With a sudden switch of weather from the 50s --> to 80's almost over night, we found ourselves very happy with being able to do more outdoor things. With our son Dylan aboard to help be my right arm -- literally , we were on our way back south.
Dylan was successfully able to bring in a 40 pound halibut, with minimal effort.
His technique was amazing. First step, lay in the cockpit, with your phone (preferably face time with your girlfriend?), be in some really comfortable clothes -- pajama bottoms preferred. Occasionally move your fishing pole a bit, especially to get more comfortable. If necessary, swat a mosquito or no-see-um. And just like that...land a big halibut!
From Taku Harbor, we headed south through Stephen's Passage, then Frederick Sound. We enjoyed some beautiful weather at places we had missed on the way North.
We leisurely worked our way down to Ketchikan with stops in Wrangell, Anita Bay, Frosty Bay, Meyers Chuck and Thorne Bay.
We soaked up every last bit of Alaska. We enjoyed the small communities we visited, fished until the freezer was full and soaked up the sun. Thorne Bay had great walking, grocery store and was really tucked away. Apparently it used to house one of the largest lumber operations in the U.S.
Our last major stop in Alaska, was Ketchikan and was planned for 5 days. 2 days for me to fly back to Juneau to get my cast off (yeah!!!) 1 day for provisioning and final day to drop off Dylan at the airport to head back to Arizona. Because the municipal marinas in Alaska don't take reservations, we made reservations at Ketchikan Moorage.
This Marina is being re-done and has 6 slips. We were in slip #6. Slips 1-5 were used by boats 70+ feet. With the largest 50 meters. It was so active! There was a heliport on one side. A float plane dock on the other side. Berth 4 cruise ship
terminal beyond that. To get into our slip, we had to make a 90 degree turn to avoid hitting the restaurant above.
After nearly a week we were eager to get on our way and back to a little more desolation. We departed after getting Dylan to the airport and resumed our journey south. We were so relieved to have a quiet night. And just like when we arrived in Alaska we left with foggy, rainy, moody weather -- and a sea lion escort. Our crossing of Dixon entrance was calm (although a long day!)
Since arriving in Alaska on May 15th, we put on 187 engine hours, travelled 1,109 nautical miles, broke one wrist, ate crab until we couldn't eat any more, and saw pretty much every wild animal expected -- except for bear. We feel like we've had an epic 2 months. And next, we are ready to enjoy beautiful BC again. Oh Canada! Onward!
Loved the summary of events. I can't imagine how you maneured your ship into such a tight slip, what skills you have. Be safe and well. Look forward to hearing about your next little update.
Cheers, Randy Mickels