Red Bluff Bay – Riveted

Red Bluff Bay to Warm Springs Bay

Laura Domela — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 01:35:00 +0000

Airship Goes to Alaska

Today's trek was not too far up the east coast of Baranof Island from Red Bluff Bay to Baranof Hot Springs in Warm Springs Bay. Before we left Red Bluff Bay we took another spin around in the dinghy (and Kevin flew the drone). Here's a shot of our anchorage at Red Bluff:

Another waterfall:

At Warm Springs Bay, we anchored in Wooded Cove because the public dock was super packed with fishing boats. We dinghied in and walked around to check out the docks and the private tub rooms:

Boardwalk, buildings, waterfall:

Private tubs with water pumped in from the hot springs:

We hiked the half mile to try out the natural springs next to the waterfall. The trail is a series of wooden boardwalks, roots, and wooden stairs:

We opted for the first set of hot springs (apparently there are three: Hot, Hotter, and Hottest). "Hot" was plenty hot enough for us, and sat right on top of the rushing waterfall:

Back at Airship we made rockfish tacos and grilled some zucchini for dinner. Super yum!

Tomorrow, Ell Cove (just a bit further up this side of Baranof Island).

Here's today's track (20.5 nautical miles):

Kake to Red Bluff Bay

Laura Domela — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 01:25:00 +0000

Airship Goes to Alaska

Kake came through on the work front. We got in lateish (after all the humpback drama in the afternoon), and it was raining and crappy out, so we just made dinner and did a bunch of work. In the morning, we did more work, filled up with water, and then walked a mile or so down to the SOS Value-Mart to get some expensive groceries.

On the way to the market:

Kake is home to the tallest totem pole in Alaska (maybe the world) at something like 132 feet tall:

Otter, munching on something:

The forecast for Southern Chatham Strait was for 3 ft seas. At first it was super calm though:

Another humpback:

Approaching Red Bluff Bay on Baranof Island:

We anchored and cooked up some pork tenderloin for dinner.

Nearby waterfall:

We left late and headed north to Baranof Hot Springs in Warm Springs Bay. On the way, Kevin and Deke caught 6 big rockfish. Oh, check out this crazy eco-tourism boat that anchored near us…with a helicopter on deck. Sweet!

Here's our track (33 nautical miles):