Minnows, Rockfish & Whales

While in Juneau we were amazed with the flurry of activity at the marina. Mega yachts, fishing boats, whale watching boats and other cruisers--just like us. Juneau, unlike some of the other ports we'd visited has limited services near the marina.

Auke Bay, with Mendenhall Glacier in the background.

So, other than a few restaurants, a quick bus tour around town, we got on our way. We know we'll be back in a few weeks. The humpback whales are prevalent here. We met one of the crew of the whale watching boats -- he said they see whales on EVERY two hour trip. We saw at least 4 whales just coming to the dock, and about 10 more individuals when leaving the bay. I stopped tracking them. They are everywhere.

One of the projects I tackled while in port, was to make a pattern for new cockpit cushions. We tossed the old ones somewhere back a few weeks ago in a dumpster. We got tired of vacuuming up the molding, deteriorating foam. We sent the pattern to Texas, and if all goes as planned, our new cushions will be sent to Edmonds awaiting our return in August.

From Juneau we headed to Swanson Harbor, conveniently located about half way between Juneau and Glacier Bay National Park. There is a small float here that we've been tied up to where we can enjoy stretching our legs and chatting with other visiting boaters. Its a good hub for fishing in the dingy, walking on the beach and watching wildlife.

Yesterday we took the dingy out for a fishing excursion (it is halibut season), and despite our study of 'how to catch a halibut' on youtube, we were unsuccessful. Fortunately, no one else on the dock caught any either.

I did manage to get a couple of rockfish, which made for some great ceviche that we shared with the neighbors.

The cat got her share too (apparently rockfish is very tasty to a cat too!) Dan has also introduced her to fresh caught minnows, which are prevalent here off the dock, its fun to see her wild side come out. She just picks them up flopping and eats them in a few bites. She is quite a spoiled cat, taking my spot at the helm every time we are out. For some reason, the captains chair is the most comfortable for her.

It is feeling more summer, less like winter/spring this week. But it is still fairly cold. With the wind chill, I find a jacket is still required. The evenings are usually calm, the golden hours of the evening/morning are long and beautiful. We've had whales in the bay about 100 yards off, a school of herring splashing around the hull and the occasional sea otter swimming past.

Last night another boat on the dock treated us to ice cream and peach pie. It is the simple things that bring delight. I woke up at 3 AM and watched the sunrise over the mountain peaks, then back to sleep until 8 (how did I ever get up at 5 am every morning?) Tomorrow, we are onward to Glacier Bay National Park. And soon, salmon season starts...so the activity on the water will start to buzz, along with those mosquitos, flies and no-see-ums. Onward.