Yesterday's destination was the hamlet of Baranof on the east coast of Baranof Island. It is a collection of a dozen or so homes next to a waterfall and a public dock at the head of Warm Springs Bay. The attraction there are the hot springs next to the waterfall that are perfect for soaking.
This was a popular spot but our timing was good and we were lucky enough to find an empty space on the floating dock along with seven other visiting boats. We also lucked out on the weather for the day. It was crystal clear and sunny, unusual in this part of the world. After getting tied up just before noon, the crew of Thankful enjoyed a brunch of spam and egg musubi expertly prepared by Matt. It was perfect fuel for an afternoon hike.
The hot springs are a series of three pools that drain into the rapids a quarter mile above the hamlet. The pools were big enough to easily accommodate the Thankful crew. There is nothing like a cold climate to make you appreciate a nice soak in a hot bath.
Lori and I continued on past the hot springs to Baranof Lake a half mile further up. The crazy lady had to go for a swim in the lake, of course, which she always does when we are hiking in cold climates. I won't even put my toe in the icy water.
The community of Baranof has also installed three totally private two person bath tubs next to the public dock. The hot spring fed tubs are free to the public, and they overlook the dock and waterfall. The Thankful crew enjoyed a couple of hours in the tubs during the afternoon. We all felt like jelly afterwards, and it was difficult to walk back to the boat.
The other visitors to the public dock were an eclectic group that were entertaining to watch. There were the twenty something year old gun toting fishing boat crew that got drunker and drunker as the day progressed. Guns and alcohol don't mix well so we were careful not to say anything that might offend them. The crew of the motor yacht behind us, "Hula Girl" , had never been to Hawaii, so Lori offered to teach them a hula. One young crew member off of a fishing boat was jonsing for some alcohol, so Matt traded a half bottle of whisky to him for three pounds of fresh halibut. Lori bought two large Dungeness crab from the boat next door and we enjoyed them for dinner. It was a bit noisy overnight with the generators running on the fishing boats and crews reveling into the wee hours, but we were happy to be there.
I love your posts, Bill! Your talk of the hot springs reminds me of our bicycle trip up the Alcan in '75 and stopping at Liard River Hot Springs (Mile 471), just off of the highway and at the time quite empty of any other people. Back then there was no charge for its use.
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