We had to get an early start to arrive with slack water at the Malibu Rapids at the entrance to Princess Louisa Inlet. Malibu has a pretty narrow dogleg entrance and can get hairy (with lots of whirlpools, backeddies, and tide rips) at max current. So, the alarm rang at 0500 and we were underway by 0530. Still dark when we left, but we were soon treated to a nice sunrise.
The early morning ferry run to Saltery Bay:
Lots of dramatic scenery on the way:
Just passed through Malibu Rapids and on our way to the head of the Inlet...
...where a small public dock is located:
Chatterbox Falls, next to the dock:
Enchanting trails wind around the area between the docks and the falls:
Meeting house/fire pit:
Getting up close to the falls:
Dinghy excursion to Macdonald Island. Great swimming and hiking;
A ranger we spoke with at the falls told us to look for the bear head in the woods.
We found it:
Next to the BC Parks property, we found a camp that is part of the Malibu Youth Camp operation. Everything was closed up for the season, but in the Summer, this is the base camp for back-country hiking trips.
We dinghied back to the Malibu Rapids to visit the Malibu Lodge property. It is currently run by a Christian faith-based group called Young Life. The place has a very interesting history as a resort, and used to be a high-end retreat for the rich and famous before financial issues and a polio scare struck and they had to close operations. As we pulled up to the dock, we were greeted by a very friendly staff member, and they offered a quick tour of the property:
Grace was our tour guide. She is interning at the Lodge, but hopes to pursue a career in broadcasting:
The pool, overlooking the rapids at the entrance to Princess Louisa Inlet:
The only way to get the inlet is by boat or seaplane;
An interesting boat approaching the anchorage:
As we approached the docks two of our soon-to-be neighbors came out to grab lines for us. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship that struck up between us and a few other boats. It started with cocktails the first night and then moved on to a potluck dinner. We had the whole end of the float to ourselves and beautiful weather. Was a wonderful evening in a truly wonderful place.
To make the evening even more memorable, as if on cue a float plane arrived carrying a couple who planned on getting married by the falls.
We decided to make an impromptu arch out of boat hooks and brooms. The couple seemed to get a kick out of our effort.
Sometimes when you hear a lot about a place it doesn't live up to expectations. Princess Louisa definitely did. Perhaps it was the amazing weather and friendly people but I think there's more to it. There is a special vibe here which helps you slow down and appreciate the moment.
A highlight for sure.
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