March 17, 2005 Kinahan Island to Ketchikan! ALASKA!! Day 17
An epic day, one of “Silent Partner’s” finest! We woke late (8:00 AM) and steamed into Prince Rupert for fuel. On our way to Dundas and Moffat islands complex where I had planned on spending the night, I received the forecast. NW winds building to gales 40-50 knots on the morning of the 18th. Our next body of water to cross was the wide Dixon Entrance, open to the ocean and the gateway to Alaska. Conditions in the strait were NW 25 knots, and we decided to just go for it! And a good choice it was. We enjoyed a fantastic sail across the Dixon Entrance, and watched the the sun set just after crossing the border into Alaska! Alaska!! “Silent Partner” proudly punched through the waves as I hoisted the Alaska flag up to the spreaders of the mast. We sailed all through the night as we made our way to Ketchikan. Around 3AM, the northern lights appeared below the dipper and north star, welcoming us to Alaska. We arrived Ketchikan at 6AM on the 18th. After firing up the wood stove we cleared customs and Lee and Christoph promptly went to bed. I was too excited to sleep. I went to the Pioneer Cafe and had a huge breakfast and three cups of coffee. So much food! I walked it off, exploring the entire city and its extensive boardwalks at sunrise. I am home! I love Alaska! I am still a bit tired from the all-nighter sail, but extremely proud of “Silent Partner” and her crew for having gotten this far. Next contact is planned for Juneau.
