Wednesday-Thursday, May 24-25, 2006: Yes Bay, Revillagigedo Island

Completed our tour of Misty Fiords, and decided to spend a night or two at Yes Bay. Bob Hollister wanted to make a stop at Rediscovery Bay, a private resort. Anyway we pulled into this gorgeous harbor and waited while Bob H. talked to the caretaker. He invited us to stop and look around. It is an unusual set up. A boardwalk runs from the water into the National Forest which is public domain but evidently seems to be at least partially kept up by the caretakers of the beautiful property that surrounds the boardwalk. The numerous hot springs that surround this property would be a huge draw to boaters that will go far out of their way for a good soak. As we walk down the boardwalk toward the cove, the most beautiful land unfolds in front of us. A clear rocky stream with deep pools and rushing water cuts through a dense emerald rain forest. The buildings are old and some are falling upon themselves. There are remnants of a resort but this bay has been owned for almost 30 years by Texas businessmen. This is the fourth year that this couple has been caretakers. They are retired and enjoy the incredible beauty of this cove, but are frustrated that they are not given materials to maintain the property. The owners do not put any money into fix up, which we all wonder about. The winter will bring a new caretaker that will probably not see any “Yachties” such as us, but will have a once a week mail plane. The caretakers take an old Chris Craft to Ketchikan for supplies, about a thee hour trip.

We are invited into the main lodge with its log furniture, mounted animals, large commercial kitchen and old photos from the early 1900’s with well dressed couples. Are they at a family reunion, or a company outing or just a week-end away? I wonder if the descendants of these beautiful people know that these photos exist. I yearn to know their stories.

We resume our journey to Yes Bay, where we spend two nights. There is a large fishing lodge at the entrance that is supposed to have a great restaurant, but we are a few days early for the season opening. We wind thru a narrow inlet that opens to a large bowl of a bay and to our delight “Red October” and “IMB” are there. We haven’t seen them since Prince Rupert.

We rafted with the Hollister’s, took down the kayak, set out our crab traps and relaxed with a glass of wine. Dinner aboard “Amavi” was lovely and we played Rubbicube until we all started nodding off.

The next morning I got in the kayak to check our crab pots. I am pretty good at lifting them into the kayak but these were a challenge because they were so full of crabs. I got them back to the boat to the sound of cheers from the gallery. We had 6 large crabs. Then Bob from “Red October” brought some over from his pot as they were leaving and didn’t need any more—so we decided to have steamed crabs for dinner that night. The guys were busy with chores and no one seemed to want to try to hike up to the lake that was supposedly beautiful. It was raining and the trail was muddy and slippery. I set out with my kayak and spent several hours circumnavigating the bay. It was full of tiny inlets and waterfalls. This is my favorite way of exploring our anchorages. I had a seal follow me around to provide great entertainment. Our crab fest that night was delicious and back to rubbicube which I’m getting better at. Tomorrow we head to Meyers Chuck.

Note from the Blogmaster: This is a draft; some photos still pending