Final Thoughts and Numbers

Final Thoughts and Numbers

This year seemed like we were actually returning home. Our goal this year we to go to Sitka.  We had never been there and the navigation was pretty straight forward.  We were surprised by the friendly town and the attitude of the commercial fishermen.  They nicknamed the recreational cruisers as “Yachties.”  We were told they were surprised by the number of Yachties and how early they were showing up in Sitka.

Our biggest disappointment was the salmon fishing.  One of the reasons we went to Sitka was the Chinook fishing.  We were told it is the King fishing capital of SE Alaska and the shark hole was the place to be.  Kay and I fished hard for two weeks, as we had freezers to fill.  Not a single salmon bite, not one landed.  As we left the legendary rains came.  Up until then it had been sunny and warm.

We explored old and new places.  The south arm of Hoonah Sound was a big surprise.  We spend 4 days there and didn’t see another boat.  We also did not have any VHF or cell communications.  You were in true wilderness.  It kinda of made you nervous.

We also met up with old friends and made new friends.  The nicest place we stayed was Taku Harbor just south of Juneau.  This was the playground for the residents of Juneau.  We did skip Juneau as we didn’t want to mess with the crowed docks and cruise ships.

As always Canada was awesome.  We found new anchorages like Bottleneck and old favorites like Kutze Inlet.  Spent a lot of time in Kutze. Still one of our favorite places.  We also hung out in the Gulf islands side and explored some new spots with our great friends Chris and Bridgette.  Winter Cove was awesome.  Ganges was crowded and a mess.

The “Gate” crossings (Dixon Entrance, Cape Caution and Open pacific) was like we have never seen.  Smooth crossings both ways!!!  In fact, we didn’t really have that much bad weather.  As our buddy Ketchikan Al would say “Tea Cup smooth!”

Overall the trip was without any major breakdowns and ASD operated great.  We did have a “smart start” on the main A/C unit go bad, but we had the forward unit that worked just fine.  Our trip to Seattle to get it fixed was a mess, especially the Ballard Locks.

Lessons Learned:

·         Never ever approach a nuclear submarine in the Strait of Juan De Fuca.

·         Know were WG is located.  It was amazing how many idiots couldn’t tell you were it was located and whether it was open or closed.  We had no issues.

·         Having Auto Pilot is AWESOME.

·         Kay bought me a “range finder” for anchoring.  One of our new friends Doug of the “Overdrive” suggested it to us.  This simple tool made crowded anchorages easier.

·         Never be afraid to explore new places.  You never know what you might find. 

·         Water maker is AWESOME.

·         There are thunderstorms in Alaska

·         We got better skilled using the radar.  Practice using radar as it could save your life.

Did I say Never ever approach a nuclear submarine in the Strait of Juan De Fuca.

We already have our winter “to do list” and planning next year.

Final Numbers:

Fuel Costs:  $7864.44

Fuel used: 2412.6 Gal

Miles Traveled: 3363 miles

Total Engine Hours: 373.7

Average MPG (Generator included): 1.4mpg

Average Fuel Burn (Generator included): 6.45gph