We departed Friendly Cove and immediately raised the main in preparation for a 10-15 kt blow. The winds never did generate but the swell was 2 meters and seas became more confused as we approached Estevan Point. It was a long 3 hours to round the point and get some protection. We made Hot Springs Cove by noon and were more than ready to drop the main and set anchor. Hot Springs Cove is popular because of the natural hot springs located within a provincial park. The springs are reached by walking a boardwalk of 2.5km one way. The springs shoot hot water out of the rock into the ocean. The rocks along the coastline form areas of hot pools that allow the visitor to sit and relax. It is really beautiful and a major stopping point for boats cruising south around the island. It is also very popular now with tour groups that bring people in by float plan and water taxi from Tofino. Needless to say this was not an isolated wilderness experience. Floatplanes were landing every 30-40 minutes, jet boats were coming and going. Tourists looked like ants trekking to the picnic basket on their way down the dock. We decided to visit the hot springs in the evening after the last boat of tourist left around 7PM. Only then did we make our way to the boardwalk with towel in hand. The crew from s/v Ka'sala joined us for the evening swim. It was wonderful! And we had the whole place to ourselves.
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Estevan Point Light House. We were a good 2+ miles off,
with 2 meter swell and wind largely on our bow at
5 - 9 knots. |
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| Janet at the Hot Springs Cove park entrance. |
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Old growth cedar just off the trail
to the hot springs. |
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Paul enjoys a nearly too hot shower in the water that
pours over the rock ledge above. |
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Janet negotiates her way down from
the hottest pool to the cooler pools down below. |
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