"North to Alaska!" We departed around 7 am. We were following a 72 ft Grand Banks (GB) called "Single Malt." It take a while getting out of Prince Rupert by the main channel. We finally made the last greed buoy and we turned north. Our course would be on the east side of a bunch of islands, thus the effect of Dixon Entrance would not be fully felt. The forecast called for south winds and seas up to 3 feet, 7 seconds apart. Not bad.
As we approached the light house in Holiday Passage, it was sunny and warm. Off the tip of Dundas were sport fisherman everywhere. mmm hot spot? We rounded holiday Island and entered Dixon Entrance. 5 miles to the boarder. At 11:45 ASD crossed over into Alaska! We were home again! Kay and I were so happy. The trip now seemed different. I have been dreaming of this movement for a very very long time. Then about this time my cell rings! Scared the crap out of me. I answered and "North to Alaska" was playing on the phone! It was my friend Ron Evens. I was very surprised to get a signal way out here.
A few more mile and Dixon Entrance reminded us who was in charge. As we made our way over to Tree point the seas started to build. 5 footers at about 7 seconds apart and were hitting us square on the beam. (side of the boat). This wave action caused the boat to roll side to side. So much so, maps, books and other things were being thrown from the map table. Well this is going to be fun! After a few curling hours we rounded Tree Point and the swells were now following seas (hitting us from the back of the boat). That kinda sucked. Kay didn't like it and it made her feel a little sick.
We were going to stop in foggy bay, but it was sunny, so we adjusted our course to Ketchikan. The rollers really didn't stop until we had rounded Mary Island, but was doable. Just about this time we met our first cruise ship heading south. Man these things are big! Soon after Ketchikan in sight! There were two cruise ships tied up at the docks. We entered the waters around Ketchikan called Tongess Narrows. This was a very busy place. Float planes taking off and landing every few minutes flying cruise ship passengers around, so they could see Alaska sights. Fisherman were trolling up and down hoping to get the big one. Down town was busy with tourists. We called the harbor master and we got a slip assignment. We pulled in and some folks helped us with the lines. I called U.S. Customs and cleared in just a few minutes due to our Nexus cards. I almost forgot to call them.......
We will be here for a few days exploring the town and being tourist ourselves.
As we watch a rare event here in Ketchikan, a sunset, Kay and I were home in Alaska once more.
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| Loading a container ship in Princess Rupert. This is the closest port to the far east on the west coast. |
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| Heading north!!! |
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| These two little Island off of Dundas has white beaches |
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| The lighthouse at Holiday Passage. Unlike the U.S., many Canadian Lighthouses have care takers and you can call them on VHF 16. |
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| Holiday Island. This is the point where you turn and head across Dixon Entrance to Alaska |
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| Fishing boats everywhere |
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| Floatplane way out here |
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| Alaska! |
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| 11:45 we crossed over! We are home!!! |
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| Guarding Alaska!!! |
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| Nice sunny day! |
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| Meeting ship traffic out of Alaska |
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| Ketchikan in the distance |
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| Foggy Bay |
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| Entering Tongess Narrows |
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| Hey Its A2! They have a floatplane too!! |
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| Life of the rich.... |
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| In celebration of making it home |
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| Sunset over Ketchikan 11PM |
