Today we awoke to a strong drizzle in Takatz Bay, which from all accounts the area is in serious need of rain. So, we tried not For the morning, Ken and I chose the open kayak, so we could head out on the water for as long or as short as we wanted, between We decided to wait until the first rush was over, which became a as due to the weather, only two others were braving the drizzle. We were joined by Beth and Steven from Chicago, and we donned our life vests, skirts to keep the water out of our seat area and got a handy push off the back of the boat into the water.
We explored the sheer rock shoreline and came around a point to find a very tall waterfall cascading from the top of the mountain. We also discovered boats of different sizes including a good size yacht all the way down to a smaller cabin cruiser all strewn around the inlet. We kayaked to the end where the water turned shallow and you could pick out the sea stars along with other ocean dwellers along the waters floor.
There were waterfalls surrounding us on all sides and it was truly a beautiful and peaceful ride amongst the incredible nature. As we came out of the inlet and started heading back to the ship, the wind picked up significantly, as well as the rain and it took both of us to forcibly paddle to get through the chop.
Back at the ship we were soaked and getting into our warm stateroom and out of our soggy clothes was the first order of business. From there we had some quiet time reading, with hot tea that helped us get back to a relaxed state.
That afternoon, Ken did the bushwhack, while I chose to do another kayak. Rumor had it that the morning bushwhack was quite difficult, with some significant climbing on all fours, and an even more challenging downhill. One of our fellow passengers, Kathy fell, was suspended upside down and required the guide Brady to help get her back on her feet (she was fine thankfully). That solidified my decision to not go! However, Ken did go and said the activity stretched everyones ability, as it was truly difficult. Everyone felt a sense of accomplishment
On the Bushwhack Kathy caught her boot and ended up hanging up side down. While the pic looks like she is laying down, she is actually vertical...and caught between the two trees. The group all rallied to get her out ad she thankfully was fine.
For me, while Ken was thrashing through the forest, I was enjoying a nap and finishing my book, When We Were Orphans. which I highly I was so nice and relaxed, I was hesitant to head out for another soggy kayak, but finally hauled myself up and out to the boats fantail to do a paddle for a bit. As I was getting in, Gretchen, a fellow guest let me know that there was a bear across the inlet, so I headed that direction. I could see a couple of kayaks and skiffs in the distance and figured that was most likely the spot.
I paddled the 15 minutes across the water and passed the back and they both reported the bear was gone but I continued in that direction figuring what the heck, maybe he would return. And sure enough, there he was, foraging on a little outcrop of rocks and bushes. I hung in the water and enjoyed the show until the wind pushed me in the other direction. Once I repositioned to continue my viewing, he was no longer there! Before I headed out for other views, Nate in
the skiff yelled over and said, he is in the water!. And sure enough, there was the bear about 20 yards from me, swimming to the other shore, which was a good ΒΌ mile across. I followed him from afar until he climbed out onto the steep rocks and into the forest. It was definitely cool!!! No pic, as I was getting rocked quite a bit by the wind and trying to balance my oar and the phone, just wasnt going to happen.
As the wind had really picked up, it was time to return to the boat and it was a long slog back as I was being pushed around quite a bit.
