** » Fri Mar 30, 2018 10:47 pm

Paging Penopolypants!

dlh · Post by **dlh** » Sat Mar 31, 2018 11:05 am

Looking forward to seeing your photos from the trip YellowEye! I'm heading up next weekend myself. I'm feeling really fortunate to have a final trip booked to Gods Pocket.

I'm looking forward to hearing more about this other operator that you found working browning pass. Any idea what sort of accomodations they offer? What what I found online it sounds a bit like the Nanaimo charters which run day boats and then you find a hotel onshore.

Penopolypants · Post by **Penopolypants** » Sat Mar 31, 2018 11:45 am

dlh wrote:I'm looking forward to hearing more about this other operator that you found working browning pass. Any idea what sort of accomodations they offer? What what I found online it sounds a bit like the Nanaimo charters which run day boats and then you find a hotel onshore.

I would like to know more too, since the April trip is out for me. :(

ScubaJess · Post by **ScubaJess** » Sat Mar 31, 2018 1:24 pm

Hey DLH,
Can you please pick up my bio seal neck thing. I left it on the boat in the sunglass/hat holder. I'll also email Annie & Bill also to try to locate it for me

Have a great trip!!!

dlh · Post by **dlh** » Sat Mar 31, 2018 2:18 pm

ScubaJess wrote:Hey DLH,
Can you please pick up my bio seal neck thing. I left it on the boat in the sunglass/hat holder. I'll also email Annie & Bill also to try to locate it for me
Have a great trip!!!

Will do!

derekcs · Post by **derekcs** » Fri Jul 06, 2018 9:54 pm

Received this from Marker Buoy:

First and foremost, we would like to express our gratitude for all the years of support that we have received from you. You have been like family to us and brought us great joy, excitement, inspiration, love, care, friendship and of course the odd headache.
Thank you. Really, thank you so much. It has been a great run of 20 years.
We are now finished with God’s Pocket and are looking forward to handing over the keys to three very excited people. They are working hard in the background to put together a very solid crew for a seamless transition of owners. It is important to them that you experience similar quality that God’s Pocket has offered over the years.
So, we would like to introduce, Claus Eckbo, Antione Moret and Yolaine Cabana. Their plan is to take possession of God’s Pocket Aug 9, 2018. They intend to use the remainder of August to familiarize themselves with all the workings on and off the water. Once they are acclimated and confident, they intent to begin operating at full capacity beginning Sept 1, 2018. This is all subject to a speedy First Nation consultation in order to transfer the Park Use Permit from us to them as the new owners. As it will be their vision of God’s Pocket here on, they are welcoming you to email them any questions you might have. They can be reached at godspocket2018@gmail.com. What we do know is they have hired a Captain who is very experienced and has worked in this area for many years in the past.
As you may remember, when we purchased God’s Pocket 20 years ago, we were told that we had ‘big boots to fill’. We are very grateful that you gave us the opportunity to show you what we were capable of. We do hope you do the same for the new owners.
We do plan to keep in touch. You never know how paths will cross again in the future.
Feel free to shoot us an email to say hi.
Biggest Hugs to You !
Annie and Bill

ScubaJess · Post by **ScubaJess** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 7:02 am

Soooooo happy Gods Pocket will stay open!!!! Looking forward to trying it out with the new owners!

I hope I can see Bill & Annie for more adventures as well. Such a fantastic update

Tangfish · Post by **Tangfish** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 10:04 am

Okay now I really can go up with you sometime ScubaJess!

dlh · Post by **dlh** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 12:36 pm

Tangfish wrote:Okay now I really can go up with you sometime ScubaJess!

We should book a NWDC trip...

Tangfish · Post by **Tangfish** » Sat Jul 07, 2018 12:36 pm

That would be A W E S O M E !

Northwest Dive Club

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