Desolation Sound
Desolation Sound has a name that is not very inviting, but there was no desolation apparent during our visit to this magnificent place. After a few early morning low clouds, the sun burst through and stayed all day. We took full advantage of the glorious weather conditions. In the morning we anchored at the head of Carrington Bay and launched our kayaks for a tour on the water. At the same time, hikers ventured into the forest with a unique destination. Deep in the woods our first clue of something different was a bashed-in Canadian Forces carryall, totally overgrown with moss and bushes. At least a dozen other vehicles were found in similar condition nearby. Reputedly, this was the remnant of a 1960’s hippie commune, but even more interesting relicts were hidden in the trees nearby. We found several cedar houses, complete with pots and pans and old blankets. The hippies may have moved into these premises, but Cortes Island sources report that this small settlement was built by Japanese families seeking to escape internment during World War II. A lasting legacy of their occupancy are the numerous trees that still bear fruit in these meadows of displacement and discontent.
In the afternoon we relocated the Sea Bird to the head of Teakerne Inlet for a hike to Cassel Lake and a series of Zodiac tours. Those on the Zodiacs got some amazing views of cliffs and waterfalls. Those that hiked into the lake got to scramble up ledges of rock on a poorly defined fisherman’s trail. In places, ropes were necessary for the ascent. Arriving at the lake we found several of our crew members swimming in the not-so-frigid waters. They cajoled many of us to remove some (but not all) of our clothes and plunge in with them. Great cheers accompanied each jump into the lake, and points were awarded for style and degree of difficulty.
The only way to follow this performance was with a wine tasting back on board. Judie, our hotel manager, along with sommeliers, Beth Ann and Michael, served us a variety Northwest wines, plus delicious side dishes including cheeses, caviar, reindeer sausage, sauces, jams, lefsa, and a whole bunch of different chocolates.
After a routinely delicious dinner, we retired to the lounge to see a preview of Nick’s video chronicle of our trip. Wow! Whales breaching, glaciers calving, bears cavorting! We have already seen and done so much on this trip that it is hard to imagine what more tomorrow could bring.
Desolation Sound has a name that is not very inviting, but there was no desolation apparent during our visit to this magnificent place. After a few early morning low clouds, the sun burst through and stayed all day. We took full advantage of the glorious weather conditions. In the morning we anchored at the head of Carrington Bay and launched our kayaks for a tour on the water. At the same time, hikers ventured into the forest with a unique destination. Deep in the woods our first clue of something different was a bashed-in Canadian Forces carryall, totally overgrown with moss and bushes. At least a dozen other vehicles were found in similar condition nearby. Reputedly, this was the remnant of a 1960’s hippie commune, but even more interesting relicts were hidden in the trees nearby. We found several cedar houses, complete with pots and pans and old blankets. The hippies may have moved into these premises, but Cortes Island sources report that this small settlement was built by Japanese families seeking to escape internment during World War II. A lasting legacy of their occupancy are the numerous trees that still bear fruit in these meadows of displacement and discontent.
In the afternoon we relocated the Sea Bird to the head of Teakerne Inlet for a hike to Cassel Lake and a series of Zodiac tours. Those on the Zodiacs got some amazing views of cliffs and waterfalls. Those that hiked into the lake got to scramble up ledges of rock on a poorly defined fisherman’s trail. In places, ropes were necessary for the ascent. Arriving at the lake we found several of our crew members swimming in the not-so-frigid waters. They cajoled many of us to remove some (but not all) of our clothes and plunge in with them. Great cheers accompanied each jump into the lake, and points were awarded for style and degree of difficulty.
The only way to follow this performance was with a wine tasting back on board. Judie, our hotel manager, along with sommeliers, Beth Ann and Michael, served us a variety Northwest wines, plus delicious side dishes including cheeses, caviar, reindeer sausage, sauces, jams, lefsa, and a whole bunch of different chocolates.
After a routinely delicious dinner, we retired to the lounge to see a preview of Nick’s video chronicle of our trip. Wow! Whales breaching, glaciers calving, bears cavorting! We have already seen and done so much on this trip that it is hard to imagine what more tomorrow could bring.
