tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3206903217732911532024-03-13T20:51:39.640-07:00Someday is Now ~ Simbalaut Goes to AlaskaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-53461410731412534352011-08-01T10:37:00.000-07:002013-06-02T21:11:28.578-07:00Closing<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had been
home for a few days and I was still struggling to write my last entry to our
Facebook followers. Maybe I just didn’t want it to end. Everyone I had
encountered since my return had asked me about the trip and I shared with them
that it was more than I ever imagined. While we were writing the story we were
challenged to find more words than magnificent, amazing, magical, beautiful,
extraordinary and spectacular. Thanks to a friend I have a new word that sums
it all up …. phenomenal!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We were gone
for 57 days, ran the boat for 317 hours travelled 2,513 nautical miles, visited
12 new ports of call and anchored in lots of coves. We took 1,945 pictures and
shot 280 videos. We saw countless whales, numerous seals and lots of soaring
eagles. Many nights we ate from the sea and returned home with frozen chicken
still in the freezer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Before we
left, I was so concerned that I was going to get bored, that I took 59 movies,
15 business books, 5 Suduko books, 2 knitting projects and a pile of Navigator
project tasks. At the end of the trip, we had watch 0 movies (except the ones
that we created), I only read 10 pages of one book, I barely finished 3 Suduko
puzzles out of 1 book, I managed to knit 12 rows of an afghan and got about half
way through the Navigator projects. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every day
was a new adventure. I learned so much life and business related stuff that it would
be weeks, maybe months before I would have everything compiled. I didn’t
experience a single moment of boredom. Instead everyday was a new adventure and
the classroom was always open. Seven others were brave enough to join us on our
adventure. Together we created daily float plans, recapped our days into the
story that we posted so folks could follow along and laughed until our cheeks
and bellies were sore. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even though
we were joined by friends and loved ones along the way, Dad and I were a common
dominator. For 57 days we had breakfast, lunch and dinner together. It totally
touched my heart to spend time with him and remind myself of what a terrific
guy Dad truly is. Some were concerned
that it was going to be a challenge but instead it was PRICELESS! All of us that participated will have
memories that we will cherish forever. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-31758788078509090962011-07-27T10:35:00.000-07:002013-06-11T11:25:15.811-07:00Day 57 ~ Blind Channel to Quaski Cove, Quadra Island Campbell River, B.C.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OIyEbOD4lg/UbdrFxgj8qI/AAAAAAAAAlo/0-9lqO-Czzk/s1600/Final+Upload+-+alaska+trip+161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OIyEbOD4lg/UbdrFxgj8qI/AAAAAAAAAlo/0-9lqO-Czzk/s1600/Final+Upload+-+alaska+trip+161.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">The rooster
had one last opportunity to wake me up this trip and I woke up first. The sun
was still deep behind the mountains and the sky was dark with a hint of
color.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was so quiet that we gently
prepared for departure not wanting to disturb the ambiance of the morning. We
didn’t care how cold or how windy it was we were taking her in from the
bridge!</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We had a
strong current running against us and strong winds pushing us, which made for a
slow ride. We had smoothies for breakfast and used the last of the berries that
Wendy and got from Kake. We never did finish the Vodka! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our cruise
speed was slower than we anticipated which delayed our arrival into the
Campbell River area by 45 minutes. We were expecting to dock at the same marina
that we stopped at on the way up but learned they couldn’t accommodate us. Fortunately,
April Point Resort and Marina on Quadra Island was more than happy to offer us
temporary docking so we could wash the boat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like a man
on a mission, Dad tackled washing the outside while I did all the last minute
things in the interior and then we met in the cockpit. Right on schedule we
were finished and we moved the boat over to our friends George and Margery’s
place in Quathiaski Cove. They are currently in Southeast Alaska and they told Dad
he was welcome to leave his boat on their dock. For the last time, I put the
Simbalaut on the dock, scored an 8 (needed coaching). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My original plan
was to purchase a couple of duffle bags when we got to Campbell River so I
could get more of my stuff off the boat. When we changed docks I had to
improvise. I had brought a set of sheets on board, which I needed to take with
me so all 4 of the pillow cases turned into duffle bags complete with zip tags
for ties. Dad let me use his back pack for my laptop. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdQPz8urJtc/UbdrHNbmynI/AAAAAAAAAmI/iPVtUoEEwNY/s1600/Final+Upload+-+alaska+trip+178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdQPz8urJtc/UbdrHNbmynI/AAAAAAAAAmI/iPVtUoEEwNY/s1600/Final+Upload+-+alaska+trip+178.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Satisfied
with our cleaning job, we locked her up and walked up the dock. It was more
than just a little emotional for me walking away and leaving Simby behind. I
watched Dad walk up the steps and then turn around and look over his shoulder,
seems he was feeling some of the same emotions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jo-Ann the
neighbor offered to run us down to the resort, which was really nice because it
saved us time finding a taxi. The Canadian folks are such lovely, kind people. We
had a bite to eat on the deck at April Point, while keeping a watchful eye on
our pile of pillowcases. If someone took them they were going to be sadly
disappointed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We worked
our way down to the float plane dock with our pillow cases in tow. Just two old
salties in desperate need of haircuts and a manicure, I can’t remember when I
looked this rough. The flight was late so we just stood on the dock, waited and
shared with others our summer adventure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When the
plane arrived it was half the size of the one that Becca was on – figures. I
had already discussed with Wendy, if they would allow my stuff on that I was
going to send it in my place with Dad and I was going back to the resort for a
spa day. The pilot packed everything in and then told us that we were going to
be picking up two more to go with our four that were already on board. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dad has flown
several times on Kenmore Airlines so he suggested that he and I take the back
and let the others take the middle seat. They were shoulder to shoulder. We
were all concerned that the doors were going to bust open.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9AmM2JjvMhk/UbdrHV83-CI/AAAAAAAAAmM/lDRe8oWlRV4/s1600/Final+Upload+-+alaska+trip+189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9AmM2JjvMhk/UbdrHV83-CI/AAAAAAAAAmM/lDRe8oWlRV4/s1600/Final+Upload+-+alaska+trip+189.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">When we
first took off, we had a sad moment when we could see the Simbalaut on the dock
and our shadow in the water. But then
our float plane ride turned magical. The water was a beautiful blue and you
could see all the boats in all our favorite coves along the way. The plane was
really noisy but I had Wendy’s Bose head phones and her iPod. I let Dad use
them for the first leg and then it was my turn. As we crossed back into the US,
one of the Yanni songs that I’ve been listening to all summer started playing and
I pretty much lost it – wow what a summer!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When our
plane finally landed in Kenmore, we were happily greeted by Wendy and Judy….we
were home. Our trip of a life time was over but it will live on in our
memories. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-40867581411263385752011-07-26T10:34:00.000-07:002013-06-11T11:22:13.491-07:00Day 56 ~ Echo Bay to Blind Channel via Lagoon Cove<span style="font-family: inherit;">We departed
on schedule at 8:00. The weather was overcast and a bit chilly so Dad drove
from the lower helm. Becca and I took advantage of the time and continued our
sprucing up the boat project. We got to Lagoon Cove right on schedule. Dad
knows Bill at Lagoon Cove and they were happy to just let us hang out and wait
for the plane. They put us on the ‘honeymoon’ dock.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Originally,
we were going to stop at Lagoon Cove and spend the night because they have a
famous all you can eat prawn dinner every night. All of the boats bring salads
and other side dishes and you sit on their deck, peel and eat the prawns and
throw the shells into the water. It is really fun and they are delicious. The
best thing about Lagoon Cove is that if I went way up on the bridge and stood
still my phone would work. Much to Becca’s chagrin, the plane was several hours
late which gave her plenty of time to continue helping me work on the inside of
the boat. We really wanted it to look nice when Dad and Judy return to Campbell
River and move the boat south while they play golf. Finally the plane arrived. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is a
24 pound per person limit on float planes for luggage and I had far more than
24 pounds of clothes, Navigator Rendezvous stuff and my brief case. On top of
the fish that we just caught. We had been told that it was up to the pilot to
decide how much extra they would carry. So, when I saw how young the pilot was,
I sent Becca out with the bag of fish and told her to go and talk to him and
she could ask him if he would take anything else. My plan worked, he took the
fish, Becca’s duffle and another duffle of my stuff. I thanked him profusely
and then he said he would take anything else that I wanted to send with her. He
said that his plane which holds 12 only had 4 passengers. Frankly, I think that
he just wanted to stand on the dock and flirt with her. I ran back to the boat
and since I didn’t have any more suitcases, Dad dumped out his laundry duffle
and we stuffed it with clothes and I sent my briefcase! We waved goodbye to Becca and went about our
day heading towards Blind Channel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-on5Vb6IpKNQ/Ubdqhdf8dXI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/kjemPptBPqE/s1600/Final+Upload+-+alaska+trip+155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-on5Vb6IpKNQ/Ubdqhdf8dXI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/kjemPptBPqE/s1600/Final+Upload+-+alaska+trip+155.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">The winds
were extremely strong but they were coming from behind us so they just kind of
pushed us along. The sun was shining so we drove from the bridge. Dad let me
drive the boat which was really fun because you could feel the waves pushing
the boat around and it was a game trying to anticipate what the boat was going
to do and then head it off at the pass. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Blind
Channel is an interesting place to dock. They have fairly strong wind currents
that run one direction and then strong water currents that go the other
direction. I totally misjudged the landing and the strength of the water
currents, needless to say Dad had to come up to the bridge and assist. Guess I
scored a 2.0 on that landing only because once he got me straightened out I was
able to recover with quite a bit of coaching. I was really rattled and
disappointed after I had been doing such a good job. Dad being the fabulous
coach that he is took the time to walk through with me what had gone wrong and
what I should have done. He also reminded me that we didn’t call the insurance
company which technically makes it a perfect landing. It is great to have an
opportunity to be in a difficult situation, fall flat on your face and get a
helping, loving hand to help you up. My confidence meter is still running a bit
low! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Blind
Channel like most resorts was started by a sole proprietor. One of their niches
is their lovely German restaurant. The original folks have since retired and
now the son and daughter-in-law run the place. We had a lovely dinner. Dad had
some kind of pork dish and I had Roulaudin with red cabbage. We shared a bottle
of wine and reminisced about our trip. It was very touching. These past 56 days
have been pretty amazing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After dinner
we went back to our chores. We really wanted to finish the inside so we only
had to wash the outside when we got to Campbell River. We got to bed about
midnight and had our alarms set for 6:00 to make slack tide and to allow enough
time to get everything done. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Becca and
all my stuff arrived safely and the pilot even helped her carry her stuff to
the car!</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-88859885520402069212011-07-25T10:31:00.000-07:002013-06-11T11:20:31.890-07:00Day 55 ~ Fury Cove to Echo Bay, Broughton Island<span style="font-family: inherit;">Armed with
one of the longest float plans that we had created the entire trip, Dad and I
prepared the boat for departure. We were rounding Cape Caution and bound for
Sullivan Bay in the Broughton Islands. Over the course of the summer we had
perfected the process of retrieving both the bow and the stern anchor without
the use of the dinghy. Becca didn’t want to get up but the morning was
beautiful and I didn’t want her to skip on the morning routine, so I made her
get up just for our departure. We opened the bridge because the clouds were
high and the sun was trying to peek out. I knew that it was going to be a long
day with variable temperatures so I had layers of clothes on. We departed as scheduled
and headed towards Cape Caution.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You know how
when you drive somewhere the first time it seems really long and then the
second time it is shorter…well boating is the same. It seemed only a short time
and we were able to spot Egg Island and Cape Caution was just on the horizon. When
we went north, the cape was totally fogged in. This time we took the opposite
route and kept the mainland to our port side and followed it all the way down. We
had 10 to 15 foot swells on our stern and beautiful blue skies over head. It
was like riding a soft roller coaster in an amusement park. At one point, we
changed course a bit and weaved around a few islands just to make it more
interesting. Becca had gone back to bed and slept through the entire adventure.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ByhVUVfrowM/UbdqPWhiZ7I/AAAAAAAAAk4/MV-YSRnrjic/s1600/Final+Upload+-+alaska+trip+147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ByhVUVfrowM/UbdqPWhiZ7I/AAAAAAAAAk4/MV-YSRnrjic/s1600/Final+Upload+-+alaska+trip+147.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">By early
afternoon we were already shedding layers of clothes. The wind was behind us
blowing as hard as we were running so we virtually had to stand up to cool down.
