Highlights: Spectacular view of Kynoch Falls leaving the fjordlands; fog comes and goes again and again; stop at Shearwater for provisioning; and spectacular sunsets at Kakushdish Inlet.
Another early start: 5am and heading to shore with Moxie before full daylight hits...
Looking into Culpepper Lagoon: yesterday afternoon this was bright sunshine, blue skies, and snow-capped mountains. At 5am, fog lingers, views are obscured; it looks like a different world...
Short video showing strong currents as Culpepper Lagoon empties into Kynoch Inlet approaching low tide. In the video I mention the currents running at around 5 knots, but looking at it again I would say this is closer to 7-8 knots. With how narrow it is, and large rocks just below the surface, certainly not safe to run at anything less than high tide...
Amazing tide pools at low tide...
Back to Seaquel, and the fog is beginning to lift prior to our 6am departure...
Morning fog lingers along the sheer cliffs of Kynoch Inlet...
Our flotilla, as usual, is the first to pull up anchor and head out...
Besides gaining favorable cruising conditions by leaving early, we get to see the fog shift and dissipate as the sun battles for dominance...
Fog remains persistent...
Sun comes out as we approached Kynoch Falls...
We've seen many waterfalls on our adventure up the Inside Passage. Kynoch Falls is not the largest, but it is certainly one of the prettiest...
Leaving Kynoch Inlet and heading south along Mathieson Channel, we encounter a group of jet skiers cruising north. Haha, and we thought our flotilla comprised of relatively small vessels!!!
Traveling light: all you need is fuel so you can make it from one town to the next for accommodations. I think I'd rather my vessel provided a bed, a galley, and a bathroom...
Up ahead: more fog (which begs the question: what do jet skiers do in heavy fog?)
Heavier fog as Mathieson Channel opens to Milbanke Sound, and into Seaforth Channel that will bring us to Shearwater...
Another contrast of "Then" and "Now" that underscores how fortunate we have been to have (mostly) fantastic weather for these past two months. Not only has better weather afforded greater safety and comfort underway, but oh... the views! So much of what we have seen can be obscured by prevailing rain and fog, so we count our blessings for the remarkable views we have been spoiled with!
Lighthouse at Robb Point on Ivory Island marking entry to Milbanke Sound
THEN (June 10th): brilliant sunshine provides the perfect backdrop as Journey cruises north with the white breakers contrasted against the blue sea reflected by blue skies...
NOW (July 27th): fog largely obscures views of the lighthouse as we head south...
As has been typical, eventually the fog burns off to brilliant sunshine...
A few hours stopover in Shearwater for fuel, groceries, and one last laundromat. Here, a couple who have cruised the Inside Passage annually for the past 15 years tells us that the weather this summer has been the best they have ever enjoyed. Yes, we feel quite blessed!
Seaquel and Journey rafted at Shearwater. From this breakwater we took our dinghy's in to town to do chores...
Seaquel and Journey make a return trip to Kakushdish Inlet, a surprising favorite stopover just 20 minutes from the busy port of Shearwater...
This time Beyond (left) joins Seaquel (middle) and Journey (right) rather than staying on the dock at Shearwater to enjoy the tranquility, wildlife, and sunsets that make Kakushdish a great anchorage...
Seaquel at anchor. Easy anchoring at Kakushdish: consistent, easy depth of 25'; uncrowded; protected from wind; no currents; and LOTS of swing room. This type of anchoring will spoil you...
One sailboat was the only other vessel in this large and quiet anchorage aside from our 3-boat flotilla...
Two large Cranes on the beach at Kakushdish...
Geese flying in formation...
Glassy, calm water makes for great mirror images. Look closely to tell the difference of these pairs of inverted images as the sun goes down on Kakushdish Inlet...
Mirror images (boats)...
Incredible! What are you going to do for an encore? I see a mini series in your future.
ReplyDeleteMike