On to Shrimp Bay .... now I like the sound of that bay

May 29 - Day 22 In route to Shrimp Bay

First project for the day was to cut the line off of Nat's rudder or wherever it got stuck yesterday. Using Tom's underwater camera attached to one boat hook and a very sharp knife attached to another book hook, Glen, Steve and Tom were able to find the problem and cut the line loose without fully going into the 50 degree water. Mission accomplished; the line was not on the rudder, it was wrapped around a trim tab.

Took a hike to the lake. Someone said it was going to be a short easy hike. Well ..... Okay it was only 3 miles round trip but the trail was at times not a trail at all, so it seemed like a lot longer. Boardwalk, logs, steps, mud, roots, marsh, moss covered rocks and unknown, loose rock, boulders, downed trees , moss covered bridges complete with rotting wood and holes in them, and evidence of bears in the area. All of this made for some interesting 'hiking'.

Crab Killer Collier

When we got to the lake, there was a cabin, and a boat for use by those using the cabin. This was of the cabins that the forest service maintains for people to rent. They are heated with Kerosene (bring your own), some have a table inside (not this one). This had bunks to one sleep 6. There was also an outhouse close to the cabin which came in handy. These are located throughout SE Alaska. There was a registration and visitor notebook. The last visitors were in August 2012, a group celebrating someone's 71st birthday. There was a notation that the float plane was unable to get in the first day but on day two came in with their food and supplies.

We found the oars for the boat, and a group decided to go out for a row and to let Nat fish. He did catch one fish (about the size of a herring) which he tossed back after we photographed him with his prize. Half of the group decided that if they took the boat down the lake to a spot that we'd seen earlier they could cut some distance off the hike back. Steve became their boatman, taking them down the lake and then rowing back. He and Nat put the boat back up on shore (the cable and winch system left a lot to be desired) then headed back. Michelle, Glen and I walked back the long way. It did seem shorter going back but maybe that was because we knew what to expect, and where not to step.

Some great trail photos --- you might think that they are just photos in the woods but really that was the trail.

Throughout the trail you could see evidence of recent bear activity. Foot prints and old and new scat as well as very recently uprooted Skunk cabbage. Bears like to eat the roots.

Getting back to the boats pretty much everyone took showers as we were soaked from the hike (from the inside and outside) through this rainforest.

Two bear were sighted at the end of the bay that we were anchored in. Tom and Nat took people down to see them up close. I missed this adventure, but saw their photos and movies.

Between the hunters and gatherers we got enough shrimp to feed 10 of us (Glen had leftover taco meat - silly boy doesn't do shellfish). Had group dinner of Shrimp, salads, and fresh bread on Reflections and then everyone headed to Magic for 'home movie' night. That's where everyone shows the photos that they have taken since the last 'home movie' night. Many great shots.

Some great trail photos --- you might think that they are just photos in the woods but really that was the trail.

Okay I still can't get my darn photos to stay right side up when posting. Time to turn your head again.