Baie Fine

Baie Fine is one of the few fjords in North America and provides unmatched scenery on the 8-mile passage to the Pool at it's far end.

As the sun came up we left for Baie Fine (pronounced bay fin) with our friends Fred and Juliane on the boat Boreas. It was a 25 mile trip that was to prove to be a spectacular scenic cruise.

You can cruise down the middle of Baie Fine in deep water, favoring the north shore, leaving all little islets to starboard until you come to the sharp port turn at the narrows leaving the rocks to port.

The terrain becomes dramatic, with giant quartz mountains covered with deep green forests.

We anchor in what is called The Pool which is surrounded with mountains.

We anchor with Boreas and take down our dingys to go explore.

Since Fred and Juliane are hikers, we are going to attempt mountain climbing today looking for the famed Topaz Lake.

Topaz Lake, with it's crystalline turquoise water, is a stunning swimming spot that all will enjoy, particularly after the healthy uphill hike to get there.

Black bears are not uncommon here; they say if you sight one, stay clear of it. Really?Better yet, make lots of noise when you're in the bush; bears are quite shy and will move away. Right!

We make it to the lake and Juliane and Fred start taking off their shoes, getting ready to jump in.

Maybe not.

Ouch! That's 60 degree water!

This turns out to be a picture-perfect day, and no, Bob and I did not jump in the water! Are you crazy?