We came past Storm Islands this time with them on our starboard side. About
halfway down we started hearing the wonderful sounds of our technology trying
to connect. It wasn’t long and both of our phones were working. It was so nice
to talk to home after we had been disconnected for several days. Everyone was
glad to catch up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We decided
that the weather was beautiful and we were home sick so instead of stopping in
Sullivan Bay we pressed on to Echo Bay with the intention of going all the way
to Campbell River the following day. Wendy had booked Becca’s ticket out of
Sullivan Bay but fortunately Kenmore Air was more than willing to pick her up
in Lagoon Cove instead. Their flight came through the islands early afternoon
and we figured we could make Lagoon Cove (with the roosters help).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UREj2Y443Yw/UbdqPgJYFLI/AAAAAAAAAk0/4TdxdaQ6idE/s1600/Final+Upload+-+alaska+trip+149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UREj2Y443Yw/UbdqPgJYFLI/AAAAAAAAAk0/4TdxdaQ6idE/s1600/Final+Upload+-+alaska+trip+149.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">After a
beautiful run down Queen Charlotte and Wells Passage we arrived in Echo Bay. We
needed fuel and their fuel dock is nestled under the general store. In fairly strong winds, I got to put the boat
on the dock with the bow hanging over the swim step of a boat on the dock. They
measure their fuel in imperial gallons so we had to figure out that conversion.
The gentleman helping us suggested that we use the internet. We were thrilled
to learn that since our last visit they had installed wireless internet. We
were also told that sometimes cell phones would work on the upper deck
depending on the tide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dad gave me
a 9.5 on my docking. It was wonderful getting docking and anchoring lessons all
summer long. At the marina they decided to put us all the way down away from
the general store and the internet hub. The marina is doing quite well and has
resurfaced all of their docks since the last time we were there two years ago. They
have also expanded their general store which had lovely produce.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We decided
to get a jump on our cleaning chores. Dad started getting his man cave
organized and sadly put away our fishing gear. Becca did laundry and then
together we worked on fluffing up the interior. The internet access turned out
to be a joke. Composing an email was so slow that it took about 30 seconds to
type out a single letter. We were told that we could get our cell phones to
work at high tide, which we patiently waited for and then trucked our way out
to the point and no matter where we stood the phone just wouldn’t go through. I
don’t know which is worse not having an expectation that technology is going to
work or expecting it to work and it not. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I needed to
get in touch with Wendy to let her know that Becca’s plans had changed and
traditional email wouldn’t work but I could get on Facebook. Finally, I made a
post asking someone to call her and ask her to get on FB. Well it worked! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our plan was
to drop Becca off in Lagoon Cove to catch a float plan home and then we were
going to beat it on to Campbell River. Unexpectedly, we determined that Seymour
Narrows was not going to support our plans. The currents in the narrows would
prohibit our transit until morning. We alternatively went to Blind Channel. It
seemed somewhat fitting that we would change plans because it seemed that more
often than not our initial float plan got changed. It was a fairly late night
before we all gave up and went to bed. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-73067422265158391472011-07-24T10:28:00.000-07:002013-06-11T11:19:20.743-07:00Day 54 ~ Duncanby Landing, Goose Bay to Fury Cove<span style="font-family: inherit;">The seas
rolled into the dock for most of the night gingerly rocking the boat from side
to side. When morning came none of us wanted to get up, which was just fine
because our plan was to fish one hour before and one hour after slack tide
which was at 1:41 p.m. Becca was more than willing to stay in her bunk , but by
10:00 Dad and I were antsy and ready to leave so we shoved off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was at the
helm as we ran across the mouth of Fitz Hugh Sound in the bright sunlight. It
felt good to have shorts on again. It
took us about an hour to get to Clark Point. As we approached the fishing
grounds it was reassuring to see several boats out fishing. There were several
boats heading in various directions, so Dad took over at the helm and I watched
the poles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In less than
an hour we had our first silver salmon on board. It was little but still a
keeper. Becca took the next one and was so quick to bring it to the back of the
boat that we lost it in the process of getting our act organized. Then I landed
a second salmon that was definitely bigger than the first one. Dad kept making
big circles back to the spot that we were catching them. Becca decided to take
charge of the third one when it hit. Dad and I raced to bring up the gear and
both hit the down rigger balls at the same time blowing the fuse. Unable to
bring them up, we popped the lines and started reeling them up. All the while
reminding Becca to ‘Play’ the fish and give us time to get the gear up. Dad’s
line was about 15 feet from the stern when a salmon decided to take his bait
and add to the chaos. We were definitely entertaining to the pile of boats
around us with two fish on and both down rigger wires hanging straight
down. To add to the circus, Dad’s fish
was extremely theatrical jumping in the air and running from side to side
getting the attention of anyone that wasn’t already watching. Becca’s fish, much more under control, was
waiting at the swim step to get in the net. I decided that Dad could continue
his show, while I successfully netted Becca’s fish, flipping it into the
cockpit and out of the net preparing for round two. Dad’s was less cooperative
but after a bit of persuasion it too was in the net and in the cooler. I’m sure
all the fishermen were more than a bit amazed that Dad and his girls pulled off
a double header. Satisfied with our catch we set a course for Fury Cove, which
we had scoped out on our way North.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we
arrived, our private little cove had two sail boats and another power boat. We
were there on day 5 and there were no boats to be seen; now there were boats
everywhere. Dad and Becca set the crab pots to no avail. We had some thawed
bait left so I decided to drop a hook of the stern of the boat. Then Dad took a
nap while listening to Yanni and some of his other Celtic music. Becca paddled
around in the cove in the kayak. I caught a halibut but it was too little to
keep. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After nap
time, we went on a dinghy ride exploring the entire area of Fury Cove and all
the adjacent coves. This country is absolutely magnificent and the sunset was
glorious. As we weaved in and out exploring we teased Becca that we were lost
but we weren’t.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After dinner
(barbecued salmon), we all walked out to the bow to soak up the air and the
evening. I’ve always known that I was a sappy person and after two months with
my Dad I now know where I get it. We leaned against the rails of the boat and
he talked how he thought the Simbalaut was so magical. She goes where we point
her nose and does it with great passion to ensure our safety. She is covered
with salt and happy that she has gotten off the dock and gone exploring. I was
teary eyed listening to him talk. He loves this boat and boating period, I
think that it represents his free spirit. This trip has been everything and
more that we had hoped it would be and tomorrow we round Cape Caution as we
head to familiar grounds. We are both anxious to get home to our families while
sad that this is all coming to an end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While I
finish updating our story for the evening, Becca drifted off to sleep on the
couch and Dad was snuggled in bed with his stuffed horse, I could already hear
him snoring. I awakened Becca and went to bed myself after setting the
alarm….tomorrow would be a rooster day!
I hate that darn rooster.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-77160128688871055982011-07-23T10:26:00.000-07:002013-06-11T11:15:34.046-07:00Day 53 ~ Dawson’s Landing, Rivers Inlet to Duncanby Landing, Goose Bay<span style="font-family: inherit;">We were slow
to move off the dock because we had internet and our next destination was just
a few hours away. At exactly 1:00 our internet went down. We figured it was a
signal from them that they were ready for us to depart. Dad and I wanted to go
up to the store to pick up a few things before we left. Of course as we started
to step off the boat a light rain started. Good thing my rain coat was handy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We walked up
the dock to the general store which is in one of the float houses. It was lined
with white Christmas lights. The foundation under the store was simply
impressive. The logs had been lashed together with a massive cable sure to hold
in any weather. The store had a large selection of logo wear and a small
selection of fruit and produce. Dad and I both found shirts. Unwilling to
purchase the fruit I grabbed two bags of chips. At the register I found out the
chips were $6.00 dollars a bag! When I got back to the boat I woke up Becca to
let her know what we had purchased and to let her know that we were getting
ready to leave. She jumped out of bed
and headed to the store with my credit card to shop for herself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aeWV-UJxCiE/UbdocTIKs0I/AAAAAAAAAjg/k2M6YVtKKLI/s1600/Final+Upload+-+alaska+trip+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aeWV-UJxCiE/UbdocTIKs0I/AAAAAAAAAjg/k2M6YVtKKLI/s1600/Final+Upload+-+alaska+trip+006.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">We left the
dock and fished our way to Duncanby’s Landing. We caught nothing, except a
ticket from the Moose and Goose for barbed hooks. We should have read the rules
before they boarded us. Fortunately for me, Dad went under the bus or should I
say boat again and took the fall and the ticket. It helped that I was driving
the boat when they came aboard. Becca who was out helping Grandpa without a
license was laying low. The sea was sending big swells our way so we decided to
head to the dock. This time I got a score of a 9 because I could have done it
faster! Wow the bar was rising on a
daily basis! The cool part was that
there were several Seattle Yacht Club boats on the dock and other than being a
bit slow it was a beautiful landing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Duncanby’s
Landing is a first class lodge that was totally renovated in 2005. Today it has
several cabins, a lodge, a restaurant and lovely sun deck. They have float
plane access twice a week. We first came to the landing in June on our way
north but they weren’t open yet. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We had a
wonderful dinner in the restaurant. We also visited with the SYC group. They
had two sail boats that had left Seattle two weeks before us heading basically
on the same course to Juneau. Like us, they were on their way home. After
dinner I purchased a 30 minute internet access card for $12.00 and let Wendy
and Judy know our plans. I had to go to a common space with my laptop and plug
in and enter the access code to make everything work. Oh well, better than
nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Back at the
boat, we worked our float plan for rounding Cape Caution. Five charts and a
pile of sticky flags later we had it all figured out. It kind of tugged at my
heart strings when I pulled out the Cape Caution chart and it still had the
sticky flags that marked the navigational points from when we rounded the Cape
on day 4! Our plans for the next day
were to fish Clarks Point on the bottom of Calvert Island and then stay in Fury
Cove before we head south and round Cape Caution. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-86703478401348747092011-07-22T18:59:00.000-07:002013-06-11T11:14:39.430-07:00Day 52 ~ Shearwater to Dawson’s Landing, Rivers Inlet<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was
interesting how different it is with more or less people on board. This
particular morning, not a sound could be heard and I really didn’t want to get
up. But, I was concerned that the new Navigator boat would leave and we would
miss our opportunity to get their contact information. Armed with our new touch
cards to notify people of our organization and rendezvous, Dad and I went off
to introduce ourselves. We visited with the folks on the 4 EVVA and then
wandered farther down the dock to Dan and Mimi’s boat. They are delightful
people.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">They told us about a bear
sanctuary that we floated right past near Wrangell. We hung around as long as
we should holding dearly to our ability to talk on the phone and then sadly departed
Shearwater towards Dawson’s landing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We selected
Lama Passage for our course because last time we were in the area we went
through Gun Boat Passage. Along the way, Dad and I changed our course and went
exploring up Fish Egg Inlet. It is amazing how many things we missed on our way
up. I’m certain that we could spend a considerable amount of time exploring
this whole area. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We arrived
in Dawson’s landing to wind and current and I got a 9.5 on my docking score –
with lots of people watching. It was really fun to approach a challenging task
and not be scared. I felt that I had received plenty of training and I knew
from my experience how the boat was going to react and I could control the
situation and I could be successful. I was confident through the whole docking
execution. Every day at work employees should experience the same. My only
disappointment in the whole thing was that after I landed I wanted to share my
success with Wendy and my phone wouldn’t work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We had a
fabulous dinner. I had a cookbook that has hundreds of ways to cook halibut and
I was going through it when I saw one recipe for Au gratin halibut and one for
barbequed halibut. Dad had been talking about barbequing a salmon which I
hadn’t done and I had Au gratin potatoes that I could fix for a dinner. One of
the key ingredients was chili sauce, which we had onboard so I was off and
running. I made the barbeque sauce from scratch and grilled halibut with the
barbeque sauce, combined it with Au gratin potatoes and steamed broccoli. It
was delicious and in the end there wasn’t a drop of anything left.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After dinner
we tried to get on the internet, which turned out to be our biggest challenge
of the day. We watched as our one bar came and went. We also watched a sleek
black cat walk up the dock and onto the boat across the dock from us. He
explored the boat and then left. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dawson’s
Landing is a village of several float houses that lashed together. They, unlike
other float house villages in the area operate year round. Reportedly a sixty
two pound salmon was caught just the day before out in front of the area. We
were one of ten boats on the dock and were told that it was the busiest that
they had been all year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Before we
went to bed both Becca and I had showers and Becca braided my hair. I’m so over
due for a color and hair cut that the only thing I can do with my hair is put
it in a pony tail. It was such a treat to get my bangs out of my eyes. It is
also note worthy that for the first time in 20 years I don’t have a single
artificial nail. I’ve lost them ALL. My finger tips were so sore that typing
had become a challenge.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-63242406233481141732011-07-21T18:58:00.000-07:002013-06-11T11:04:46.478-07:00Day 51 ~ Bottleneck Inlet to Shearwater<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j6nNrC49Rt0/UbdmHq7jTXI/AAAAAAAAAic/P38h0j61Jd8/s1600/Upload+14+204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j6nNrC49Rt0/UbdmHq7jTXI/AAAAAAAAAic/P38h0j61Jd8/s1600/Upload+14+204.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OWqqPJr4CkI/UbdmHWkS8DI/AAAAAAAAAiY/O-I8EZFW_9A/s1600/Upload+14+205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OWqqPJr4CkI/UbdmHWkS8DI/AAAAAAAAAiY/O-I8EZFW_9A/s1600/Upload+14+205.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">We all woke on
a mission to get Eileen and Derek to New Bella Bella to make their flight. The
well trainied crew had us off anchor 30 minutes prior to our ETA. Eileen took
over at the helm and the rest of us worked on sprucing up the boat. We had two
shallow passages to make and we were timing our arrival (by slowing down) to
the first one to be after slack low water. It was hard to slow the boat knowing
we were in a hurry. Derek spent most of the day in the hot seat while everyone
kept asking him ETAs to different points.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xz_Bdrg57oo/UbdmHqIPNuI/AAAAAAAAAig/FMXMscQ6q5o/s1600/Upload+14+211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xz_Bdrg57oo/UbdmHqIPNuI/AAAAAAAAAig/FMXMscQ6q5o/s1600/Upload+14+211.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The first
challenges for the day was Jackson Passage. On the way north we went through
the passage and thought that it would be fun for everyone to experience the shallow
transit. As we got closer it was interesting to note the difference the prior
experience made in our confidence level. We sailed right through without even a
shiver of concern. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Next on our
list was Reid Passage, which we anticipated being at 1 hour past slack low. We
determined that we would have a low of 10 feet. The Simbalaut requires 6 feet
so we would have 4 feet to spare. As we approached the shallow spot, we slowed
and eased our way through one of the easier challenges we had experienced. We
got to New Bella Bella in plenty of time and Eileen and Derek grabbed a cab. We
later learned that their flight was delayed and that they went shopping for a
cooler for the fish they were transporting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IsKhpIx-HkM/UbdmIBqTF7I/AAAAAAAAAiw/5dWis6KHSmw/s1600/Upload+14+216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IsKhpIx-HkM/UbdmIBqTF7I/AAAAAAAAAiw/5dWis6KHSmw/s1600/Upload+14+216.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once back in
Shearwater, we topped off our fuel and found a spot on the old commercial dock
without power. We gathered all the laundry and Becca and I went to the Laundromat.
