Pacific NW

Expeditions

“Silent Partner” has spent the days of March 26 to June 1 in the Seward Boat Harbor. During those days, the predicted low pressure system established itself, bringing a week of SE winds and rain. All boats returned to the harbor and day after day we heard the fishermen talking of 30 foot waves in the Kennedy Entrance. Meanwhile, we were very happy to be in a safe port and exploring the City of Seward, which we liked very much. Having the boat re-provisioned, watered, repaired, and fueled we had a few days to kill in town before Neptune left on the 31st and Ryan arrivied on the 1st. In a strange way I became growingly accustomed to the ways of the town. I soon took for granted the luxury of not having to pay attention to the weather, tides, and currents. I took a small vacation from the marine radio, charts and Coast Pilot. The weather broke for a day and Neptune and I went out on a charter boat, to learn how to fish for Halibut. It was a big boat with 16 folks, all very nice people. I caught one Halibut and Neptune caught 3! We kept 3 of them that each weighed about 20 pounds. It was still too much meat though (no refrigerator on the boat) so we gave half of it away to a new friend, who shipped it to his wife in Missouri or something. We also caught shark after shark after shark. Nep and I caught probably 30 between just the two of us. One guy caught a huge skate that was over five feet in diameter. That night, and every night thereafter for a week, we ate fresh Halibut that was better than any I’ve ever had in any eating establishment. On May 31st Neptune hopped on the train and headed back down to the lower 48, reluctant to return to the habits of the city. It has been quite the two months while he’s been aboard–crossing the Gulf and the tour of Prince William Sound. The next afternoon Ryan arrived on the train. We got him all stowed away on the boat and anxiously awaited the morning, when we could leave Seward and sail down the Kenai Peninsula.