Great Bear Rainforest (Part 5)

By the afternoon it had started to rain (temperate rain forest) and we visited Butedale, an abandoned canning town that had been self-sufficient for electricity, with turbines powered by the waters coming down the mountain. Or, in a manner of speaking, Butedale visited us in the person of Lou, the caretaker, who among his other inventions generates a bit of electricity for himself by attaching auto alternators to the old turbine shafts (the turbines are long gone.) Lou came aboard for coffee and muffins and a good long chat.

The current owner of Butedale is holding out for a high price, so Lou will be there for at least another year. Occasionally boats anchor there (it's a great harbor) amidst the battered town, as these photos taken on our departure, when the rain let up, show.

Some time later, Captain Ian began steering the Island Roamer up to the edge of the channel, towards one of the many waterfalls.

Sherry takes a shower for the team.

We anchored for the night in Bishop Bay, site of a well-known hot spring. Half our group decided to don bathing suits under their rain gear for the short zodiac trip to the landing; half (including Joan and me) came in a second wave to check out the spring without actually getting into it. A brief boardwalk climb away, a stone building collected the output of the spring into a steamy pool. Decor was classic fishing tackle, and the inhabitants seemed happy. Another time, in daylight and without rain, I might try it. That night, I was content with my decision. Tomorrow a big day loomed -- watching for spirit bears up close at one of the best sites in British Columbia.