For dinner we went to the local restaurant. The amazing thing is that I was
going to order fish for dinner. It was
nice to get all the laundry done in 2 hours rather than 36. In Shearwater they
also have a lovely folding table, oh the little things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Back on the
boat we decided to make a list of everything that we needed to get finished
before we left the boat in Campbell River. We decided that defrosting and
cleaning the refrigerator sounded like a good plan since I had already done the
bar fridge earlier in the day. Dad’s initial response was that he needed to
check out the engine room, which Becca and I have renamed to the ‘man cave’. We
have determined that when Dad is either looking for space or wants to avoid
chores he finds a reason to go to his ‘man cave’. He wasn’t gone long and then
he decided that since we had so many things to do that the man cave would have
to wait.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dad had the
blow dryer going full blast to defrost the ice in the refrigerator when a
couple from our Navigator Rendezvous Dan and Mimi off the Asante came over to
say hello. They were in the area showing a family member the ins and outs of
the islands. It seems that these islands were the equivalent to the Canadians what
the Gulf Islands are to us. They also shared with us that there was another Navigator
boat on the dock for us to invite to the Rendezvous. It was getting late so we decided that we
would do our socializing tomorrow before we left.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nyr91vX3Bzo/UbdmIWY4mdI/AAAAAAAAAi0/1ayjPIkjrdc/s1600/Upload+14+217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nyr91vX3Bzo/UbdmIWY4mdI/AAAAAAAAAi0/1ayjPIkjrdc/s1600/Upload+14+217.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-30698352242797658042011-07-20T20:25:00.000-07:002013-06-11T11:01:43.176-07:00Day 50 ~ Khutz Inlet to Bottleneck Inlet<span style="font-family: inherit;">Before going
to bed last night we had reminded Eileen that there was no need for her to wake
up the boat at the crack of dawn. As I started to stir, I could hear the pounding
rain and I could see considerable fog through the hatch. I decided to turn off the
fan and just listen to the quiet, the rain drops and snuggle with Becca, it was
very peaceful. Then I looked up the stairs and realized that Dad was fully
dressed standing at the helm with an extremely concerned look on his face. I
went up to investigate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Apparently
while I was snuggled down enjoying my blissful sleep Dad was up all night
taking manual depth soundings. We have no idea why, but all three depth
sounders were getting false readings of as shallow as 3 feet! Frustrated with technology, Dad hooked a
weight on the end of fishing pole and used it to take manual readings. He
dropped the weight off the side of the boat and then casted it out from all
sides. At 3 a.m. according to his method we were in sitting in about 100 feet. All
night the alarms kept going off and Dad kept doing his manual check with the
same results. Needless to say he didn’t get much sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fed up with
the situation, Dad instructed me in my pajamas to fire the engines so we could move! As we departed the channel the fog was thick
and the rain was pouring and then we noticed the center windshield wiper stopped
working so we stopped to make repairs. Our entire transit for the day was in
fog, rain and 3 to 4 foot seas. Eileen was at the helm with Dad on watch and
Derek navigated. Becca was helping me with a project for the rendezvous when
she started to get a bit sea sick. Ginger cookies and looking forward over the
bow of the boat settled her tummy enough that she was able to take a nap. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Unwilling to
skip our history lesson for the day, we pressed on to Carter Bay where the ship
Ohio was run aground after hitting a rock later named Ohio rock. I wonder if my
great great grandmother, was ever on the Ohio. No luck finding the Ohio, I
guess we need low tide. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There were
several boats in the inlet trying to escape the weather. Once on anchor Dad
retired for some much needed sleep and so did Becca. Derek and I fished off the
back of the boat while Eileen took a shower. We had several bites but couldn’t
hook anything. After diligently trying we decided that the bites were coming
from something smaller than our bait! It
is funny how you can feel a bite on the end of a fishing line and imagine this
huge fish on the other end and then when you pull it up it is a little bitty
thing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While
fishing I took up the slack in the stern line that was caused by the changing
tide. A bit later Eileen was telling me that she had just put on her last dry
outfit, when Derek commented on the slack in the stern line. We both responded that
it was due to the change in the tide. Simultaneously, the anchor watch alarm
went off and Eileen noticed the line floating by the side of the boat. Apparently,
it had come untied from the shore!
Eileen and Derek raced to re-secure the boat. I untied my end to give
them as much slack as possible, then I decided to grab the camera. As they
reached the shore, I heard my end of the rope fall into the water - oops. By
the time they were done they were both soaking wet and Eileen no longer had any
dry clothes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After dinner
we continued movie night. The kids seemed to be most excited recounting their
experiences. About midnight, Derek was exhausted and wanted to go to bed.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-86452042407979420962011-07-19T20:22:00.000-07:002013-06-11T11:01:43.183-07:00Day 49 ~ Lowe Inlet, Grenville Channel to Khutz Inlet<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G2UvvHQSiPY/UbdkuVUaWnI/AAAAAAAAAhY/YtrOP08wKuk/s1600/Upload+14+093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G2UvvHQSiPY/UbdkuVUaWnI/AAAAAAAAAhY/YtrOP08wKuk/s1600/Upload+14+093.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">A full hour
before our scheduled early morning departure, Eileen whispered “Can I wake you
up now?”</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">My initial response to her was
no because I knew that Dad hadn’t gotten up yet and I didn’t want to wake him. A
few minutes later I decided that after 48 days of captaining the boat that the
crew and I were capable of hoisting a single anchor in 100 feet of water
without Dad’s supervision. I also figured Dad would agree with me. So I got
dressed, Eileen happily rousted Derek and I instructed Becca that she was on
flaking duty. Derek was out on the bow preparing to jump into action when Dad
came up to the galley rubbing his sleeping eyes negotiating for a later wake up
time. I tried to convince him that we would be fine and he could go back to
bed, but sadly the fog was a little too spooky for him. He went back to his
state room and I fired up the boat to warm it up. I didn’t realize that Dad had
actually gone to take a shower. But when he heard the engines fire, he did an
about face, jumped into his clothes and came up to find us unbuttoning the
anchor bridle.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TcACFKhuxhQ/UbdkuoLiatI/AAAAAAAAAhg/n3x93U3EtPM/s1600/Upload+14+108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TcACFKhuxhQ/UbdkuoLiatI/AAAAAAAAAhg/n3x93U3EtPM/s1600/Upload+14+108.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">We worked
our way through Grenville channel in the fog and the rain, and eventually made
it to our special fishing hole just outside of Hartley Bay. Shortly thereafter,
we had all poles in the water. Eileen was at the helm and the kids were watching
the poles, so Dad and I sat down to jump on Hartley Bay’s technology. Unfortunately,
nothing would hold. About that time a pole started wiggling around; we had our
first bite of the day and successfully landed a nice silver salmon. Moments
later we had our second salmon in the cooler. We were all excited when the kids
each had a salmon on, unfortunately they both lost them. Convinced that we had
found our fishing hole we circled back around. Then it was Eileen’s turn to
reel one in and she fought it for some time before it fouled itself under the
boat and snapped the line. I rounded out the final four with losing one in the
process of setting the hook. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6DkWFMUkq90/UbdkutwMtfI/AAAAAAAAAhc/YH4pNzd5xOU/s1600/Upload+14+109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6DkWFMUkq90/UbdkutwMtfI/AAAAAAAAAhc/YH4pNzd5xOU/s1600/Upload+14+109.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">At that
point, Dad decided to take charge of the situation and the next one was in the
boat…our luck was changed. Soon we had 5 salmon in the cooler; we were catching
them so fast that we couldn’t get all the poles in the water before someone was
yelling fish on! Becca and Derek even managed
to land a double. Finally, we decided we had enough fish and departed for an
ice cream and an adventure in Butedale. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">At the
entrance to Butedale a beautiful wide waterfall raged down the hill side. The
waterfall would most likely be the only thing classified as beautiful in
Butedale, which was once a bustling fish packing camp and now collapsing and
falling into the water. I didn’t think that it was safe enough for us to stop
but Eileen was on a mission. We finally compromised that I would slide the boat
up to the dock and then Eileen and Derek would jump off and run up the hill and
get us an ice cream cone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mBIw5Utzs7g/UbdlV0XFHUI/AAAAAAAAAiI/mWXOGEszDdw/s1600/Upload+14+142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mBIw5Utzs7g/UbdlV0XFHUI/AAAAAAAAAiI/mWXOGEszDdw/s1600/Upload+14+142.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As we
approached the dock, Lou the caretaker along with Tiger the cat and Bert the
dog came bounding down the dilapidated ramp to greet us. He was confident that
the dock would hold us so we all went ashore. As I weaved my way from one
rotten dock to another to get to the ramp, I was less and less comfortable with
our decision. Dad was waiting for me at the top of the ramp. Together we gazed
around at the unbelievable mess of buildings falling down everywhere. The
Waggoner’s book talked about teams of folks trying to save the place but in my
opinion it was difficult to see any impact that anyone had accomplished. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qIt9MgUmTB8/Ubdku50nPCI/AAAAAAAAAho/2WndzgjCEX4/s1600/Upload+14+117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qIt9MgUmTB8/Ubdku50nPCI/AAAAAAAAAho/2WndzgjCEX4/s1600/Upload+14+117.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">About then I
had this vision of the five of us walking down the ramp with our ice cream
looking down and finding the Simbalaut floating away with the dock tied to
her……I went back to monitor the situation. Dad came back with a handmade piece
of art and his ice cream. Eileen and the kids were about 20 minutes behind him.
