May 22 - Day 22 Paul Bight to Niblack anchorage

 

May 22 – Day 22   Paul Bight to Niblack anchorage

 

The Twins

 

We got another couple dozen prawn in the pot this morning.

 

Steve saw a bear early this morning on shore right near us but did not take any photos or tell anyone.  Was it really there?   Rule is -- No photo, did it really happen?  

 

Pulled out about 10am  headed for Niblack anchorage in Moira Sound.  

 

Shortly thereafter we spotted a momma bear with two little cubs on the beach.  Moved closer to shore to try to get a good photo.  Momma was eating and the cubs were playing.  One cub was very active following mom around while the other one was a bit shy and stayed near cover.  Not great photos as we could not get close enough, but proof that we saw them.  Here are some attempts.      

 

Morning balance beam workout  or  Learning to walk on logs

 

A longer lens would make for better photos.

 

One cub in front of mom, and the other is hiding behind her

 

Continued on to Niblack anchorage in Moira Sound.   We are a bit south of Ketchikan now, as we are heading on a clockwise route around Prince of Whales Island.  Tomorrow we’ll be very close to the Canadian border again.  No, don’t turn left we aren’t ready to go back to Canada yet.  

 

We had some rougher water along this stretch, so the special jewelry went on.  Waves splashed onto the windows so the boat will be a salty mess.  Dave and Jane in the middle boat in the line spotted a whale but no one else saw it.   

 

It started raining lightly just as we entered the anchorage, then stopped right after everyone was tied up.  But not enough rain to wash the salt off, so time to break out the water hoses and squeegees.

This is a very well protected bay, as there are high hills on three sides and a narrow entrance on the fourth.  There is snow on some of the hills and with the rain and low clouds, coupled with the cold air, it feels and sort of looks like winter again.  

 

There is a fishing camp here, but it appears to be closed or at least empty now.  Shorelands look to be potential for bear sightings.  

 

Late afternoon – played cribbage on Magic while making soup.  Finally, Michelle and Liz won two games, playing against Jane and Glen.  Steve was working, and Dave was doing Dave stuff.  

Had a seafood dinner with:  Crab soup, sautéed prawn pasta, Cajun boiled prawns, a great green with veggie salad, and freshly made French bread.  Yummy.  Naturally too much food was prepared again so we will see soup and pasta again tomorrow.  Glen, the kid who does not do shellfish made do with a  hamburger.  

 

After dinner a few took a run outside the bay in Nellie to try to get one last upload and download of messages and emails as there was no cell service in the bay.  Communications with the ‘outside world’ is sometimes a challenge.  We are working on coordinating schedules, locations, and flights for when ‘new crew’ (aka guests) will be joining the fleet over the next couple months.  Also trying to arrange to be in the ‘right/good’ places to get connections for my conference calls. 

 

Had our routine movie night and called it a day.   I think between the three boats we have over 200 movies to choose from.  Some will not be chosen, who brought those!