Pacific NW

Expeditions

Today was a damn fine day to be alive! We did a 62 mile run from Tenakee Hot Springs to Baranof Hot Springs. I started us off early, after an hour and a half of sleep. It was smooth as glass when we left, with the occasional shy porpoise or whale spout breaking the surface of the water. I thorougly enjoyed the morning watching the changing qualities and patterns of light play on the sky and waters of Chatham Strait. Justin awoke and cooked a steaming breakfast which we enjoyed in the cockpit. Afterwards I took a long nap while Justin navigated through a white-out. At 1500 hours we turned into Baranof Bay, and found there the large public dock where boats tie up while they use the hot springs. Baranof has all the elements of complete paradise. A dock to tie up to, fresh water, numerous public bathrooms, and the most remarkable hot spring imaginable! The cost for moorage is $0. All set in the midst of Baranof’s pristine wilderness! Justin and I hiked to the natural springs and giant Baranof Lake up the mountain. The springs consist of several large clear pools of hot water, situated directly next to a raging whitewater river that shoots through a slot in the canyon. Justin was beside himself, totally impressed with the situation. On the dock I recognized a friend from my Captain’s license course, Vic Cano. He is staying at the dock for the summer with his partner Suzanne, and selling woodcarvings to passing boaters. Soon the dock filled with boats, and things swung into party mode. Beers and margaritas were handed to Justin and me and we gladly accepted our fate. Vic and Suzanne invited us “over” for dinner and we had a top-notch meal. Wild Alaskan King salmon with Vic’s excellent mashed potaoes. And a berry cobbler for dessert! The berries had just been picked from the side of the mountain. Justin and I greatly enjoyed Vic and Suzanne’s company. I relished all the socializing after so many months of solitute. Making the rounds I went from pilothouse to pilothouse, gamming with the fellow skippers and fishermen. It was a most pleasant and unexpected evening.