Desolation Sound

We awoke to this magical scene: Sea Bird snuggled between two rock walls, in front of a tumbling waterfall. Barely out of reach to port and starboard; rocks decorated by soft cushions of bright green mosses, and tufts of blue-gray lichens. Morning stretch class took place as usual, but repositioned to the bow for views of the waterfall.

We hiked a short, steep rocky trail to the lake above the waterfall, and several of us swam. At the lake’s edge, we held onto thick, knotted ropes and lowered ourselves into the water. The lake was warm and mineral-rich, the surroundings just beautiful. Later we explored the edge of the saltwater bay by kayak and Zodiac. Harbor seals were curious – they gathered around our boats, watching, slipping beneath the surface and appearing again. Some were hauled out on rafts of cut logs.

Today was a real day of exploration. Only our captain had been here before; for the rest of us, these fantastic spots we visited in Desolation Sound were new territory.

Chefs Jeff and Clayton barbecued bison burgers on the sun deck. While we enjoyed a delicious lunch, some of Sea Bird’s crew members assisted a cruising vessel nearby. They had lost power and were adrift. After they were safely anchored, Sea Bird departed Redonda Island. The scenery en route to our next stop was just stunning. We traveled past tall green hills, and down long, narrow fjord-like inlets as we motored towards our next anchorage to the south. Over 100 harbor seals were hauled out on a low rocky islet.

What a heavenly location we found! (Thank you Captain Kay!) Tall, triangular mountains punctuated classic, fjord scenery reminiscent of Norway and southeast Alaska. There were countless tiny islets, hidden coves and inlets, perfect for cruising boaters and for exploration by kayak and Zodiac . . . and that is just how we spent the late afternoon. Oysters covered the shoreline, along with barnacles, mussels, and large purple sea stars. Huge schools of tiny silver fish swam in the channels, and translucent moon jellies collected in the coves. What scenery! What a gloriously beautiful day!