The sun was out and the wind was perfectly calm, creating some pretty awesome reflections on the way through the passage.
Dana Inlet
We motored our way east out of Dana Inlet, just to round a point and head west again, back up Logan Inlet. Upon rounding the point, we officially entered the Gwaii Haanas park.
Logan Inlet
Awful scenery...
We continued east through Logan Inlet. Our plan was to stop at Anna Inlet to have lunch and do a bit of hiking, then continue down to Echo Harbor for the night. The entrance into Anna Inlet might has appeared narrow to us before going through Louise...
Plenty of room
Anna Inlet was a pretty gorgeous spot. Just inside the entrance, it opened up into a nice harbor surrounded by huge mountain peaks. Very cool.
The tour book mentioned an old hiking trail that accessed a lake about 3km from the harbor. So Nick, Alan and I ate a quick lunch and headed ashore. At first we couldn't find the exact trail. Then I spotted this.
Pretty much the craziest looking tree I've ever seen. That picture doesn't do it justice seeing it in person. So cool.
Note Nick at the bottom for scale
We found the trail right next to that big guy. Apparently the trail used be used for transporting equipment and minerals from an old mine up by the lake. At one point, there was a boardwalk going the entire distance. However, no longer.
Pretty fun hike, clamoring along on the logs and such. The forest was pretty awesome with moss covered trees and occasional meadows.
Alan was enjoying himself
The trail went up a series of switchbacks, climbing up towards the lake. Before we knew it, we were a good 400-500 feet higher than the inlet.
That's the boat, I swear
Eventually we made it to the lake.
It was pretty hot out, so Alan and I decided we'd go for a swim. We tested the water along the shore and it seemed pretty pleasant temperature wise. Alan jumped in first, after walking out to the end of that log on the left to get into deeper water. I was still changing at the time.
I can't properly express how hilarious his scream was as soon as he hit the water. Apparently the water was significantly colder further out. I looked up to see him frantically paddling back to the log. Needless to say, my enthusiasm for swimming was somewhat affected.
Contemplating...
*Sploosh* Ya, it was cold
Nick spent the time building a raft out of driftwood. He claims that it actually floated with him standing on it. However, I was looking the other way for that particular 10 seconds, so I can't confirm that.
On the hike back from the lake, we stopped off at a little stream/waterfall.
Then Alan lifted a tree out of the way (not really) to uncover a sweet cave.
Back at the boat, we pulled up the anchor and made the quick jump down to Echo Harbor, just to the south. Another picturesque harbor with mountains on all sides. We were joined by a beautiful ketch-rigged sailboat called the Duen. Gorgeous boat.
Dinner. Reading. Bed. Sleep.
just as beautifal now as when i worked there in 68-69- 70 only 16yrs old at the time and in still want to go back d.robertson chemainus b.c.
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