May 30, 2024 - Fools Inlet

May 30, 2024

As we left, we decided to check out the nearby Harding River anchorage location. Approaching the delta, we spotted a grizzly and two cubs, which we suspect are the same ones we saw earlier three miles to the west. We managed to close to 1/3 of a mile without chasing them off – however - mom did round up the cubs as we approached and usher them back from the shoreline. As we neared the anchorage, we found one cabin and a fishing boat anchored in the area. A nice view of the surrounding mountains – but not the interesting view we had of the lagoon and wildlife we had at Eagle Bay. We continued to Fools Inlet and anchored behind the islet as recommended. Nice spot offering protection although conditions were settled. After lunch we proceeded with placing one crab trap and took turns rowing about the islets and the head of the inlet. Soon we were joined by Tranquility (Selene 53) who promptly placed three crab traps and shrimp pots out using their tender, Chaos. Rick stopped by and introduced himself, and wife Pat, who live in Montana.

We woke to building winds with gust of 30 knots. It was not safe to take Nevermore out to retrieve the crab trap, so we lowered the tender. While anxious about accomplishing this in these wind gusts, all went well. Pulled up the trap with 11 keepers. Once back to Raven we sorted through the six we wanted to keep and put them in buckets of water for processing at our next destination. Given the wind forecast, we pulled up the anchor and pressed on to Madan Bay where we expected to find better shelter.