Sailing Adventures of s/v Talos IV: Tenedos Bay

A strong ebb tide carried us out of Grace Harbour and down the Malaspina Inlet where we were met with a 17 knot wind right on our bow. As it was expected to be a short run to Tenedos Bay, we had not set up our sails and were not able to take advantage of the wind which came around to our beam as we rounded the point and headed for our next destination.

Tenedos Bay is a wonderful place surrounded by rock cliffs and incredible scenery. As it is a marine park, there are no homes or structures of any kind. There was one boat tucked into a little cove at the opening to the bay, but the rest of the bay was empty. We selected what appeared to be a great spot on the west side (strategically selected to capture the morning sun tomorrow). As we approached the shore line and prepared to get the anchor down there was a black bear out getting its breakfast. We apparently startled it because as soon as he saw us he made a mad scramble up cliff. It was amazing how quickly he was able to move and how nimble he was to get up the steep cliff. We will remember that should we encounter one on our many hikes. Janet was able to get a couple of photos as he made his dash up.

It was a perfect day to just laze around. The sun was out and we were mostly protected from the wind. Paul made himself busy doing a few boat projects that he had been putting off. Janet was busy down below. Later in the afternoon, we motored over to shore in the dinghy to check out the trail head to Lake Unwin. We decided to wait until tomorrow to take the hike. It is said that the water is quite warm, so we may just get a chance to get a swim in. On the way back we motored around the bay to get a closer look and were able to run through a narrow passage behind an island that dries at low tide.

Day 2 at Tenedos Bay broke with sunshine and warm weather, which held all day. About mid morning s/v Thor could be seen motoring around the corner and dropped anchor in the cove off to our left. Right behind them was a self built steel boat, s/v Emerald Steel. We had met Julius and Susan on our hike to the lake at Grace Bay the day before. They have been living on their boat and cruising the world since 1987.

Early afternoon we motored back to shore and took the short hike to Unwin Lake. While Paul was feeling quite brave about taking a dip, when it came right down to it, he just couldn’t quite do it. The water temp was adequate, but the air temp and breeze killed the idea. His swim will have to wait for another time. It was a beautiful lake with snow capped mountains popping up on the far side. Fallen logs had blown up against the shoreline, making it difficult to approach the shore. We saw several snakes flitting around in the grass and even a snake skin that had been shed. On the way back to the dinghy we spotted a bear paw print in the mud right in the middle of the trail. Clearly there are bears in these parts. Janet, using her Indian tracking skills, said it had passed here earlier that day.

Safely back on Talos IV we invited Mark and Lori from s/v Thor over for happy hour. It was great to compare notes on where each of us had been over the last several days. Later, Janet fired up some fresh pasta with some sausage for dinner and again, we were dozing off a little later on for yet another restful sleep.

We are planning to depart for Prideaux Haven, a series of coves and inlets tomorrow morning.