June 27 - Roscoe Bay, West Redonda Island

This morning we pulled our prawn trap to find 20 large spot prawns…more about them, later.  Today was a big day; we travelled through Desolation Sound.  Since we first started sailing, we have dreamed of this place and it does not disappoint.  The approach on this grey day was spectacular with a few clouds draped over snow-capped mountains and vast green forest on the shores.  

Leaving the Copelands, a huge log boom
The tug is that small speck in the distance
We could smell the freshly cut wood from our boat, sad really

Approaching Desolation Sound

We anchored at Roscoe Bay - yet another exquisite small bay.  The approach to Roscoe Bay must be timed right.  It requires travel over a sandbar, which is above water at low tide (and too shallow at other times).  We slowly inched our way down the narrow channel a few hours prior to high tide without incident.  In the bay, it took us a few tries to set our anchor.  Getting just the right amount of chain laid, in the right spot etc. etc. takes practice.  Bill coached us from his dinghy and his assurance that we really are far enough from that rocky shore will allow us to sleep soundly tonight.  This afternoon, we went ashore by dinghy and hiked with our friends to Black Lake, a wonderful freshwater lake.  We kept a close eye on the dogs because there are wolves here.   The trail is dotted with fantastic pink Foxglove flowers (a source of digitalis…but I digress) and Salal flowers that will bear berries later in the summer.   

Foxglove

Flowering Lily Pad in the lake

Salal flowers

At Black Lake, the water was “refreshing” but some of us (i.e. not me) decided to go for a swim.  With some forceful encouragement, Blue took his first swim.  He was amazing and afterward was proud of his achievement (ok, so that was just me).  

Casca fetches a stick and swims among the Lily Pads

On the hike back, we saw, a fast moving Common Merganzer (very cool duck) with a brood of five or six, hurrying downriver.  For dinner, we had 17 prawns.  What happened to the other three?  With orzo, green peppers, onions, feta and white wine, they were great.  After another great day in paradise, we fell into bed happily exhausted.