It seems that they got an art lesson and they watched a video that he had taken
of a local white bear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mhUAETp6D90/UbdkvtgBeuI/AAAAAAAAAh8/FkiFxpPg7VI/s1600/Upload+14+179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mhUAETp6D90/UbdkvtgBeuI/AAAAAAAAAh8/FkiFxpPg7VI/s1600/Upload+14+179.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">As we
approached Khutz Inlet, the sun poked out for just a bit and then we were back
to rain. Our initial plan of anchoring behind a spit near the entrance was altered
when we arrived and found it full of boats. We moved on towards the back of the
inlet where we found an amazing waterfall and another SYC yacht. There was a
large drying mud flat and a milky haze in the water so we set our anchor near
the base of the waterfall in 100 feet of water. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ksy6TJo2V30/UbdkvWLAZlI/AAAAAAAAAh0/CYjGt1yPJ5g/s1600/Upload+14+174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ksy6TJo2V30/UbdkvWLAZlI/AAAAAAAAAh0/CYjGt1yPJ5g/s1600/Upload+14+174.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After we got
settled we set up a fish processing assembly line and cleaned and packed the
fish. For dinner we had crab melts and salmon. We all got our tummies full and
then snuggled down for home movie night. We’ve had a home movie night with each
group of guests and the night just keeps getting longer and longer.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-39632045310267221322011-07-18T20:15:00.000-07:002013-06-11T11:01:43.178-07:00Day 48 ~ Prince Rupert to Lowe Inlet, Grenville Channel<span style="font-family: inherit;">Before we
left Prince Rupert, Derek and Eileen went to shore to get supplies and forgot
the cabbage – for the second time, while Dad, Becca and I went to get fuel. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">We departed later than normal in order to ride
the current down Grenville Channel. Derek navigated our entire trip with Dad
initially at the helm followed by Eileen. Our technology held most of the day
allowing Dad, Becca and I to work.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">At one point
Derek made a comment that the long, long channel was just a bit boring. Then
they spotted their first of many waterfalls. Later in the day, Dad was taking a
nap, Becca was reading and the rest of us were on the bridge when Eileen jumped
up and rapidly shut the boat down because she thought that we were running over
a fishing net, it turned out to be bubbles. We finally had some
excitement! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We arrived
in Lowe inlet to find another boat in our super secret cove and a wonderful
waterfall at the head. As the evening approached, the tide changed and foam
began to appear from the falls. We dropped the dinghy and Derek and Eileen went
fishing. Dad, Becca and I reset the anchor because we were not happy with our
holding. We dropped in 104 feet of water!
We had so much chain out that Dad decided it was a perfectly good
opportunity to clean out the anchor well and re-flake the chain. This required
us to play out all but the last few feet of the chain and then retrieve and
flake it. We should have done this when Michael was on board! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E19CnHJSDV8/UbdhtRa7MmI/AAAAAAAAAg4/_GUPdsORLFM/s1600/Upload+14+090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E19CnHJSDV8/UbdhtRa7MmI/AAAAAAAAAg4/_GUPdsORLFM/s1600/Upload+14+090.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">For dinner
we had crab, 4 prawns and salmon on the grill. It was delicious. We couldn’t
eat all the crab so Eileen, with compliments of Becca, believed that there were
5 clusters left, agreed to clean the rest. Dad did engine chores. The kids and
I did the dishes. Then being the great kids that they are… Becca and Derek
crawled around on the floor on their hands and knees and polished the galley
floor, cushions and table. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After chores
we caught up on our cartography for the day by updating and creating float
plans. For the record, I didn’t make up this word; the kids have promised me
that this is a real word for using charts to dictate direction. After
everything was done, Eileen finally surfaced from the cockpit with about 4
pounds of cleaned crab meat challenging Becca’s ability to count and complimenting
her on her ability to sucker her into doing this tedious task. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The rain
held off for the entire day but it started spitting as the sun set. We had a
fun day with lots of laughter especially while preparing our blog update and
fixing my spelling.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-51771905750448953092011-07-17T20:13:00.000-07:002013-06-11T11:01:43.179-07:00Day 47 ~ Mink Bay, Boca de Quadra, Alaska to Prince Rupert, Canada<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hivYjtd2pGE/UbdhXYLZJUI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/qdq7H078U2Y/s1600/Upload+14+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hivYjtd2pGE/UbdhXYLZJUI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/qdq7H078U2Y/s1600/Upload+14+051.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Eileen was
up first and anxious to absorb all that Alaska has to offer, she went off into
the dinghy. She was so excited to see this beautiful eagle soaring towards her,
up until the time she realized that it was a seagull. Before she returned to
the boat she pulled the crab pots, which had a fair collection of crab. Derek, Dad
and I were all anxious to get back to the halibut grounds so we agreed to let
the rooster wake us up. Becca has obviously taken a few lessons from Wendy
because she asked for a reprieve and agreed to be the chain flaker. As we
prepared to leave the bay, I realized how warm it had gotten already.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qhb4Rpd08wI/UbdhXwhKiXI/AAAAAAAAAgk/Zn-oLInBWII/s1600/Upload+14+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qhb4Rpd08wI/UbdhXwhKiXI/AAAAAAAAAgk/Zn-oLInBWII/s1600/Upload+14+055.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dad and Eileen
hoisted the dinghy, Derek hoisted the anchor and we were off to pull the shrimp
pots (we got 4 shrimp). Two hours later we were back to the halibut grounds. The
kids and Eileen dropped their lines and then Dad jumped in with them as I tried
to keep us off the rocks. Dad was the first one with a fish in the boat, he
caught a salmon. Both Becca and Eileen caught a sea bass that Dad told them
they couldn’t keep because they were just too ugly. Later, Derek and I heard Dad
talking to someone on the phone about how good sea bass were…..seems suspicious.
Perhaps it is all based on the effort to clean them. We fished for less than an
hour and then we headed off back towards Canada.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHcljQ2AOM8/UbdhXmTWuMI/AAAAAAAAAgU/Socu5dRpR5M/s1600/Upload+14+057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHcljQ2AOM8/UbdhXmTWuMI/AAAAAAAAAgU/Socu5dRpR5M/s1600/Upload+14+057.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Derek had
turned into quite the junior navigator. He spent the entire day on the bridge
with me navigating our way towards Canada. I don’t think he realized the
significance of our route. Everyone else on the boat slept. At one point I said
to Derek that the weather was much prettier towards Hawaii, he suggested that
we turn right. I explained to him that it would only last so long and that when
we ran out of gas we would have a lot of explaining to do. The fog started to
set in around us pretty good, it was everywhere but we could still see the seat
of the Dutchman’s pants….if you don’t get it you’ll have to ask Wendy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ouxQh-mOAQM/UbdhYFpz8oI/AAAAAAAAAgg/Fc_Bh9WbawQ/s1600/Upload+14+060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ouxQh-mOAQM/UbdhYFpz8oI/AAAAAAAAAgg/Fc_Bh9WbawQ/s1600/Upload+14+060.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">As we
approached Vern’s Passage, we were an hour ahead so we negotiated with Dad and
got to fish for 30 minutes. We had several nibbles and then realized that the
fish that were biting were just a step larger than the herring that we were
using for fishing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once on the
dock in Prince Rupert, Eileen had a major melt down when her technology
wouldn’t work. Afterwards she recovered
and we fixed dinner. After dinner, the kids jumped in and did our next float
plan. Derek was all over the physical charts, flagging and measuring while
Becca was putting it all into the computer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kNVcP-LaSao/UbdhYiqWPFI/AAAAAAAAAgs/TD-qk9a704Y/s1600/Upload+14+064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kNVcP-LaSao/UbdhYiqWPFI/AAAAAAAAAgs/TD-qk9a704Y/s1600/Upload+14+064.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">The evening
was an emotional struggle for Dad and I, while we were both excited about
heading home we were both sad that our trip of a life time was rapidly coming
to an end. At one point Dad threw open the galley door and told us to step
outside and breathe the air of the port!
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After the
kids went to bed, Dad and I walked up to the bar but they were closed.
Fortunately, the bar on the Simbalaut was open. We got our noses fairly wet
before heading to bed. Eileen watched the only movie that was watched the
entire trip. </span><br />
<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-7805988047188985032011-07-16T20:11:00.000-07:002013-06-11T11:01:43.181-07:00Day 46 ~ Ketchikan to Mink Bay, Boca de Quadra<span style="font-family: inherit;">The morning
started abruptly when a 7:45 am Becca called, waking us all up and advising us that
they were on the runway an hour and a half earlier than we thought. We jumped
up and began our transition of getting Thor off the boat and the new group on. As
always, laundry was our challenge. The airport is on an island across the water
way from the boat so our new crew members had to come across on the ferry and
then with my encouragement they hiked their way down to the boat. It was a long
walk but after a few days on the boat they would probably thank me. Dad and
Thor worked on repairing an oil pressure gauge, Eileen and Derek went to the
grocery store and Becca and I finished cleaning.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFKYXEzLLG0/UbdgrPZANqI/AAAAAAAAAfo/YGmM4jLxO-w/s1600/Upload+14+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFKYXEzLLG0/UbdgrPZANqI/AAAAAAAAAfo/YGmM4jLxO-w/s1600/Upload+14+011.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thor’s
flight departed just after noon. He was taking a suitcase of extra clothes home
for me so he didn’t want to take the ferry. We ended up taking him over to the
float plane dock and then very quickly getting him off and Derek back on
because they threatened us with a $500.00 fine. As we departed the harbor,
Derek asked me how I kept from getting bored. I explained to him everything
that I had been doing and that each night I drop in bed exhausted. About that
time Dad slowed the boat as a school of Dall porpoises started swimming under
our bow wash. The kids were very excited. Afterwards, I did the typical in
servicing of the new crew and Derek’s passion for accuracy made my heart go
pitter patter! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhW7JobOxEk/Ubdgrfm4zbI/AAAAAAAAAf0/_TX6wUaU-oE/s1600/Upload+14+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhW7JobOxEk/Ubdgrfm4zbI/AAAAAAAAAf0/_TX6wUaU-oE/s1600/Upload+14+018.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">We powered
our way to the halibut hunting grounds that our guests the night before had
described and just as we were instructed, stopped and sent our bait down. In
moments, Becca had a fish on and shortly thereafter so did Derek. Both kids worked
for some time to bring their fish to the surface. Becca was first to the
surface with a 40 lb halibut. Finally, Dad had a shooter. He went and got his
gun and prepared to fire and fired… Nothing… cocked the gun and fired again… nothing…
he changed out the shells and boom he finally got to shoot his gun. We no sooner got Becca’s halibut under control
when Derek’s giant ling cod came to the surface. It was so big that it had to
go back because you can’t keep anything over 40 inches and it was 44 inches. Before
we left, Eileen brought another halibut to the surface that we lost before we
got it into the boat and I caught a rock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNaKAaMg3UY/UbdgrMXfEHI/AAAAAAAAAfs/2ITQJUZrjQI/s1600/Upload+14+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNaKAaMg3UY/UbdgrMXfEHI/AAAAAAAAAfs/2ITQJUZrjQI/s1600/Upload+14+025.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We worked
our way towards our anchorage in Mink Bay. Along the way we dropped the shrimp
and the crab pots. Once on anchor, Derek asked if he could go back to fishing
so I helped him get set up. We dropped the line over the side of the boat and
before we could get it set, the spool took off. Thirty minutes later he brought
a halibut to the surface that looked like it was about 60 pounds. Dad was
trying to get it lined up to be shot and it came loose! Poor Derek, two very large fish to the boat
and nothing in the fridge. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6a6cDiviGH8/UbdgsH2OO2I/AAAAAAAAAgE/w5sAM3-t-GY/s1600/Upload+14+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6a6cDiviGH8/UbdgsH2OO2I/AAAAAAAAAgE/w5sAM3-t-GY/s1600/Upload+14+036.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mink Bay was
a beautiful place to spend our last night in Alaska. Evening had all the
beautiful characteristics that we have come to appreciate of Southeast Alaska. The
water was calm, the mountains were crystal clear with a blue haze and the trees
were vibrant green. The sunset was all shades of pink, blue and purple. Wow… like
Dad said if we could have evenings like this every night we would never want to
leave.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ACyAt5czR0Q/UbdgsPf7q0I/AAAAAAAAAgA/ke82XVj6d0M/s1600/Upload+14+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ACyAt5czR0Q/UbdgsPf7q0I/AAAAAAAAAgA/ke82XVj6d0M/s1600/Upload+14+050.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-23842396032647488362011-07-15T20:10:00.000-07:002013-06-11T08:52:49.644-07:00Day 45 ~ Meyers Chuck, Cleveland Peninsula to Ketchikan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-egQ6976EYGI/UbdHkrvHbfI/AAAAAAAAAfU/8o7tn1xfjvc/s1600/Alaska+%2314+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-egQ6976EYGI/UbdHkrvHbfI/AAAAAAAAAfU/8o7tn1xfjvc/s1600/Alaska+%2314+028.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The morning
