ALMOST TO ALASKA !

Tuesday, May 21, 2013. We left Ocean Falls this morning, headed for Shearwater where we hope to get some groceries and do the laundry.  Saw a small humpback whale while we were going thru Gunboat Passage.  When we arrived there were only a few boats but it filled up later in the day with some big yachts (100 feet plus).  In the afternoon we took the small boat out for a little salmon fishing but no luck.  Still a little early in the season.  Grocery prices are really high here and the selection isn’t very good so only got a few items.  Their $10.00 per day wi-fi wasn’t worth the money.  Will probably pass this place by next time.

Hurry! Where's the bucket?

Marina at Shearwater

114 foot yacht coming into dock at Shearwater

Catching crab and shrimp is hard work for some guys!

Wednesday, May 22, 2013.  This morning we are off headed north again.  The destination is Bottleneck Inlet.  This is a very protected little bay that we have stayed in before.  Three other boats were here but there is lots of room for us.

Looking out
 of Bottleneck Inlet

Thursday, May 23, 2013.  We were up and underway early as there is a lot of water to cover today. Saw 2 killer whales and some Dall porpoise.  Also passed the BC ferry Northern Expedition.  About one hour before our destination the water got rough.  We had the wind to our back but the current coming toward us and the steep waves got up to 6 foot high in no time.  Pat said the fishing boat went out of sight between the waves a few times. We are headed to Lowe Inlet where there is a nice water falls that dumps into the head of the bay.  Saw a black bear on the beach on the way in. We anchored close to the beach but will need to move early in the morning before the tide is low to avoid going aground.

BC Ferry Northern Expedition

Friday, May 24, 2013.  Up at 5:00 this morning and headed for Baker Inlet.  Only about 2 hours away.  Yesterday we cruised 10 hours.  The entrance to this inlet is very very narrow and makes a slight bend so you can’t see if someone is coming the other way.  So in a case like this we get on our VHF radio and broadcast: “security, security, security. 54 foot power boat west bound into Watson Narrows.  Any opposing traffic please respond.”  There was no other traffic but just our luck there was a large log in mid channel in the narrowest place. The current was running fairly hard with us so we kind of nudged it a little as we went by.  This is a very pretty place but the clouds are low and it’s raining today so we can’t see the mountain tops above us.  Also a good spot to watch bears and the books say there are wolves here.

Saturday, May 25, 2013.  Spent a lot of time yesterday watching the wildlife in Baker Inlet.  Watched a bear for several hours, eagles catching fish, seals and river otters swimming nearby.  We timed the tide going through the narrows at the inlet and passed through easily.  We had a great cruise up to Prince Rupert.  Flat water all the way.  When we got here Russ launched the 12 boat from atop and started out for town to get some steering fluid for the fishing boat.  Half way there ( it’s 3 miles from where we are anchored ) the engine quit and he had to row the boat back against the wind and current.  Only took about 2 hours.  Tomorrow morning we leave at daybreak and will cross over into Alaska.


Sunday, May 26,2013.  Up at 4:00am but did not have enough light until 5:00am to be underway.  Wound our way out thru Venn Passage to the open water and turned north.  Perfect water conditions  today.  No wind and the swells in Dixon Entrance were non existent.Had some Dall Porpoise ride our bow wake again. Entered back into US waters at 9:35am ( 8:35 Alaska time).  Just as we were ready to turn into Foggy Bay I decided to check the tides.  Holly smokes it’s a 4.2 minus tide today! Not wanting to take any chances with hitting bottom we decided to continue on to Ketchikan, another 33 miles!!.  This will be a long cruise today.  We cleared customs and are officially back in the US. We will be here a few days if anyone wants to call or email us.  Then we will go back out for a few days and Chrissy will be here on the 10th.

Green Island lighthouse on border between BC and Alaska

Couldn't believe our luck.  Dead calm water in Dixon Enterance

Snapshot of the navigation computer showing us crossing in Alaska waters

Large cruise ship leaving Ketchican

Can't believe these big ships dock up without the aid of a tug