WARM SPINGS

The birds started their dawn chorus at 03:20 this morning.  I know this because an uncomfortable wind was blowing into the anchorage so I started keeping an anchor watch in the early hours.

I am now receiving Sitka radio on AM and they kept me company in the early morning hours.  But why is country music so depressing, they should sing about happy things not just lost dogs and sweethearts.

We depredated Red Bluff Cove early morning and picked up the forecast South Easterly winds.  We started sailing in the right direction at a good rate.  However, after twenty minutes the wind died and we were left wallowing in a murderous mix of confused sea.  We rolled our guts out, the worst seas this trip, just small short waves.  I had to bring out the elephant skin (rubber matting) to prevent things flying around.  After a couple of hours of discomfort, we rounded the headland into Warm Springs Bay.

Immediately on entering the bay the weather improved and the air felt warmer.  There is a huge waterfall discharging into the head of the bay and a free floating dock to tie up to.  Here I met up with another Kiwi sailor, Steve on his beautiful yacht Rhapsody.

Ashore is a delight, there is a trail leading to a beautiful lake and some natural hot springs and bathing pools overlooking a spectacular waterfall.  There are also some hot tubs near the dock with fabulous views out over the bay and mountains.  I took a beer into the hot tub and lay soaking in wonderful hot water looking out at the snow-capped mountains beyond.  Magical.  It was so good I went back again in the evening for another soak.

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I now feel warm all through, right to the core.  I smell a bit like a rotten egg, which is probably an improvement.  In the woods by the lake I found salmon berry bushes full of fruit, lovely sweet fresh berries.  Last night I was invited onto an American boat for dinner and had a great time in the company of Bob and Steve.  I am enjoying this place and may linger a while to explore more and enjoy the free heat.  Total voyage distance 1,135.5 miles.

Logged 17th June 2016