Another day in paradise

Mike Futzing as we head up Ursela Channel.

It's beautiful everywhere!

Pulling out of Bishop Bay, we finally realize that there is never a moment when there is not a great picture to be taken.

Bishop Bay Hot Springs

Like the good book said, this is a "must stop." Indoor and outdoor tubs, gorgeious view, perfect temperature clean, clear water. I want one of these at home! Joined by Wendy and Tracy who we met at Shearwater.  They have had a couple of real trials on their four-month Alaska hot springs trip. Back to boat for excellent seafood dinner. Out to anchor and three Chinese fishing boats took our place. Beautiful, calm night. Mike still won't practice the guitar? I'm obsessed with "The Curve of TIme."

Guess who's back?

You can tell I'm getting better at taking porpoise pictures because there are porpoises in some of them.

Our view

Mike thinks I just pick the opposing "Save the world" perspective because I like arguing with him. He might be right, but this is the one view we definitely have in common.

Butesdale Bill

Butesdale Lou

Our best discovery was Butesdale Lou, the only remaining resident. He brought us into his home and showed us his artwork as well as pictures of the Spirit Bears which may only reside on this island.  Beautiful white bears that are almost extinct. The once prosperous fishing village that has been abandoned since 1966. Amazing how fast nature reclaims our effort.

Spirit Bear

Up a trail behind the powerhouse we found a Spirit Bear track. They are actually called Kermode Bear and they only reside on this island. Yes, I was obsessed with finding one, but this track will have to do for now.

Butesdale's amazing hydro-electric plant

Up in the woods behind Butesdale, on the river that is about to become the Butedale waterfall, we found their hydro-electric plant hiding in this picturesque cabin which is supported on stilts twenty feet above their raging river. The second picture is Mike looking at one of the power generators. What is particularly unusual is that it still works, sort of. The water flows through the 18" pipes on the left and falls through the turbine that spins the large generator you see in the middle. Unfortunately the generator doesn't work any more. Fortunately, Lou, who you are about to meet, has hooked it up to an automotive generator you see above the white board on the right. So, this enormour piece of machinery which once powered a small city, is now developing as much 12 volt power as your Geo Metro. it then run through an inverter and a 500 foot extention cord to Lou's house. The last picture is the remains of the water-turbines that once powered their ice-making plant.

Our special invitation to Butesdale!

It's so weird, we swear to you that when we arrived this sign said "WELCOME, please come up and explore our lovely little town." Even after they changed the sign, it was still a completely inadequate warning of the risks inherent in going near this place . . . but it was fascinating. Fortunately, when we returned to the boat, neither of us were injured or dead.