Pacific NW

Expeditions

We awoke well-rested and refreshed. The days are getting so long now that it is impossible to catch both sunrise and sunset. It is always light! Numerous sea otters were floating and rolling through the water around the boat, calling to each other with their odd chirping noises. It is yet another cyrstal-perfect day, what amazing weather we’ve been having (knock on wood!). We began our day at the center and base of Prince William Sound. The scene was very pleasing. It was remarkably like being on one of the Great Lakes, except ringed by stunning mountains in the distance and full of wildlife. The air even smelled of freshwater, very sweet and river-like. From the center you can just barely see all the shores because of the elevation of the mountains. But from the side the mountains disappear below the horizon. We motored along in a glassy calm afternoon. A pod of humpbacks was chuffing and spouting near shore. We are now in beautiful, friendly Cordova. All the sailors in the harbor have been coming down and admiring the boat. Apparently we are one of the smallest boats that has ever sailed to here from the Gulf. The fishermen think we’re completely insane. I guess we created quite a stir when we sailed into Yakutat on that windy day. But it turns out that was absolutely the right thing to do. Had we gone on we would have encountered 30-35 foot seas off Kayak Island in a heavy East gale. We met up with Dennis and Pat of the “Nellie Juan” and had a great laugh at our good weather luck in the crossing. Down at the dock we met Danny and Diedra who live aboard their “Hans Christian” and are preparing to sail to the Sea of Cortez. It is a wonderful boat. We drank rum with them in the stateroom and talked well into the night of ships, shipwreck, and politics. Truth be told, I had actually forgotten about the war in Iraq. I was quite surprised when Danny brought it up. I can’t even imagine the horrors that so many people my age (several friends included) are facing right now over there.