started early for Dad with a knock on the boat. Dad came up with his sleepy
eyes and found a woman who subsidizes her income by making cinnamon rolls and
selling them to boats on the dock. Dad wanting to help support the local
economy purchased 5 and went back to bed. Thor was curious what was going on so
he too got out of bed and then slid down the stairs when he went back to bed,
which woke me up. It wasn’t long before we were all up!</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ugh, my
hands were really starting to take a toll. I had been chipping away at my
horrible nail job since we left Sitka. Nails and hair were going to be first on
my list when I got home. Dad was also getting really shaggy. It was the first
morning in a long time that we were off the dock before our projected float
plan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The skies
were grey and they threatened rain but for the most part the rain held off all
day. As we approached Ketchikan, we slowed down and fished our way into the
harbor. Unfortunately, we didn’t catch anything. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SeqcAdGlqaI/UbdHkcku0QI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/cZu2s6k7kUo/s1600/Alaska+%2314+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SeqcAdGlqaI/UbdHkcku0QI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/cZu2s6k7kUo/s1600/Alaska+%2314+035.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we
arrived at the fuel dock, all of our gauges were showing zero but we hadn’t
gotten into the reserve tanks. My fuel calculations were off by 5 gallons. After
the fuel dock we headed over to Bar Harbor, which turned out to be the most
stayed in harbor of the whole trip. Once on the dock we began our standard chore
routine. No wonder Dad and I were not too keen on going to the dock. Laundry was
always first, followed by moving all the fishing gear off the boat and then
washing the gear and boat inside and out. We were in a single width slip so we
had dock on both sides, which allowed us to get both sides washed well. Dad and
Thor were on the outside crew and just before they were finished the gentleman
that was bringing us an engine part arrived with his girlfriend. All cleaning
was instantly halted and we went into host mode.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For some
time our company sat and visited with us, sharing with us some halibut fishing
holes that were in our return path. I continued to push the laundry along and
then decided to take a shower, because Thor was planning on taking us to town
for dinner. As it turned out our guests joined us and we headed to one of the
finest restaurants in town, which served Italian and Mexican food. Dinner was
fun and so were our new friends. There was some kind of big 80’s team dance
happening in town and they really wanted us to join them but we said our
goodnights and headed back to the boat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Before we
left I had put my clothes into the dryer and it was still running when we
returned. Unfortunately, I had already stripped my sheets and they were in the
washing machine with soap so my only choice is to stay up and run the washing
machine and the dryer. By 2:00 a.m. I had dry sheets.</span><br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-73136789104886450462011-07-14T20:09:00.000-07:002013-06-11T08:52:56.313-07:00Day 44 ~ Roosevelt Harbor on Zarembo Island to Meyers Chuck, Cleveland Peninsula<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our sunshine
was gone and the fog was threatening. The main water pump was causing more
issues so Dad switched it out with a back up before we departed. While Thor and
Dad work on switching out the pump, I worked on our float plan, not wanting to
have a repeat of our departure from Red Bluff Bay without a plan. We didn’t get
to go Halibut fishing as originally planned because of chores and tides. I did
however find us a spot near Meyers Chuck that time permitting we could drift
over and pick up something. Our float plan for the day took us down Zimovia
Straits between Wrangell Island and Etolin Island then out Ernest Sound to
Meyers Chuck. I’ve been keeping an Excel spreadsheet on our fuel consumption
and Dad asked me if we needed to go into Wrangell to get fuel and I told him no.
If my calculations were incorrect we were going to be in trouble because there
are no fuel options between where we were and where we are going except Wrangell.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DxDCjaNMuQ/UbdG8DWeVVI/AAAAAAAAAfA/FO4Vxuv3v4g/s1600/Alaska+%2314+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DxDCjaNMuQ/UbdG8DWeVVI/AAAAAAAAAfA/FO4Vxuv3v4g/s1600/Alaska+%2314+026.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">The passage
through Zimovia Straits was quite beautiful, it would have been more enjoyable
had the rain stopped and the fog lifted but we got the picture. There were
several cabins along the way. It’s proximity to Wrangell probably makes it a
popular weekend destination. Days like this Dad and I tended to get a little
cabin fever. We checked the weather before departing from Wrangell and it
appeared that we are going to have rain for the next week – ugh! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We stopped
on the spot on the chart that said ‘Halibut’ and started fishing. Within
minutes, we already had a ling cod on the line, which is a really ugly mean
fish but great eating. We got it on the swim step and I wouldn’t let them make
the ‘keep’ or ‘release’ decision until I found a tape measure and read the
regulations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5tTexJt_8XM/UbdG8Kqwm9I/AAAAAAAAAe8/e0TwpvFI9V4/s1600/Alaska+%2314+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5tTexJt_8XM/UbdG8Kqwm9I/AAAAAAAAAe8/e0TwpvFI9V4/s1600/Alaska+%2314+027.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fortunately,
it was 32 inches and the regulations were 30 so in the fish cooler it went. Over
the next hour we caught one more that was legal and one that had to go back. We
also lost all three of our 8 oz weights and created the worst birds nest in a
reel that I’ve ever seen. In fact, it took scissors to save the reel. We
decided that we had lost enough tackle and headed towards Meyers Chuck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our arrival
into Meyers Chuck was a bit of a challenge. The tide was down low and there are
several rocks at the already skinny entrance. The public dock was full of boats
but as luck would have it, a member of the Seattle Yacht Club who we were
docked with clear back in Shearwater named the Blue Moon was on the dock. His
fenders were out which was as good as a welcome mat. We moved towards them and
they helped us get rafted to them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OVuCRa5ECMc/UbdG8LMySCI/AAAAAAAAAe4/du6qX0Dnmmo/s1600/Alaska+%2314+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OVuCRa5ECMc/UbdG8LMySCI/AAAAAAAAAe4/du6qX0Dnmmo/s1600/Alaska+%2314+025.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a show of
appreciation we invited them over to have beverages with us after we fluffed
the place up. They accepted and were more than happy to help us consume our
overstock of liquor. We would be crossing into Canada in a few days and our liquor
inventory definitely needed to be depleted. They were lovely people and we
enjoyed talking to them. In fact, I think that Dad and I were so enjoying
having strangers to talk to that we talked their ears off. They did seem to get
a kick out of our stories and our float plan book. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After they
left we made some popcorn and had a home movie night. Thor hadn’t seen any of
the movies so we had to go all the way back to the beginning. I wasn’t sure
about getting the video camera but now that we can look back and see all the
movies that we took I’m really glad that we did.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-36508566830178986732011-07-13T20:08:00.000-07:002013-06-11T08:52:56.308-07:00Day 43 ~ Irish Creek in Rocky Passage, Kupreanof Island to Roosevelt Harbor on Zarembo Island<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q-eFfnXasug/UbdGVvR1NMI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/Ln3QIGRo-Xc/s1600/Alaska+%2314+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q-eFfnXasug/UbdGVvR1NMI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/Ln3QIGRo-Xc/s1600/Alaska+%2314+001.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W9Ri1qSf_BY/UbdGV4NtsfI/AAAAAAAAAeU/mVxi7zc81-0/s1600/Alaska+%2314+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W9Ri1qSf_BY/UbdGV4NtsfI/AAAAAAAAAeU/mVxi7zc81-0/s1600/Alaska+%2314+004.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">About 6:30 a.m.
the chain started growling as the tide went farther and farther down. I really
needed to use the restroom and I knew that I had to go and disturb Dad because
the last flush of the night last night broke our head. Today would be the third
time we have had the head apart for repairs. I stayed in bed not wanting to
wake everyone and wrote notes in my notebook. Before I left I told my
leadership team that I was going on an Executive Retreat not vacation. I packed
lots of business books, expecting to read every night and spent the next day
discussing my lesson with Dad. I was somewhat disappointed with myself until I
had an “a-ha” moment and realized that we had been on a major executive retreat
complete with training courses since we left the dock in Seattle. Now I’m
trying to document all the wonderful lessons.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ulsw-1IG3rU/UbdGV8b7RRI/AAAAAAAAAeY/cR5LqEGJ-II/s1600/Alaska+%2314+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ulsw-1IG3rU/UbdGV8b7RRI/AAAAAAAAAeY/cR5LqEGJ-II/s1600/Alaska+%2314+005.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">The sun was
up and it was warm this morning, but the wind had started and the clouds were
moving in. We couldn’t open the boat up because the nasty horseflies would come
in and get us! Dad and Thor went to the
beach to scout for crystals that the folks from the Sitka Bear were talking
about, postponing their head fixing exercise. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dad and Thor
came back from the beach with some cool crystals and then fixed the toilet. We
were set to fire the engines and hoist the anchor at 12:35 so that we would arrive
at the critical point at high slack water. It was tough waiting in anticipation
for the right moment to depart. By noon, I could tell that Dad was getting antsy
and was ready to take on the navigational challenge ahead of us. He had already
raised the dinghy and had the anchor wash hose in hand. We would be 15 minutes
early, but I decided to give into him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LdaBTVLeoBE/UbdGWRRyqqI/AAAAAAAAAeo/Xtc8JOetfnA/s1600/Alaska+%2314+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LdaBTVLeoBE/UbdGWRRyqqI/AAAAAAAAAeo/Xtc8JOetfnA/s1600/Alaska+%2314+007.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">We departed
with Thor on log duty and binoculars; I had the paper chart in one hand and the
fly zapper in the other and I was watching the fathometer. Dad was steady at
the helm and watching the electronic chart. We started at navigational aid 36
and had to count down to zero. As soon as he could spot them Thor would call
out the next marker and provide a visual reference. Dad carefully weaved between
the rocks. At some points, coming about like a horse doing barrel racing. I
followed along with the paper charts confirming each obstacle that was listed
making sure Dad could locate it. After each hairpin turn and skinny channel it
seemed like there was a wide spot in the road that we could all take a quick
breath, stand up and then focus again. It took us 1 hour and 44 minutes to make
our way through Rocky Passage, another South East Alaska Navigational challenge
conquered. At the end point our estimations
for time were off by 2 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H3IbGwSawtA/UbdGY-qKNtI/AAAAAAAAAew/23u7Nshl_v4/s1600/Alaska+%2314+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H3IbGwSawtA/UbdGY-qKNtI/AAAAAAAAAew/23u7Nshl_v4/s1600/Alaska+%2314+022.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">The rest of
the day was spent pitching and rolling up Summer Straits, first with the waves
coming at us and then with a following sea. The offset was that the sun was out
in full strength. The poor boat was so covered in salt that when we came to
anchorage you couldn’t see out the windows. Thor and Dad drove from the bridge
all day and I worked on my computer. It was a long day and we finally came to
rest after 7:00 with Wrangell, Alaska in our sights. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once on anchor
in Roosevelt Harbor both Dad and Thor were busy on their phones. Our intention
was to fish the halibut hole in the morning and then head south.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-88392731302406660652011-07-12T20:06:00.000-07:002013-06-11T08:52:56.318-07:00Day 42 ~ Red Buff Bay to Irish Creek in Rocky Passage<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-87J_vCUGF3U/UbdGC3yob0I/AAAAAAAAAd4/kJUKbSnj2Sg/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-87J_vCUGF3U/UbdGC3yob0I/AAAAAAAAAd4/kJUKbSnj2Sg/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+228.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our
intention was that we were going to do our float plan this morning. Instead, we
slept/laid around in bed until 9:30 and pulled the anchor after freeing it from
all the kelp. To our delight, we had 125 shrimp in the pots. As we headed
towards the exit of the bay, Dad noticed the chop in Chatham Straits and he decided
that we need to put up the dinghy. We stopped just short of the entrance and
the guys went to work lifting the dinghy, while I kept us off a nasty submerged
rock.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then we
headed out into the abyss without a float plan. Princess Chief (my new
nickname) was not happy! We were getting
4 -5 foot swells our port beam and we were routinely throwing salt all over the
boat. Frustrated, I asked Dad to do something other than talk on his phone
while I fixed lunch. Magically, Dad went to the bridge, adjusted our course and
things settled down. Princess Chief was much happier. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fem54W4xySI/UbdGDDupvJI/AAAAAAAAAd8/Sc1bSyT8AJM/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fem54W4xySI/UbdGDDupvJI/AAAAAAAAAd8/Sc1bSyT8AJM/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+233.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">The sun was
