Bjorklund Log: Alaska Trip Day 66

7/21/11

Warm Spring bay, Baranof Island, AK

Miles Travelled: 15

(Tor reporting)

Waking after a good night’s sleep we headed south a short 15 miles to more hot springs! Unfortunately, the swell was up and things were a bit rolly when trying to both make progress southward - and feed boys oatmeal by spoon. It worked, but there was grumbling in both the galley and the cockpit. The seas settled down about half way to Warm Springs bay, but seven miles of rolling around was plenty for the four of us. We pulled into the bay just moments behind a 100+ foot charter vessel that beat us to the dock. Luckily, we were able to back into a spot near the ramp that seemed made just for us.

Baranof hot springs is a VERY popular spot with, well, everyone. During our first night at the dock there were three 100 foot or larger “private charter yachts” in the bay and two purse seiners in addition to six or so private boats. Facilities are maintained by the borough of Sitka and consist of a boardwalk around the few private cottages along the shoreline and a bathing shed (maintained by residents) with three troughs plumbed direct with running hot spring water. You can also hike about ½ mile to the natural springs near the river for a more natural setting. Fortunately the tubs are large and we were able to get family bath time done all at once, and have a great time splashing water around doing it!

Although turnover at the dock is fairly quick we did have some great visits. M/V Allegra we learned is usually tied up at the dock through the summer. Victor Cano has set up a very classy little gallery of his finely carved wooden masks on a piling at the dock for visitors to see and purchase. He and his friendly dog Lola do a great job of stewarding the dock space and setting a friendly tone. We also saw a commercial troller named Sandy Point Maid that we were tied up next to in Sitka. When we were in Sitka, Scott the owner was kind enough to give us a small party favor size container of bubbles since we had kiddos on board, they have been a hit with Lars and Odin.

We also met the couple aboard s/v Second Wind (Steve and Alice). They live aboard in Anacortes and have been spending summers on northern waters since 1997 or so. Although chatting on the dock was the first time we had met them face to face, it turns out that they spoke with us on the VHF radio our second day out of Ketchikan. We had tried a number of times to hail s/v Baraka on the radio in Clarence Strait and were out of range. Steve and Alice responded to say that they had seen Baraka in the Strait and that they were probably headed to Meyers Chuck. It had been a very rough crossing and Second Wind, being a smaller boat (than Baraka) had tucked into a nearby anchorage. It was very thoughtful of them to let us know they had seen our friends and great to finally meet them in person.

Late in the afternoon the owner of Allegra caught a beautiful silver salmon off the dock and gave us half the fish all filleted for our dinner. What a treat! We have not had time on this trip to consider fishing, or crabbing – even if we did spring for the $150 license. Jess and I get pretty excited when we have a chance to enjoy freshly caught fish!

We ended up the day with a couple of more soaks in the bathing tubs at the head of the dock and quite a few loads of wash done in our cockpit while the boys slept. With an endless supply of hot water a short walk away, we washed everything we could think of! You could hardly tell we were a sailing boat as all the lifelines and rigging were covered with our drying clothes.