June 20, 2025 – Baker Cove to Double Cove

June 20, 2025 – Baker Cove to Double Cove

We left Baker Cove under sunny skies—no grizzly sightings this morning, but the tranquil weather made for an easy two-hour hop to Double Cove. The route hugs the protected inside waters, making for a relaxed cruise.

As we eased past the rocky entrance to Black Bay, Karen spotted two big grizzlies foraging at the head of the bay. A tempting detour, but with a rare forecast for calm seas on the outside of Chichagof Island, we’re taking advantage of the window to keep moving south before the weather turns.

Double Cove is a cozy little anchorage, typically suited for one boat—maybe two if both stern tie. With no one else around, we dropped the hook at the head of the cove with ample room to swing. The entrance is narrow but easy to read, thanks to well-placed kelp beds marking the shallows on both sides. It’s a winding approach, but nothing tricky with good charts and daylight.

Later in the day, we spotted Escapade and Empress approaching on AIS—two larger boats we’d met back in Shearwater. Empress scoped the northwest corner, then waited while Escapade slipped in and nailed a textbook stern tie. Once secure, Empress dropped a bow anchor and rafted up alongside.

Double Bay is more cozy than it looke like in this photo

Perfect execution of a double raft stern tie

It was great to reconnect. A fun side note: I first met one of Empress’s crew back in April when I spotted them tying to the bullrail using what I call the “Douglass Hitch” — a knot I named after my friend Bill Douglass, who picked it up from a fisherman in Auke Bay back in 2010. I posted a how-to video featureing Bill, so take a look and you too will become a convert: YouTube - The Douglass Hitch.

double bay looking out to the pacific ocean. Also, a good look at the shoals that define anchoring choices.

Before dinner, we took a spin in the dinghy to scope out alternate anchor spots (there aren’t many), then swung by Escapade and Empress to catch up and trade notes on cruising plans. A peaceful day, great company, and another gem of a cove checked off the list.