beating down so hard that at one point we considered putting up the bridge top
to protect us. We motored past Kake, once again forgetting to take a picture of
the world’s tallest totem pole. As we got towards the end of Keku Straits we
weaved our way through several of the islands. At one point we noticed an
oncoming boat that was of fair size. We were encouraged because we thought that
they had come from Rocky Passage which was in line to be our next challenge. We
had done a great deal of reading on the passage. It was going to save us a full
day of back tracking all the way to Petersburg, however, according to the
author of the book that we have been using on a daily basis the largest boat
that they knew of that had made the passage was 50 feet and we are 53 feet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We hailed
the boat as they passed us only to hear from the captain that we must be crazy,
if we thought that he had come from Devils Elbow which is at the height of
Rocky Passage. He did tell us that a
friend of his was anchored in Irish Creek just about the summit and was
preparing to go through Rocky Passage tomorrow. Shortly we arrived at Irish
Creek which is in Rock Passage just short of the Summit, the first major
challenge. We zigzagged our way into a narrow slot and anchored the boat. At
first, the horseflies were attacking us but thanks to the electronic bug
zappers we were able to protect ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eECVm9ufOOM/UbdGDG_FVsI/AAAAAAAAAeA/Vu2xjvPz8iA/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eECVm9ufOOM/UbdGDG_FVsI/AAAAAAAAAeA/Vu2xjvPz8iA/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+242.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once settled,
we went on a recon mission to investigate the passage. We started by visiting
the folks on the ‘Sitka Bear’ to see what local knowledge we could gain. They
were delightful people with two large black labs on board. In fact, the female
of the pair jumped into the dinghy with us. As it turns out, Dad knew someone
from the past that they knew from Ketchikan, six degrees of separation is so
true. They were geologists and seemed more interested in retrieving crystals
and agates off the beach than the passage itself.</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The tide was
low which allowed us to confirm each navigational aide and rock. Our
exploration convinced us that we could make a safe passage. Back at the big
boat, we had all 125 shrimp for dinner – yummy. The rest of the evening was
spent updating the blog. The moon was up and the skies were beautiful colors. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-42575061095661660912011-07-11T20:04:00.000-07:002013-06-11T08:52:56.310-07:00Day 41 ~ Appleton Cove to Red Buff Bay<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-91WsFQB0rEo/UbdFHX9yFBI/AAAAAAAAAcY/AZFYF0YTVkI/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-91WsFQB0rEo/UbdFHX9yFBI/AAAAAAAAAcY/AZFYF0YTVkI/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+093.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DfT-w58q0U/UbdFHXgRC3I/AAAAAAAAAcU/3WRKnTZCliw/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DfT-w58q0U/UbdFHXgRC3I/AAAAAAAAAcU/3WRKnTZCliw/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+079.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">We were up
around 9:00 a.m. and began our morning routine of pulling the anchor. The
weather was beautiful, back to the sun screen we went. We had an easy transit
to Baranof Warm Springs. It is very interesting how with each new crew member
we go through retraining, where are my SOPs when I need them. We introduced
Thor to flaking the anchor chain, breakfast smoothies and cranwater which he
didn’t like.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dw35IB3c5QQ/UbdFHYuMK4I/AAAAAAAAAcg/MJTMxGIl3QE/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dw35IB3c5QQ/UbdFHYuMK4I/AAAAAAAAAcg/MJTMxGIl3QE/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+104.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">When we
approached Baranof Warm Springs, we noticed two rather large yachts rafted
together in one of the coves. It is rare to see boats of their size and to see
two of them together were quite a sight. The public dock in Baranof was full so
we went to a cove just a short distance from the waterfall. After three
attempts to set the stern anchor in the deep cove Dad got frustrated. He took
the anchor to shore in the dinghy with three lines including the shrimp line
and buried the anchor behind a big rock. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uVxue825Gm4/UbdFHzapU7I/AAAAAAAAAco/BnMduaatC54/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uVxue825Gm4/UbdFHzapU7I/AAAAAAAAAco/BnMduaatC54/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+105.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CRTi_Xo4HQ8/UbdFIvjsngI/AAAAAAAAAc0/i2vkYwjtHfY/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CRTi_Xo4HQ8/UbdFIvjsngI/AAAAAAAAAc0/i2vkYwjtHfY/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+113.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We raced
over to the public dock in the dinghy with adult beverages and towels in hand
headed to the hot springs. At the dock, there were several small cabins that
were sliding into the bay. Funny…..they were all for sale. The locals had spent
an amazing amount of energy building elevated walkways to the numerous cabins
and to the public bath houses. There was also a crew that was actively working
on a lodge at the base of the waterfall. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AiihqBpNA58/UbdFI-lBaVI/AAAAAAAAAc8/6tM9Hfb4q1w/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AiihqBpNA58/UbdFI-lBaVI/AAAAAAAAAc8/6tM9Hfb4q1w/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+120.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We climbed
higher and higher through the woods along a beautiful walk full of lovely
landscape parallel to the waterfall for about a half mile. Finally, we found a
break in the railing and a hand carved note that said ‘Hot’ and an arrow. Dad
offered to be the scout that went ahead to verify the note. Soon he returned
announcing success… he had found the hot pools. Thor doesn’t have any feelings
in his feet so it was a bigger challenge for him to trek through the woods,
over the stumps, roots and rocks to the edge of the waterfall. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wUD4Jz70X24/UbdFJs6VKLI/AAAAAAAAAdM/yZlVT_iCRXA/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wUD4Jz70X24/UbdFJs6VKLI/AAAAAAAAAdM/yZlVT_iCRXA/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+122.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6MuhRJv4TU/UbdFI-eLXPI/AAAAAAAAAc4/4heolfAGRus/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6MuhRJv4TU/UbdFI-eLXPI/AAAAAAAAAc4/4heolfAGRus/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+116.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The magnificent
pools were at least 105 degrees and they came right up to the edge of the
waterfall that was raging past us, down the side of the mountain that we had
just climbed. It was so beautiful up there that we took several pictures before
heading back to the boat. The hike back was far easier because it was all
downhill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DivLgCjb8cY/UbdFJj5ar_I/AAAAAAAAAdQ/Jj9UVSXwHlI/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DivLgCjb8cY/UbdFJj5ar_I/AAAAAAAAAdQ/Jj9UVSXwHlI/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+148.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Back at the
boat, Dad went off to retrieve the stern anchor and Thor and I prepared the
boat for departure. Like a fine oiled machine everything was working according
to plan until Dad started hollering at me to stop. Apparently, I departed a bit
too swiftly and he wasn’t able to get the dinghy tied off. By the time I had the big boat turned around I
could see that the little boat was moving in the wind and current rapidly
towards the shore. It was undesirable to go swimming so I decided that a quick
capture of the dinghy line would be in my best interest. Dad and Thor moved
quickly to the bow pulpit with the boat hook. Dad was able to catch the line on
the dinghy. Thor, however, in the process of helping knocked off his size 14
shoe into the water. The shoe became rescue # 2, which was far more difficult. Fortunately,
it didn’t sink and Dad was pretty handy with a boat hook. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5EolK5sVk58/UbdFKrlJ1VI/AAAAAAAAAdo/yABf88ImuLk/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5EolK5sVk58/UbdFKrlJ1VI/AAAAAAAAAdo/yABf88ImuLk/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+158.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">After we
left Baranof I suggested that we stop and catch dinner or they were going to
get frozen chicken for dinner. The boat stopped, lines went in the water and
salmon was in the cooler in less than 10 minutes.</span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6qEZXE8Wbw/UbdFKa3zF4I/AAAAAAAAAdk/rRUW5kTzJDQ/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6qEZXE8Wbw/UbdFKa3zF4I/AAAAAAAAAdk/rRUW5kTzJDQ/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+212.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Near the
entrance of the Red Bluff we had read that prawns were plentiful, so we set the
prawns pots. Our desired anchorage was 6.8 miles back into the bay. We were
shocked to find nine yachts in our anchorage. The most since we began this
trip, so much for staying at the most popular locations. When we returned from
our evening dinghy ride we found a 40 foot log entangled in our anchor chain. We
roped the log and proceeded to drag it out away from the boats while tons of
bugs attacked us. </span><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-33345640577851375472011-07-10T20:03:00.000-07:002013-06-11T08:52:56.306-07:00Day 40 ~ Sitka to Appleton Cove<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is
interesting how warm the boat gets when the sun is shining!</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">This morning I woke up and realized that I
hadn’t finished everything that Judy needed for the Navigator Rendezvous so I
tip toed up and jumped on my computer. Michael was already up and enjoying the
view and a bit sad that she was leaving. Wendy, not wanting the day to begin
was refusing to get up. I tried to talk her into riding with us to Ketchikan
but she was steadfast in her need to get back to the office.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dad had two
different groups of ‘old friends’ that stopped by the boat to say hello when
they found out that he was in town. In the past, his company was very involved
with the fishing industry and he had a relationship with these folks, just like
his current relationship with folks like Bubba who keeps checking on us while
on this trip. Dad is one of those all around nice guys that people simply like.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After the
guests left we started loading up the truck so we could run some errands before
we had to take Wendy and Michael to the airport. Our first stop was the fish
processing facility that prepared the salmon that we caught for the freezer. Then
we stopped at the marine store so Dad could return a pump.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was really
sad as we headed towards the airport. Waving goodbye to Wendy and Michael was
the most difficult portion of the trip. After the airport, we headed back to
town to get a chart of Rocky Passage at Murray Pacific and then went to the
grocery store. We stopped at the condo to pick up Susan who is the next door
neighbor so she could bring the truck back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Back at the
boat, we fired up the engines and headed towards the fuel dock. There was a
large tender at the fuel dock and the afternoon winds were blowing, making it a
challenge to nestle Simby to the dock. Once fueled, we headed out of town. Thor
was familiar with the passage so he helped navigate. Once in Salisbury Sound we
were getting 4 -5 footers rolling in from the NW across the bow pitching salt
all over our clean boat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9Z8qtpBybQ/UbdE8D92HqI/AAAAAAAAAcM/n8h0wigiCdg/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9Z8qtpBybQ/UbdE8D92HqI/AAAAAAAAAcM/n8h0wigiCdg/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+074.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sergius
Narrows was far less challenging than our first passage. It is amazing how far
a little local knowledge goes. We had originally thought that we would spend
the night in Deep Bay but the evening was so beautiful that we made a course
change to Appleton Cove. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As we
approached Appleton Cove, a pod of Dall porpoises came and played in our wake. There
were several boats and a sea plane in Appleton Cove so we had to pick an
anchorage that was less than perfect. We had had a big night before so we
decided that an early night was in our best interest. Frankly, it was the
earliest that we had been to bed since we left Seattle. We had 150 feet of
chain out. </span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-15664259194589285152011-07-09T20:02:00.000-07:002013-06-11T08:39:55.335-07:00Day 39 ~ Leesoffskaia Bay to Sitka<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ka2aJ0tYzH8/UbdEQZqchJI/AAAAAAAAAbg/21bRqEkoBVc/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ka2aJ0tYzH8/UbdEQZqchJI/AAAAAAAAAbg/21bRqEkoBVc/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+039.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">The day that
Michael got on board she said that she would be awake by 6:30 each day and today
it was 9:30 Alaska time. Before noon we had pulled anchor and we were slowly
heading towards Sitka. We were procrastinating looking for the house from the
movie, which we determined to be back east! Sitka has definitely changed since
the last time we were here. It is a really pretty area and you could see all
the new houses that had been added to the growing population of 80,000. We came
all the way across town and tied up to a lovely marina. One thing that I really
liked up there was that the boat slips were really wide because of all of the
