Prince Rupert

We woke to clear blue sky on the 27th in Prince Rupert, after all the liquid sunshine we've had, what a treat!!! We headed south about 50 miles to Lowe Inlet. The current was at our stern and pushed us along at 10 knots most of the day. It was such a beautiful day, the scenery was amazing through The Grenville Channel. We saw numerous waterfalls that extend from the tall 5000 ft. mountains cascading all the way to the water, they are amazing. I seem to use the word amazing a lot, but it's truly amazing... Low Inlet extends back from the channel about 4 miles, as we turned the corner and headed in, I could make out a tree in the distance on shore that was dotted with white birds. The tree looked like it was decorated for Christmas. As we got closer I could see that a flock of seagulls had chosen one tree to call their home. We motored farther into the inlet past the seagull tree and directly in front of us was a waterfall with salmon jumping and splashing everywhere. There where two black bears fishing at the shoreline. Of course we couldn't anchor and get the dingy on the water fast enough.

We anchored 200 yards from the waterfall, and headed over with cameras ready. The salmon were jumping and splashing so close to the dingy we were soaked in minutes. As we approached the waterfall, we were disappointed not to see a single bear. It was very intimidating to have fish splashing all around, the flies were so thick we needed to swat continuously, and unsure when and what direction the bears would be coming from. Yes, I was jumpy... Well, a big black bear lumbered down the shore within 20 yards of us within minutes. He gave us a thorough once over and I'm sure a stink eye for the briefest second. He was extremely interested in us but thankfully more so in the salmon splashing and trying to make their way up the falls. Eventually two other bears made their way to the falls for dinner. Two of the bears had a brief altercation after an extended period of posturing that was hilarious to watch. Neither one wanted to extend the energy to fight, but where determined to let the other know this was his fishing spot. Similar to some of the fisherman we have encountered when they see a pleasure boat fishing. We watched the bears for about an hour and snapped more pictures than I care to admit, but it was so amazing.

When we couldn't tolerate the flies any longer we headed back to the boat. On our way we stopped to talk to a couple on a 60' Ocean Alexander that were anchored close by. Don, had been fishing by the falls and caught a nice king.

We enjoyed the bear show throughout the evening from our boat, and of course the eagles where thick, and loud and yes, amazing.

We are headed now to Khutz Inlet for the evening, and still loving it on the water.

Bill and Kay