It was a tranquil night in Windy Bay, which makes for a great sleep at anchor. Knowing the short distance from Windy Bay to Butedale, we all relaxed and departed around 8:30.
Jim and I were going to go explore Khutze Inlet. It is prime Grizzly Habitat, but we decided to skip it. It was the wrong time of day to see bears and we wouldn’t have been able to give the area the justice it deserved. Our decision proved wise as the day progressed into rain and thick clouds.
During our cruise, we were treated to sightings of a few whales, some coming quite close so we got to enjoy them for a while. Sometimes you just see a blow, and then they vanish.
We are rafting at Butedale next to Dancing Bear, a 40 some foot Selene. First time experience for us. We are packed in here pretty tightly. Although when you have so many people meeting you at the dock, you just need to generally aim and they take it from there.
We are taking up the entire dock, much to the disappointment of the many boats that were stopping here for the night. One brave sailboat anchored nearby. The rest headed to the next anchorage.
We were stunned at the amazing waterfall at Butedale. We weren’t expecting that. Gorgeous! Also, we are expecting a cruise ship here later(?!).
We walked around the ruins of the cannery and attempted to hike out to the lake, but it was just too muddy. We spent the afternoon on Dancing Bear having beers and shooting the breeze.
The entire flotilla had a potluck on Urban Cowboy. Valerie made chili, I made cornbread, and other folks brought charcuterie. And, of course, jello shots. Fun. The rain was pouring outside but we were all cozy and had a fantastic time.
We went next door and played 5 Crowns with the guys on Dancing Bear. I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time. They are a fun group. Ray is the owner and two of his college buddies came to crew with him for a portion of the trip.
We have a long cruise today – we won’t get in until 5 or 6 pm. It is starting out cloudy, rainy but smooth seas. We’ll take it!
Talk Soon.