We headed out this morning thinking we would ride the ebb up Johnstone Strait to Helmcken Island. Once out in the channel the winds were pushing against the ebb, just on the nose. 2 foot chop and a good push of current had us moving 9+ kts. The ride was comfortable, dry and fast. We had some quick discussion regarding the weather patterns and possibility of rain tomorrow. Thinking it would be better to be further inside the passage and in a more secure anchorage for the night we adjusted our plan . We had a few minutes to make a decision of continuing up Johnstone or heading east up Chancellor Channel to Wellbore Channel and thru the Whirlpool Rapids. We had to arrive at the rapids at slack water. There are no exceptions to this rule when we are having such huge tidal swings. Janet got busy with the dividers, navigational skills and dead reckoning. Careful calculations of tide, current, projected speed over ground found that we just might make the time window. As we headed up Chancellor Channel we popped the jib and used it to help add additional speed with the wind behind us. Talos IV was up for the race, running 6+ kts against an ebb. We arrived at the rapids 4 minutes early, but could already see some eddies and whirlpools forming on the southern end. This was a sign things were starting to turn. We maintained our speed thru the narrow channel without any problem and scooted out on the other side. This set us up to a beautiful motor up Forward Harbour where we anchored in Douglas Bay.
Douglas Bay is a beautiful bay protected from the winds of the strait during storm conditions. It is steep sided and densely forested in pine. At the head of the harbour you can see snow covered peaks in the distance. There are no cabins, only boats and wildlife. Tonight there are 8 including ourselves. We took the dinghy to shore and hiked the jetsam and flotsam trail to the Bessborough Bay on the other side of the point. The name for this trail comes from all the stuff that washes up during a storm on the beach at Bessborough. During the summer the hikers pick up the stuff and decorate the trail with the artifacts (garbage). At this time the trail was only lightly decorated. I think I am glad we had the chance to hike early in the season!
While on Bessborough Bay beach we observed some very interesting animal prints. I think it was bear. The prints went along the shore line for a ways then disappeared into the rocky beach. This is bear country…. if it was a bear print it was a huge bear! If not, it is very exciting to imagine what it could be.
After returning to the boat Paul got busy with some maintenance projects while the kitties and I enjoyed the sun. Tonight is BBQ steaks, corn on the cob and salad.
Paul pulled the crab pot after dinner. We are trying new bait and were hoping for great success. The trap had a sunflower star fish and as Paul was lifting it we saw a crab fall out. Dang! The big one always gets away. The starfish was released without incident.
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| Talos IV at the slip at Blind Channel just before our departure. |
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| Anchorage at Douglas Bay. |
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| Trail head to Bessborough Bay. |
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| Paul on trail to Bessborough Bay. |
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| Who is that masked woman? |
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Paw print found in the sand along the beach at
Bessborgough Bay. |
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| The fury crew enjoying a relaxing day in the sun. |
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