A Hot Illegal (Anniversary) Bath

We got up early on the 24th, had a small breakfast and headed for the hot springs. There were no other boats around so we figured we would have the place to ourselves. It is a beautiful 2 km walk along a beautifully maintained boardwalk to the hot springs themselves. The walk alone is worth it as it winds it's way through the forest past 200+ year old cedar and fir trees. It seems to be a tradition for people to carve their boat names onto individual boards in the boardwalk. They are beautifully done, some quite intricate. We recognized a few of the boat names but decided not to add Tarun to the ones represented. The hot springs were deserted when we got there about 08:15 so we took full advantage and had a much needed hot shower and bath. The springs clean themselves out every 10-15 minutes so we weren't too worried about it. It was heaven. We soaked for about 45 minutes before we decided to head back and have our planned Sunday brunch. When we got back to the dock to retrieve our dinghy and head back to Tarun, we decided to read the "PARK REGULATIONS". Well, listed near the top of things NOT TO DO was use soap or shampoo in the hot springs, oh well, an illegal anniversary bath. As it was our 22nd anniversary, we splurged and feasted on eggs Benedict when we got back to Tarun, decadent but worth it! Later in the afternoon we paid a visit to the "Innchanter", an 80 year old converted coastal freighter that owner Shaun has turned into a B&B "plus dinner". A work in progress still after 12 years, Innchanter is quite stunning. She has 5 guest staterooms a large galley where Shaun presides over gourmet breakfasts and dinners. There are kayaks for use by the guests, a well stocked library and a soon to be completed dinning room seating 12. Shaun is a gracious and generous host. Rolly (from Tropic Isle) had said to make sure we went and introduced ourselves when we got to Hotsprings and we were both very glad we did. Shaun has made his home in Hotsprings cove for many years and is the unofficial ambassador for the cove. The float plane and tour operators mostly stop there and have a coffee and chat waiting for their groups to return from the hot springs.
We were quite glad we came down from Santa Gertrudis in less than ideal conditions the day before as no-one else was there. By Sunday evening, the dock had 3 sailboats tied up to it and a couple more were anchored out. We had had our "private day" Sunday morning in the springs so this morning, we left. The forecast was for light N, NE, NW winds (well north something anyways) turning to strong SE this afternoon. We decided to head into East Clayquot Sound and see a bit more before we headed south. The weather is supposed to be NW again tomorrow so we will continue on to the "Broken Group".

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