fishing vessels.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5MdnCUbtr3o/UbdEQlez5II/AAAAAAAAAbo/edpzf-OkvXY/s1600/IMG_0363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5MdnCUbtr3o/UbdEQlez5II/AAAAAAAAAbo/edpzf-OkvXY/s1600/IMG_0363.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">The rest of
the afternoon was all about chores. We washed the boat and scrubbed the
interior. Dad has a condo in Sitka so we packed up all the laundry and headed
over to take showers and do laundry. Dad wanted to get the oil changed and to
go shopping at the marine store and I wanted to get my nails done. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It had been
five weeks since we left and I was down to only five nails left. Dad talked to
his neighbor in Sitka and got a referral which I called. What an experience, the
woman spoke no English – none! The owner
of the store was using her lap top to translate between us. My pedicure was
nice, but very basic…my feet were in a bucket. Next up was the nails. The owner
of the store was busy with a haircut and I was left with the woman calling
people on the phone who were serving as translators. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xhGtrBBvuHw/UbdERujoJAI/AAAAAAAAAb4/AX1NmxbNanM/s1600/IMG_0367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xhGtrBBvuHw/UbdERujoJAI/AAAAAAAAAb4/AX1NmxbNanM/s1600/IMG_0367.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Two hours
later, Wendy had showered, moved laundry along and was at Ernie’s Saloon having
a beer. Dad had the oil changed and had been to the store twice. Shiner had
completed her shopping and Thor was ready to hang a taxi sign on the truck. Back
at the salon, my nail girl was on her third nail. She was doing them one at a
time. The owner was so sweet, she came over to try and help and made the
comment that she needs to watch the video so she can help her learn what to do! Oh my, my hands were a mess! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4SBevWHzUE/UbdERtu6b6I/AAAAAAAAAb8/x9stHxEg5BY/s1600/IMG_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X4SBevWHzUE/UbdERtu6b6I/AAAAAAAAAb8/x9stHxEg5BY/s1600/IMG_0371.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After my
adventure at the salon, Thor picked me up and I went to the condo to move the
laundry along and get a shower. It was lovely to have a nice long shower. For
dinner, Dad had selected the Chanel Club and Thor decided to treat everyone. Dinner
was fabulous. Michael and I had a wonderful curry halibut and everyone else had
steak. As we walked out of the restaurant we were greeted by the most beautiful
sunset. The skies were full of color. I tried to get some good pictures with my
little camera but they didn’t really turn out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZyxsfURWk0/UbdEQsg3KDI/AAAAAAAAAbk/CcjcWiZKsA0/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZyxsfURWk0/UbdEQsg3KDI/AAAAAAAAAbk/CcjcWiZKsA0/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+050.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">After dinner
we came back to the boat to get our chores finished which included updating the
blog, switching out the broken printer and fixing the leaking head. It was a
late night and we still didn’t get everything done. Michael and Thor worked on
the laundry and making another trip all the way up the dock, Wendy and I worked
on the printer which worked great until we moved it back downstairs and it
stopped, Dad fixed the head. Tomorrow, Wendy and Michael are flying out around
1:00 and the boat is heading towards Ketchikan with Thor. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-92131464966940543042011-07-08T20:01:00.000-07:002013-06-11T08:52:56.320-07:00Day 38 ~ De Groff Bay, Krestof Island to Leesoffskaia Bay<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jhIR4pypAwk/UbdDlmwlG9I/AAAAAAAAAa4/TJHB0Gv9aQU/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jhIR4pypAwk/UbdDlmwlG9I/AAAAAAAAAa4/TJHB0Gv9aQU/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+186.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">The rooster
had been called back to action so we could exit the bay during high tide. Once
again, Wendy had requested a pardon the night before which Dad granted and
Michael requested one in the morning which I granted (she had a bit too much
fire water the night before).</span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZ40aGX8ruk/UbdDmIP7C8I/AAAAAAAAAbE/atS-dpsm0Vc/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZ40aGX8ruk/UbdDmIP7C8I/AAAAAAAAAbE/atS-dpsm0Vc/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+195.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was amazingly
beautiful departing the bay; the water was so calm that I could hardly stop
taking pictures of the reflections. The rocks were black and orange which were
new colors, one formation looked to me like lips! In the still of the morning, we eased our way
out of the bay and out of the outer cove trying not to disturb its ambiance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As we
entered Sitka Sound, we were certain that at any moment we could see the fleet
of fisherman out in the Sound but they were nowhere to be found. Finally, we
just picked a spot and started fishing. Wendy was still sleeping so we promoted
Michael to the helm. I was watching the poles and checking emails and Dad was
talking on the phone on the bridge when we got the first fish on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4kQc4d1GHXU/UbdDl0LFOgI/AAAAAAAAAbA/T-vIl43LIik/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4kQc4d1GHXU/UbdDl0LFOgI/AAAAAAAAAbA/T-vIl43LIik/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+002.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It took us
so long to get our act organized and all the gear out of the water that we lost
the fish. Frustrated, I marched downstairs and fussed at Wendy that she had to
get up because I just lost a fish. Needless to say, it wasn’t the most pleasant
way to start her day……sorry! We got all
the gear back in the water and proceeded to catch a fairly nice silver salmon. Then
the fishing got really slow so we moved to another spot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8KuqeVchEk/UbdDmCZl-MI/AAAAAAAAAbI/qHACjSM4AFM/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8KuqeVchEk/UbdDmCZl-MI/AAAAAAAAAbI/qHACjSM4AFM/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+004.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The second
spot turned out to be more fruitful, we caught two more silvers one of them was
really nice. Michael had been driving all morning so I offered to relieve her
at the helm. She went back and started fishing with Dad. They thought that they
had a fish on and they began bringing up gear. Michael was concerned that her
drink cup was going to get spilled so she carefully reached behind Dad without
his knowledge which turned out to be a tactical error because Dad jerked the
pole backwards to grab the weight and jabbed the butt of the pole right into
Michael’s head just about her left eye. She instantly had a goose egg and a new
nickname “shiner” since she was well on her way to a major black eye.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We decided
that we had enough with fishing and headed behind a couple of islands towards
our anchorage for the night. We could have gone into Sitka but we wanted to
stay on anchor instead. There were some spectacular homes perched on the
islands. We knew the movie The Proposal was based out of Sitka so we looked
everywhere for the house where the movie was shot with no luck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rqk4OlrbB0w/UbdDmp0FDXI/AAAAAAAAAbY/_x2ApYJrdK0/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rqk4OlrbB0w/UbdDmp0FDXI/AAAAAAAAAbY/_x2ApYJrdK0/s1600/Alaska+Upload+12+005.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Leesoffskaia
Bay turned out to be a beautiful choice for Wendy’s and Michael’s last day on
anchorage. In route, we spotted a ‘small boat’ channel that looked perfect for
a dinghy ride and some black bass fishing. The last time we were in Sitka we
brought home lots of black bass and we were off to find some more. Dad wanted
to take a little nap so the girls provisioned the dinghy and off we went. We
had a wonderful time floating around chatting. Michael caught one fish that we
put into live well, waiting to see how many more we could catch, turned out
that it was the only one. When we got back to the boat, Dad was ready for
dinner, which turned out to be a bit of a challenge due to our beverages. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-78858855175531048572011-07-07T20:00:00.000-07:002013-06-11T08:52:56.315-07:00Day 37 ~ Douglas Bay, Hoonah Sound to De Groff Bay Krestof Island<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OH5KCDcXXz0/UbdDCFWSHOI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/qGHyyclIdw8/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OH5KCDcXXz0/UbdDCFWSHOI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/qGHyyclIdw8/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+073.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">According to
the float plan prepared by Michael and Dad we needed to recover our crab pots
by 8:30 a.m., which would allow us to be at the shrimp pots by 9:45. Wendy and
Michael jumped in the dinghy and raced off and Dad and I hoisted the anchors. When
Wendy and Michael were in route they spotted a rock that they thought was
covered in tires. Upon closer inspection they determined that the tires were
actually seals. Step one of our log was accomplished and we were off to step
two, when Dad spotted a grizzly on the beach. He drove the boat toward the bear
and we were able to get about 50 feet off the beach. He was cinnamon colored
and moved through the grass with a commanding stride. We watched him for a few
minutes and then went on our way to the shrimp pots intending to use Dad’s
fancy trick of pulling them. Our morning haul from the sea was 4 crabs and 3
dozen tiger prawns.</span><br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cyShxfSlgEk/UbdDCwtJH3I/AAAAAAAAAac/1Wmn8_k7VXo/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cyShxfSlgEk/UbdDCwtJH3I/AAAAAAAAAac/1Wmn8_k7VXo/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+086.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IYs-ahF0PWY/UbdDCLtYitI/AAAAAAAAAaM/mvsjbMMfxYE/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IYs-ahF0PWY/UbdDCLtYitI/AAAAAAAAAaM/mvsjbMMfxYE/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+112.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our ride
towards Serguis Narrows was smooth. The sun was trying to break through the
clouds but the rain was winning the battle. As we rounded Rose Island the
current was getting stronger pulling the boat towards Salisbury Sound. It was
about then that I asked when slack tide was at the Narrows, oops – our planning
team forgot to check! We checked the
book and found we had a couple of hours to kill, quickly we found a cove to
tuck into. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We dropped
anchor in Deep Bay, and Dad and Michael fired up the crab pot on the swim step
and proceeded to cook the crab and shrimp while Wendy and I redid the float
plan focusing on the appropriate slack time at Serguis Narrows. After our
chores were finished, Dad took a nap and the girls went to the bridge to enjoy
the little bit of sunshine. Wendy found another bear way back on the tree line.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zO_NmRRs7UM/UbdDC7Oq1II/AAAAAAAAAaY/8XnVmpoPJCc/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zO_NmRRs7UM/UbdDC7Oq1II/AAAAAAAAAaY/8XnVmpoPJCc/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+117.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Narrows
were still running as we approached them but they were easily navigated by Dad
and we were off to the fishing grounds that we have been waiting for since we left
Seattle. The water was so sloppy that we got tossed right out of Salisbury
Sound and back into our book in search of a home for the night. The book
described a lovely secluded bay that was near us so we decided it was calling
our name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once again,
we found ourselves slithering through passages to get to our destination. DeGroff
Bay was just as beautiful as it was described in the book and definitely a top
contender for best anchorage. We cruised
around and picked our spot deep in the back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SlrU0vbw7ko/UbdDDlozuPI/AAAAAAAAAak/1fN4tTcZ9uU/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SlrU0vbw7ko/UbdDDlozuPI/AAAAAAAAAak/1fN4tTcZ9uU/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+139.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As night began
to fall the rain finally stopped. Knowing that we had to depart the bay early
in the morning during high tide, we decided to go exploring. The water was so
clear that we could see the empty clam shells about 5 feet under the water. Some
of them were about the size of a bread and butter plate. The reflection on the
water was amazing. We called it a night and headed to bed. We were headed off
to Sitka the next day and hopefully fishing along on the way in Sitka Sound.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-67412585203249054492011-07-06T19:58:00.000-07:002013-06-11T08:52:56.311-07:00Day 36 ~ Tenakee Springs to Douglas Bay, Hoonah Sound<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nnevuT60zio/UbdCQ_VIsVI/AAAAAAAAAZk/LaU2u9ReYMY/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nnevuT60zio/UbdCQ_VIsVI/AAAAAAAAAZk/LaU2u9ReYMY/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+046.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Like all the
recent days, we woke to rain. Dad had negotiated with Wendy the night before
that she could stay in bed and he would take over after I got us off the dock. Our
established float plan indicated that we had a fairly long run heading up Peril
Straits, to position ourselves to fish Salisbury Sound for the trophy kings. We
are going to drop the shrimp pots in Fick Cove and anchor in Douglas Bay.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6Z69X59kL0/UbdCRQ_iIRI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/s6Ltbs24Tcw/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6Z69X59kL0/UbdCRQ_iIRI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/s6Ltbs24Tcw/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+070.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Michael was
sent up the dock to take a picture of us sitting on the dock and expanded her
assignment by photographing the local flavor and visiting with them where she
learned that the ‘Moose and Goose’ were in the area inspecting the fish in
