Yesterday was another fine day and we paddled up Seno Pia to investigate the glaciers at the head of the eastern arm. Pancake ice was forming in a thin layer between the bergy bits calved off from the glaciers: a
good incentive to stay in the kayaks. In places the ice chunks were closely packed by the wind and tide. We picked and paddled our way through these with the ice grinding against the sides and sometimes bottom of the kayaks. The head of the fiord was magnificent with the main glacier carving its way down from the peaks in a series of giant steps before calving into the sea in front of us. Every few minutes there would be a boom as a part of one of the glaciers let go an avalanche of ice. Wary of the dangers of tidal waves from calvings we
kept a respectable distance from the face and a sharp lookout. A second group made the return trip to the head of the sound while others collected firewood for a bonfire on the beach. Steamer ducks would paddle steam away from us at great speed. Comical to look at, they created a great spray, but never got off the water. The weather stayed overcast, but calm with only a few drops of rain so we were able to enjoy the fire while Craig and Shelene BBQed great steaks and chorizo sausages. All in all an excellent day.
Today dawned fine and calm and we have had a very pleasant motor around the western end of Isle Gordon. Several pods of dusky dolphins joined us and played off the bow for over half an hour. We are in a short
patch of water that is open to Pacific swells - the first rocking we have done in 7 days aboard. Still, it's only a short spell to the bay of a thousand waterfalls; where we are promised god walking and kayaking and another glacier that empties into the tide.
So far we've had a remarkably good trip. Remarkably good weather and despite the cramped conditions we are all getting along remarkably well.
Ross
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"Cool! can't wait to see the pics"
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