Last night was noisy with slapping waves from a westerly wind through the cove, so we were almost glad to get up at 4:30 AM for the early start required to catch an assist from the outgoing tide. Chatham Strait was delightfully calm.
We arrived into BWS early enough to find lots of space on the dock, which we had heard can fill quickly. After tying up we tossed on our swimmers and headed up the hill to the hot springs. Baranof Warm Springs has a few houses connected by boardwalks and a boardwalk trail up to the hot springs themselves and to Baranof Lake beyond. We had had several people recommend we come to BWS, but had been given no specifics, so when we arrived at the hot pools after a pretty little half-mile hike our vague expectations gave way to one of those delightful this-is-so-amazing moments that have become almost commonplace on this trip. The hot spring pools set among the trees look very natural and perch right next to the top of the enormous waterfall that pours down into the bay below.
When we arrived there was no one else there, so we picked the best spot right next to the raging torrent and enjoyed the waters. Let me just say that the name Warm Springs is a misnomer - the water is definitely hot.
After our soak, we walked up to Baranof Lake, which is the source of the river. It’s an enormous lake, and we could only see one little corner of it.
After lunch our friend Brian arrived in his ketch, Iolar Na Mara. We hadn’t seen Brian since Day 8, when we had lunch with him at the brewery in Port McNeill. It was fun comparing notes and recounting stories from our respective adventures, and we celebrated the reunion with some Pocket Cruiser Pale Ale from Sitka and another trip to the hot pools.
Later we barbecued some of the salmon Ryan had caught in Sitka and topped it all off with Brian’s fresh-baked brownies. I think our next boat will need an oven!
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