Ell...then Takatz...then a Different Kind of Soak

The east side of Baranof Island has brought us sunshine, sailing, and fishing (not to much catching). We first tucked into a small cove just off the Chatham Strait called Ell Cove. Just through a cut and around a corner and you would never know there was such a thing as wind. Just outside the cove on the Strait there was a rare sandy beach. Jay visited it 4 different times. Freedom is something he values, and when he can chase, leap, and catch, he is a happy cow dog. I fished at the entrance for halibut. Caught a rockfish, big sculpin, a couple of flounder, and finally a halibut. I set the halibut free. It wasn't quite 22 inches long which is the state regulation. Tried some fishing the next day in a different spot...but again, no halibut just rockfish. Luckily rockfish is good...tastes like sea bass to me. 

 

That evening we sailed down one inlet to Takatz Cove. It was all of 8 miles away. Trolled for salmon under sail...that was a first. No salmon for dinner, but we did see and listen to a pod of 10 humpbacks all around the boat as we ghosted along at 2.5 knots. A little off the cruising route, Takatz was a beautiful inlet surrounded by waterfalls and snow covered peaks. This was another one of those spots that draws you in, but the sunshine and warm temps kept us moving. In the morning, we rounded into the next inlet, another 8 mile day. The public docks in Baranof Warm Springs were full, so we anchored in a small arm about 1.5 miles from the little community of Baranof. 

Community of Baranof

It was Father's Day, and the hot springs were calling. Kelly and I took "Stash" (our new little dinghy) over to huge cascading waterfall next to the village. They have some public hot spring 'tubs' on the boardwalk, but we opted to hike the 1/2 mile to the natural hot springs. 

3 public hot spring baths - donations welcome

Over the years, we've dipped in a few hot springs, but this place takes the prize. The natural pools are right next to a rapid that drops from Baranof Lake down to the ocean. We wouldn't hesitate to fly into Juneau, take a short sea plane fight to the lodge here, and spend a week in the springs -- ocean fishing, fly fishing in the lake, and soaking in these hot springs every day. You are not alone here, but it's mostly locals, fishermen, and cruising boats. We loved this place. 

Baranof Warm Springs - still 106 degrees

Baranof Lake, just another 1/4 mile from the hot springs