South East Alaska – Warm Springs Bay and Red Bluff Bay :

20^th – 21^st Aug

We could not quite relax due to our schedule as we still has about 400 Nm of remote and exposed coastlines to cover in 10 days to get to Prince Rupert to clear into Canada.

The first long stretch was the very next morning. After pounding south along Chatham Strait into 3-4 ft waves for 5 hours we ducked into Hood bay on Admiralty Island to find shelter for the night. It was still pouring outside.

Warm Springs Bay and on to Red Bluff Bay:

The next morning was bright and calm, allowing us to head further south along Chatham Strait. We entered Warm Springs Bay and tied up to the public dock. What a delightful place to take a break.

We made use to the ample fresh water supply to wash down all the salt that has accumulated since Yakutat. The thick Perspex storm shutters on the saloon windows were removed and stored – the power of positive thinking … no more storms!

We couldn’t wait to get into the public hot water tubs above the dock. The baths have a constant flow of hot mineral spring water. And hot it was! It took a bit to get used to. The view from the tub and cubicle across the bay and the waterfall was just stunning! The bathroom with the best view I have been in for sure. The walkways thru out the small settlement were all beautifully constructed hardwood board walks. These “boulevards” connect the wooden houses dotted along the bayside and up the hill.

The waterfall must be the biggest we have seen so far. The huge amount of water causing a current pushing us against the dock.

: Scolamanzi in Warm Springs Bay through a cobweb

: Lovely little nook

: What a view for a bathroom!

: The view from the hot water tub

: Great walkways in amongst the houses

: Great walkways in amongst the houses

: The hotwater tubs

: salty remains

: Misty

: Very misty

: Awesome mountains

: A research boat leaving the bay

: A rare picture together

After lunch we headed further south and 2 hours later entered Red Bluff Bay (on the east side of Baranof Island). This was a stunning narrow fiord with a huge waterfall cascading down the one side and a large salmon river and bear meadows at the head of the inlet. All this was surrounded by high snow covered peaks. All that made for a most impressive anchorage. The river had large schools of pink salmon returning to spawn. That attracted plenty of Bald Eagles and seagulls but unfortunately no bears were sighted.