preparation of the season opening. Once she was back on the boat we shoved off
and headed out the inlet and back down Chatham Sound. Wendy was in heaven
sleeping while the boat was running; she had found the ultimate white noise. Dad
was at the helm with Michael serving as watch and log steward. I had lost technology
so I worked on reports for the Navigator Rendezvous, until the printer broke. Good
thing I brought a second printer as a backup.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bIRUkwhlQo/UbdCRFJIHZI/AAAAAAAAAZs/Tredob9I-nI/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bIRUkwhlQo/UbdCRFJIHZI/AAAAAAAAAZs/Tredob9I-nI/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+057.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">As we
charged down Chatham Sound, the fishing fleet was charging towards us to get to
the fishing grounds that were opening momentarily, it was like watching a movie
or an episode of Deadliest Catch. At one point we counted fifteen boats
stretched across the horizon. The humpbacks were also putting on quite a
display of tails in the air. As we turned up Peril Straits, Wendy crawled out
of the bunk, two hours late reporting for duty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We dropped
the prawn pots at the entrance of Fick Cove and then went up to Douglas Bay and
dropped anchor. Wendy, Michael and I went around the corner and dropped the
crab pots. For dinner, we had crab that we had caught that morning on the upper
deck, crab and blue cheese stuffed mushrooms and crab and artichoke dip. Dinner
was all about the appetizers.</span></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2qa6n_dYNrk/UbdCRBt0uPI/AAAAAAAAAZo/_Vy9s70Eogc/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2qa6n_dYNrk/UbdCRBt0uPI/AAAAAAAAAZo/_Vy9s70Eogc/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+058.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After
dinner, Wendy and I decided that we needed to go fishing in the bay. We trolled
around for salmon for awhile and then decided to try our luck for halibut. In
the still of the night we could see the boat off in the distance. Then we heard
a whoosh sound and Wendy said that she thought that she had heard the sound
earlier. Then we heard it again and it
was even closer. You really feel like a
little fish in a big pond when a humpback is swimming around you in the dark
and you are floating around in a 12 foot dinghy with herring. We used the
portable VHF to call the big boat to confirm if we should be concerned and they
didn’t answer, causing us to feel even more vulnerable. Michael stopped working
on the next day’s float plan and responded by relaying Dad’s advice of, “If you
see an open mouth, you might want to get out of there”. We didn’t want to be
mistaken for dinner so we headed back to the boat. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hDlU81tXLzc/UbdCRitw3tI/AAAAAAAAAaA/2364jf44kX0/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hDlU81tXLzc/UbdCRitw3tI/AAAAAAAAAaA/2364jf44kX0/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+071.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-3135932980134781842011-07-05T19:57:00.000-07:002013-06-11T08:52:56.305-07:00Day 35 ~ Funter Bay to Tenakee Springs in Tenakee Inlet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ED3ACcYZ3j0/UbdBbm1QQeI/AAAAAAAAAY4/o-31KA7vTQg/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ED3ACcYZ3j0/UbdBbm1QQeI/AAAAAAAAAY4/o-31KA7vTQg/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+012.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mWctH3hKufk/UbdBb8UAX6I/AAAAAAAAAZM/hpt6aLmSONM/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mWctH3hKufk/UbdBb8UAX6I/AAAAAAAAAZM/hpt6aLmSONM/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+014.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our night
was all but restful!</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">At about 4:00 am,
we all woke up to a loud bang. The wind was howling and the waves were crashing
against the hull and the fairy kisses had changed to troll bites!</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wendy thought that I should go up and assess
the situation. Notice how well she delegates so she could stay in bed. We were
holding well, the anchor alarm hadn’t gone off but the boat was swinging hard
from side to side. Dad always says that the Simbalaut is a ‘real swinger’
because of her height. Satisfied we were not in any danger, I went back to bed.
Then both Dad and I both heard the anchor alarm. This time Dad got up and he
came to a different conclusion. When Michael got up at 6:00 am, Dad was on the
couch fully dressed. He had been on anchor watch since he got up which he
delegated to Michael so he could go back to bed. Michael spent the morning
watching the shore line for signs of life. Her first sighting was a small heard
of deer wandering the beach. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">She also
found an eagle nest. Unfortunately, no bear!</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzHwGlpZezE/UbdBbnfFg0I/AAAAAAAAAZI/KRdwCYO7hAE/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzHwGlpZezE/UbdBbnfFg0I/AAAAAAAAAZI/KRdwCYO7hAE/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+015.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Michael and
Wendy retrieved the crab pots from the new spot and they caught 4 nice
Dungeness crab. Dad took care of the crab while we made our famous omelets
which Wendy videoed. We pulled anchor and headed south into 4 to 5 foot seas. For
the next three hours Wendy was at the helm with Michael on watch and Dad and I
worked. Along the way we spotted a large pod of humpbacks that we tried to
approach with no luck. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ru_676V0MfM/UbdBcdfv8oI/AAAAAAAAAZY/MdRH1dFsyVA/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ru_676V0MfM/UbdBcdfv8oI/AAAAAAAAAZY/MdRH1dFsyVA/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+016.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">We made our
way up Tenakee Inlet to Tenakee Harbor which is a small Tlingit village. They
have a fire station, a library, a post office, a town hall, a grocery store, a
diner/bar, a community hot spring bath and no paved roads to serve their 70
year round residents. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As we
arrived at dock in the driving rain, Chief reminded Michael and Wendy that the
crew needed to prepare the fenders and the lines. They jumped into action,
Michael went to the bow and Wendy went to the boot pile, but instead of putting
on hers she got Chief’s which were several sizes too big and they caused her to
trip as she ran around the boat. As if the cluttered dock, driving rain, crashing
and banging wasn’t enough of a distraction, we looked out on the bow and
Michael was taking the fender covers off the fenders!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOz1Ebjtv0I/UbdBcRV3dwI/AAAAAAAAAZc/GrFmHH0y_no/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HOz1Ebjtv0I/UbdBcRV3dwI/AAAAAAAAAZc/GrFmHH0y_no/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+020.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Somehow, we
slid in perfectly and landed without a hitch. The guys on the dock were a bit
surprised with the arrival of Chief and his harem. When asked about the fenders, Michael said
that it was the Chicago way; In Chicago they don’t wear their pajamas to work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While I
fixed dinner, Chief napped, and Wendy and Michael went and scouted out town.
They found a fishing boat grave yard with a golf cart! We spent the rest of the night watching our
movies and updating our story.</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320690321773291153.post-79872899072777479252011-07-04T19:56:00.000-07:002013-06-11T08:52:56.317-07:00Day 34 ~ Auke Bay, Juneau to Funter Bay in Mansfield Peninsula on Admiralty Island<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WeK00Pn8vsw/UbdA2_6vE3I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/HYGQjzdFpyo/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WeK00Pn8vsw/UbdA2_6vE3I/AAAAAAAAAYQ/HYGQjzdFpyo/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+003.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dad’s steps
were definitely lighter on this particular morning thanks to our impending departure.
He really does like to keep moving, which makes this kind of trip perfect for
him. The night before, Wendy and Dad had created our float plan so we were all
ready to go as soon as the laundry was finished, we fueled the boat and Michael
arrived. When the last load went into the washer Dad disconnected the hose and
we began getting ready. A few minutes before Michael was due in we headed
towards the fuel dock. Unfortunately, a fishing boat had the same idea. The
fenders were down on the port side and the crew didn’t want to change them so I
swung the boat around and we waited on the public dock.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6NGprLHIu5M/UbdA3E2bicI/AAAAAAAAAYY/9wqMPDwnUXg/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6NGprLHIu5M/UbdA3E2bicI/AAAAAAAAAYY/9wqMPDwnUXg/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+004.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Within 10
minutes of her touchdown, Michael was walking towards us. She bought “Uncle
Merman” a pair of boots like the ones that the rest of us had purchased for the
trip. Her timing was perfect because the night before Dad was threatening to
take a knife to his boots to shorten them. We have come to appreciate why the
rubber boot is the official footwear of Alaska. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When the
fishing vessel finished the crew still didn’t want to change the fenders so I
did a full spin of the boat and we did another port docking. It is funny how Dad
and Wendy as crew are less excited about moving fenders and more demanding
about the skipper maneuvering the boat. The rules are certainly different from
when they were at the helm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iDnrhZJnRtI/UbdA3Nfdm_I/AAAAAAAAAYU/1j033DQqayc/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iDnrhZJnRtI/UbdA3Nfdm_I/AAAAAAAAAYU/1j033DQqayc/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+005.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wendy had
been at the helm since we departed Juneau with Michael serving as the co-pilot.
Dad was keeping himself busy ‘fixing stuff’, I’ve always known that I was a
busy person but after spending a month with him I now know where I get it! When we rounded Point Retreat, the Simbalaut
was the furthest north that she has ever been at N 58.41.151. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The whales
put on quite a show for us. The salmon were jumping and the humps were
breaching, flapping their fins and giving us the flip of their tails as they
dove. As we approached Funter Bay, Wendy
slowed up so we could fish our way, Dad always ready to fish grabbed a pole and
within 5 minutes she was yelling “fish on”. Michael raced to the back of the
boat to observe as Wendy reeled it in. Wendy’s fish arrived at the boat before Dad
had the other gear up and was ready with the net. Michael asked, “Now what, do
we net it?” Dad, who we had nicknamed “Big
Chief”, said “just grab the line and throw it in the boat”, so that is exactly
what Michael did. With one fell swoop, the fish was 10 feet in the air and on
the swim step flopping around with no hooks. Chief was more than just a bit
shocked, the angler was speechless and poor “Miss Overachiever” was stunned. Dad
jumped on to the swim step to try and get between the fish and the deep blue
sea. Super salmon did a back flip on the swim step, hit the transom and off he
swam. We had a great laugh. All the gear when back in the water and we were
back to fishing. Wendy had a streak of hooking them and not getting them in the
boat so we started calling her “Hook’em no catch’em”. We got one silver and one
pink in the box and headed to anchor down. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2X1XpYoL_c/UbdA3pAeYWI/AAAAAAAAAYg/SUAkRuWdolk/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2X1XpYoL_c/UbdA3pAeYWI/AAAAAAAAAYg/SUAkRuWdolk/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+006.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Admiralty
Island is noticeably different than the mainland that we’ve had on our
starboard side for the past two weeks. The island is much lower in height and
more rolling hills than the sharp tall walls that we have been experiencing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As we lie on
anchor we could see salmon jumping around the boat. The rain had started while
we were fishing but that didn’t stop us from fishing off the back of the boat
while Chief took a nap. When the tide changed, we noticed that our anchor
wasn’t holding well as we wanted, so we move to the other cove in the bay that
reportedly had better holding. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The other
bay was more exposed, but our Alaskan experience had taught us that the wind
that we were experiencing should be short lived. After dinner Wendy and I
headed in the dinghy to get the crab pots under darkening skies and with severe
wind. After several course debates, we arrived and found them without any
keepers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L1E_7P0UlwU/UbdA3uNxDGI/AAAAAAAAAYs/6l-IA1eMGlw/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L1E_7P0UlwU/UbdA3uNxDGI/AAAAAAAAAYs/6l-IA1eMGlw/s1600/Alaska+Upload+11+008.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">The rest of
the evening was spent training our new crew member and selecting our next
destination, Tenakee Springs in Tenakee Inlet. As we prepared to hunker down
for the night and things got quieter we could hear the chain dragging across
the rocks as we swung around. Our anchor was well set and we had almost 200
feet of chain laid out. As the wind was swinging us around, the chain was dragging
across the rocks on the bottom of the bay and the sound was resonating up the
chain. The storm that was upon us was the worst that we had experienced since
our departure and the sounds from the chain were ominous. Dad and Wendy decided
to stop the noise by applying an anchor bridle. It was a good call because once
we were all hunkered down the sounds of the water slapping on the boat could be
heard by everyone. Wendy said that she thinks they sound like ‘fairy kisses’. Shortly,
we were all mesmerized by the rhythm of the ‘fairy kisses’ and fast asleep. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07272665026386589270noreply@blogger.com0