Stormy Weather in Desolation Sound
Lake swimming, a giant octopus and near gale force winds marked this adventurous day. Early in the morning we entered Desolation Bay by passing through Nodales Channel. The Sea Bird snuggled its nose up close in a waterfall nook before it anchored in Cassell Bay. Once on Redonda Island we hiked and rappelled up to Cassell Lake where the brave of heart took a dip to the awe of onlookers. This part of the island is covered in gorgeous pale reindeer lichens and last of this season’s salmon and salal berries. Keen eyes found a white pine and scrumptious-looking strawberries and cream mushroom caps. Rusted cables and heavy machinery of a long forgotten logging operation conjured images of times past in this tranquil place.
Kayakers exploring the cove found an amazing treasure. Bette Lu brought the remains of a Pacific giant octopus back on board for closer examination. Berit shared some of the fascinating qualities of this animal. This species is the largest of the octopi, reaching up to 30 feet in diameter and 600 pounds. The one found today would have been closer to 7 feet. Octopi are considered to be the smartest invertebrates.
We navigated past the Martin Islands in Homfray Channel. More than a hundred Harbor seals were sited hauled out on two tiny rock outcrops. They lazed about unfazed by our curious eyes. Then the winds really began to pick up and the sea became a bit rough as we neared the Copeland Archipelago. There were many hands holding down the china for the "Taste of the Pacific Northwest" and final Captain’s dinner.
Lake swimming, a giant octopus and near gale force winds marked this adventurous day. Early in the morning we entered Desolation Bay by passing through Nodales Channel. The Sea Bird snuggled its nose up close in a waterfall nook before it anchored in Cassell Bay. Once on Redonda Island we hiked and rappelled up to Cassell Lake where the brave of heart took a dip to the awe of onlookers. This part of the island is covered in gorgeous pale reindeer lichens and last of this season’s salmon and salal berries. Keen eyes found a white pine and scrumptious-looking strawberries and cream mushroom caps. Rusted cables and heavy machinery of a long forgotten logging operation conjured images of times past in this tranquil place.
Kayakers exploring the cove found an amazing treasure. Bette Lu brought the remains of a Pacific giant octopus back on board for closer examination. Berit shared some of the fascinating qualities of this animal. This species is the largest of the octopi, reaching up to 30 feet in diameter and 600 pounds. The one found today would have been closer to 7 feet. Octopi are considered to be the smartest invertebrates.
We navigated past the Martin Islands in Homfray Channel. More than a hundred Harbor seals were sited hauled out on two tiny rock outcrops. They lazed about unfazed by our curious eyes. Then the winds really began to pick up and the sea became a bit rough as we neared the Copeland Archipelago. There were many hands holding down the china for the "Taste of the Pacific Northwest" and final Captain’s dinner.
