This morning the National Geographic Sea Lion continued its journey north through narrowing passages of steep glaciated walls and verdant forests. After breakfast we passed the village of Klemtu, a small village on Swindle Island situated on the beautiful Central Coast of B.C. Two distinct tribal organizations live here: the Kitasoo (Tsimshian) and the Xaixais of Kynoc Inlet. Passing by the Big House we passed the heart of town (of less than 500) and were impressed by both the ferry terminal, hydro facility, and nearby Boat Bluff Lighthouse.
Traveling up Graham Reach, the passage continued to narrow and after lunch we dropped anchor and embarked on our first kayak outing of the voyage. While some explored the waters of Green Inlet in our new kayaks, others explored the inner realms of the beautiful fjord by small boat. In the very back of the inlet a small waterfall at Baffle Point would not allow us to continue beyond, but with the right tide the waterfall becomes a reversing rapid, an unusual feature.
Back on the ship we continued up what was once called the “Iron Bound Coast” past Swanson Bay, an old pulp/lumber/shingle mill and company town. The 125’ tall chimneystack was just visible behind fresh foliage of red alder and pilings along the shoreline were the only remaining evidence of the steamships that once made this a regular stop. Around cocktail hour we pulled into Butedale and got a glimpse of a decrepit but once thriving cannery focused community. Active from 1909-1966, Butedale was once a multipurpose fish plant operating year round. Whilst it has seen better days, the herring oil tanks, bunkhouse, warehouse, etc. help portray the story of an ocean-based resource economy that once dominated this coast.
Blessed by two days of sun we continued our journey north through the night to the North Coast of British Columbia.
