July 9th – 10th Foughner Bay to Bryneldson Bay, Labouchere Channel to Eucott Bay Hot Springs

July 9^{th –} 10^th Foughner Bay to Bryneldson Bay, Labouchere Channel to Eucott Bay Hot Springs

  

 We make a run up Burke Channel with spectacular scenery on each side.  Steep to granite slopes with pockets of snow are surrounded by oceans of green trees.  Waterfalls abound, made more forceful with all of the overnight rain.  We have amazing displays of frolicking Pacific White-sided dolphin for miles.  They swim with us, staying right under our bow just in front of our wake.  A small pod of Orca whales pass between the boats.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

River commerce picks up as we approach the junction to Bella Coola, perhaps the largest metropolis in this area.  A tug and tow, “North Arm Prowler” hails us on the radio politely saying “Two sailboats off of Labouchere Point which side would you like me to pass on?”  “North Arm Prowler, sailing vessel ExTerra, if you can take us on our port that would be great.”  “Taking you on your port then.”  “Thank you sir!  ExTerra out.”  We have never actually had another craft ask us which side we preferred them to pass on.  He passed to port hauling a huge ferry barge with a loaded log truck, container truck, large D8(?) cat and other various large objects. 

We anchor in Bryneldson Bay, letting B Mondo know to tell us the depths as our depth sounder has not been working.  It did not like making the leap to nearly 2000’ of water.  Thankfully it comes back on after we tie up and cycle it off and back on. 

As we exit Bryneldson Bay we watch what e think is a gill netter set their nets, then make frantic runs back and forth along the nets we THINK in an effort to herd fish into the nets but we are not sure.  

We then make a short hop to Eucott Bay for a welcome dip in a natural hot springs.  Taking turns at the springs we leave the other people to stay inside on the boats or do armed battle in the cockpit with the very aggressive, large deer flies.  The hot springs has had some skilled handwork done using native rock  to keep a very natural feel yet deepen the pool and allow for a small yet needed boardwalk.  I surmise that the work was lovingly done by friends of Albert Kalak, including the commemorative plaque in his name. 

The view from the springs is awesome.  The anchorage is wonderfully large, flat with good holding mud and 360 degree views of snow capped mountains and fresh water creeks.  

A small helicopter tours the anchorage and lands at the hot springs.  Passengers and pilot disembark, wade through the mud yet do not partake of a wonderful dip in the springs!  



The wind and the flies die down enough for us to enjoy Odile’s homemade pizza in the cockpit.  Yum!