We continued on our journey down Lisianski Strait towards our next destination - White Sulphur Hot Springs. The springs are located on western shoreline of Chichagof Island in the Yakobi Wilderness area. The hot springs and cabin are located just above the ocean-abutting-shoreline and face the Gulf of Alaska and a small outcropping of islands.

The convergence of the strait and the open Pacific Ocean creates fairly challenging waters and required a degree of boating proficiency I sorely lack, so I was relieved Captain Hay had apparently seen the deep concern etched in my face and offered to take the wheel. "You're probably tired and want a break from piloting the boat", he offered as he coaxed me from the steering wheel. I abrogated control of the 'Destination' in a heart beat, and smiled thankfully as 'cap' took over.

Captain Hay displayed adept boatmanship as he maneuvered through the swirling and sloppy waves towards our land-based retreat.We anchored up approximately 1,000 feet from the shore in fairly placid waters. Dennis and Ron placed the 4-person rubber 'Zodiac' boat side, and after loading our day-bags and coolers, we made a quick hop to land.

I hadn't ever had a 'hot spring' experience, so this was a very exciting adventure for me. Admittedly, the closest I had ever come to a hot spring was watching Pierce Bronson in Dante's Peak, where he played Dr. Harry Dalton. I was hopeful we would avoid a similar fate and was sure we would have a great time.

This area is part of the 'Ring of Fire' and the hot springs we would be bathing in are points where the earth's internal thermal dynamics are given expression. The water was crystal clear. Thin and mildly sulfurous steam rose from the geothermal-heated pool as I carefully edged my body into its hot embrace. Wow!! It felt exhilarating. We all 'kicked back' and enjoyed lively conversation, and an incredible view, while relaxing in the 102° crystal-clear pool. Now, this was living!

One thing I found particularly nice about visiting this part of southeast Alaska is the fact that you encounter insects infrequently due to the mild trade winds and breezes that keep them at bay.

After spending a half-hour, or so, soaking in the pool's warm embrace, I dried off, changed clothes, and hiked around for a while. Dennis asked me to keep on the trails and not wander off too far, since we would be leaving shortly for 'Greentop' to spend the night. I spent about twenty minutes scouting around. Spicing Sitka Spruce and earthy ocean aromas intermixed; providing a heady perfume as I surveyed the seemingly endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Tree limbs hosted thick masses of lichen and long wisps of moss. The camp grounds and facilities at the White Sulphur Springs were well maintained. The rest of the group rounded up their day-packs and headed to the 'Zodiac'. We were off to our next destination - Greentop.

Greentop is located a few miles north of the White Sulphur Springs, and while 'the springs' were on Chichagof Island, Greentop is on the Yakobi Island. One could say Yakobi Island is a bisected lobe off the main island (Chichagof). Lisianski Inlet provides one of the incisions, while Lisianski Strait provides the other. (access our 'flash' map of this area and visit our Alaska planning section for a hot link to Greentop).

The short trip to Greentop provided great sightseeing opportunities. We observed some playful otters. A mother preening its baby while floating on its back. Another, exhibiting it crafty ability to crack a crab open with a stone while doing the 'back float'. Screechy calls of bald eagles perched in nearby trees pierced the air.

What a wonderfully idyllic day!