53 Degrees 32 N, 129 Degrees 00 W

Having traveled 700 miles, we reach the apex of Heron's 2011  Journey:
53. 32.27 North, 129.00.70 West, (90 miles south of the Alaska border),
motoring on a chilly, stunning morning up Wright Sound to Verney Passage...

This late in the season (August 30th), we see few other boats, just the occasional fishing vessel. Ahoy!

Although beautiful, it's our coldest morning yet,  maybe 50 degrees on deck...

As the sun rises, we watch islands of mist float off Gribbell Island, which has stunning dark granite bowls scooped out by glaciers eons ago.  Even in late August, snow patches cling to the highest bowls, and waterfalls tumble from the island's rocky flanks.  Binoculars out, we scan the shore, ever-vigilant for a white "Spirit Bear," but still no luck...

Rounding the northern tip of Gribbell Island, we make a run for Bishop Bay Hot Springs,  natural springs with 100-plus degree water.  At 10:30 a.m. on a Tuesday, we're the only humans for miles in any direction.  We grab towels, sprint up the trail, and slide into the steaming-hot springs. Nice!

Heron tied up at Bishop Bay Hot Springs...

Anchored later amidst the granite peaks at the head of Khutze Inlet, a lovely estuary rich with sedge grass, lovage, and angelica -- the main plants that make up a grizzly bear's diet -- we scan the shores for grizzlies and wolves.  We are the only people here, but there is plenty of life:  a highly entertaining colony of 50-60 seals encamped on a mudflat off the bow,  resident eagles, and when Jeff checks the crab pots, 27 crabs in less than an hour!!

Jeff determines which crabs to keep for cocktail hour...

 

Sails up, wing and wing, and flying south again...