Leg 1, Day 6 - Tofino to Hot Springs Cove

Today we left Tofino for Hot Springs Cove. We unfortunately had to say goodbye to Denise & Kirk from Arctic Star who were heading back to their winery in CA.  It was our first real drizzly day, but the weather did nothing to diminish the natural beauty of the area. In fact the mists shrouding the mountaintops created a mystical atmosphere that was beautiful and even humbling to behold. We meandered through the interior waterways between Vancouver Island and the east side of both Vargas and Flores Islands. As we cruised, we passed a native town which had a large central meeting hall and a spectacular totem pole out front. We also saw our first salmon farms, a ubiquitous sight on the BC coast. The mountains towered above us, protecting our flotilla from the winds and creating a serene and breathtaking environment. We spotted several porpoises as well and many sea otters. At one point we passed a raft of about 10 or 15 holding on to one another as they floated on their backs. As we emerged from our sheltered passage into the Pacific Ocean, large swells awoke us from our mystical trance and we once again focused on the sea before us. We weren’t in the open but for a few minutes when we took a sharp right and headed into the protective waters of Hot Springs Cove. With an open dock to ourselves, our Grand Banks settled in to call this inlet home for the night.

Once settled, Casey led those interested on a dinghy tour (driven of course by Commander of Small Vessels, Jordan) of the cove in hopes of spotting black bears, deer, or eagle nests. While there were no bear sightings today, we were able to spot several bald eagles and ospreys. The coastline was captivating with its dense forest and rugged cliff lines. The water was surprisingly clear and we could see right to the bottom, which was covered in giant pink sea stars. On the rocky shore, smaller sea stars, mussels, and barnacles covered every available inch.

Then, of course, there is what gives this locale its name, the local hot springs. From our dock there is a boardwalk which leads about a mile along the shore to a series of hot springs of varying temperatures. The hot springs are created naturally and heated from volcanic activity deep underground. The springs are nestled just on the other side of some large rocks near the opening of the cove by the Pacific Ocean. So while sitting in your warm and comfortable hot spring, drinking a beer, you have a view of the Pacific waves smashing into the rocks and creating a show of spray. Life is good.