Yes Bay to Walker Cove

Still glowing from last night’s feast at Yes Bay Lodge, we hauled anchor and set course for Misty Fjords National Monument. Skipping this stop earlier in the trip—when it was buried in rain and low clouds—now feels like one of our best decisions. Today, the fjords greeted us with sunshine.

saying goodbye to yes bay lodge

The run across the back of Behm Canal was smooth, but as soon as we turned south, up came the southeasterly wind and chop. We debated stopping at Fitzgibbon Cove but pressed on for Walker Cove—better protection and the promise of jaw-dropping scenery. Six hours later, our patience paid off.

The entrance into Walker Cove is pure theater: towering granite walls, snow-capped peaks, and reflections that look painted on the water. Best of all, the lone Forest Service buoy in Champagne Bight sat empty, waiting just for us.

Mooring practice isn’t something we get much in the San Juans or Gulf Islands—our boat is usually too big for the gear down there—but this buoy was industrial strength. We talked through the plan, and it went like clockwork: I held the helm, Karen took the swim step, slipped the line through the eye, and we walked it forward to the bow. With a second line set and a touch of slack, OceanFlyer was secure.

Oceanflyer sitting on the ball in stunning walker cove

Tomorrow’s plan is to explore the head of the cove and see how far the dinghy can nose up the river at high tide. For tonight, we’ve got Walker Cove entirely to ourselves—a private stage of granite, snow, and silence.

a peak up the river for tomorrow’s exploration