Alaska 2024 Blog Post 2
June 1, 2024
After a quiet evening in Green Island Anchorage, we were underway at 0706, in rain, which has been the norm so far this trip. We motored up Fitz Hugh Sound in low visibility and heavy rain, turning the corner into …
Alaska 2024 Post 2
Petersburg to Sitka
Following our ten-day stay in Petersburg, on Memorial Day, May 27, we headed south with John & Kathleen on Laysan to anchor in Ideal Cove, about 15 miles south of Petersburg.
About ½ mile north of Ideal Cove is beach access to a trail that passes some lakes and eventually reaches one of the roads on Mitkof Island. Laysan launched their dinghy and graciously took Marcia, Drake and I over to the trailhead. By this time is was the afternoon and we only walked about a mile along the trail before turning around and returning to the anchorage.
The next day we parted ways with the Douglas’s who were still in shakedown mode and were planning to stay a few more days before moving on. We headed up to Pybus Bay where we dropped three prawn pots in our usual spot. Starting last year, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game had moved the commercial prawning season from October to May. While the commercial prawning season in the district encompassing Pybus Bay had closed we weren’t sure whether our pots would be able to harvest any prawns leftover from the commercial prawners. We anchored for the night in one of our favorite spots west of the West Brother Island.
The next morning, the weather had deteriorated a bit, and the anchorage was a little bouncy. We headed over to Pybus Bay to retrieve our pots. The wind and sea conditions made it a little challenging and while we did a respectable haul of prawns, we elected to not reset the pots but instead headed further west in Fredrick Sound to the Honey Dew anchorage. This is another favorite anchorage of ours as it has a lovely beach to which we paddle kayaks to shore and play ball with Drake.
The weather continued to be unsettled so we decided to repeat the route from 2023 in which we headed to Warm Springs Bay. In the early season, the dock there isn’t as crowded and finding space is easier. There is a small community of vacation homes along boardwalks leading up from the dock and three tubs fed by a piping from the hot springs up the hill from the dock.
We got our soak in the tubs after we arrived, but soon heavy rainfall and its runoff overwhelmed the flow of from the hot springs and the tubs became tepid and discolored by the tannin from the ground water. After two nights, we decided to cut our losses and after two nights, we did an early start, rode favorable wind and current and made the 83-mile journey to Sitka, arriving the afternoon of June 1.
Petersburg to Sitka
Following our ten-day stay in Petersburg, on Memorial Day, May 27, we headed south with John & Kathleen on Laysan to anchor in Ideal Cove, about 15 miles south of Petersburg.
About ½ mile north of Ideal Cove is beach access to a trail that passes some lakes and eventually reaches one of the roads on Mitkof Island. Laysan launched their dinghy and graciously took Marcia, Drake and I over to the trailhead. By this time is was the afternoon and we only walked about a mile along the trail before turning around and returning to the anchorage.
The next day we parted ways with the Douglas’s who were still in shakedown mode and were planning to stay a few more days before moving on. We headed up to Pybus Bay where we dropped three prawn pots in our usual spot. Starting last year, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game had moved the commercial prawning season from October to May. While the commercial prawning season in the district encompassing Pybus Bay had closed we weren’t sure whether our pots would be able to harvest any prawns leftover from the commercial prawners. We anchored for the night in one of our favorite spots west of the West Brother Island.
The next morning, the weather had deteriorated a bit, and the anchorage was a little bouncy. We headed over to Pybus Bay to retrieve our pots. The wind and sea conditions made it a little challenging and while we did a respectable haul of prawns, we elected to not reset the pots but instead headed further west in Fredrick Sound to the Honey Dew anchorage. This is another favorite anchorage of ours as it has a lovely beach to which we paddle kayaks to shore and play ball with Drake.
The weather continued to be unsettled so we decided to repeat the route from 2023 in which we headed to Warm Springs Bay. In the early season, the dock there isn’t as crowded and finding space is easier. There is a small community of vacation homes along boardwalks leading up from the dock and three tubs fed by a piping from the hot springs up the hill from the dock.
We got our soak in the tubs after we arrived, but soon heavy rainfall and its runoff overwhelmed the flow of from the hot springs and the tubs became tepid and discolored by the tannin from the ground water. After two nights, we decided to cut our losses and after two nights, we did an early start, rode favorable wind and current and made the 83-mile journey to Sitka, arriving the afternoon of June 1.
May Updates
“Not every lake dreams to be an ocean. Blessed are the ones who are happy with whom they are.” -Mehmet Murat ildan
Another month has come to an end. We began the month by heading up to Cayuga and launching The Pearl. It was a bit startling that spring was a little slower to arrive on the lake. It’s only 120 miles north, but the trees were nowhere near as green.
Marine Del Rey
Marina del Rey, in Los Angeles County, California, contains the largest artificial pleasure boat harbor in North America. Construction began in the 1950s and today the basin has a capacity for 5,000 vessels, supports five different yacht clubs and is lined with restaurants, shops, condos, and hotels. The first hotel built was the historic Marina…
Alaska 2024 – The Journey Begins
May 23, 2024
For a variety of reasons, we have missed the last several years of our Alaska journeys. This year were we able to organize a shorter trip, with friends and family helping us with running Spirit.
Our first team, Kent and Melody, arrived in Anacortes about noon and by 1230 we were underway for our first night at Echo Bay on Sucia Island. We were accompanied by friends on the Selene 55 “Rendezvous”. By 1525 we were anchored in Echo Bay, after a short 22 NM run, where we shared dinner. We were one of four Selene’s anchored in Echo Bay. This early in the season, with rain expected for the foreseeable future, there was lots of room and many empty mooring buoys.
May 24-26, 2024
We planned our departure for 0700 and managed to beat that by 10 minutes. The crossing was uneventful, with relatively calm seas. We entered False Creek and proceeded to the CBSA dock at Fisherman’s Wharf to clear customs at 1320 after a 50 NM run. Clearance was by cell phone and by 1350 we had our clearance and headed to Quayside Marina at the foot of Yaletown for a three night stay. Rain was our constant companion for the entire stay, but we were able to complete our provisioning of fresh foods we could not bring across the border.
A memorable event was the oyster feed, with 8 dozen oysters consumed by the crew.
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| Some of our oysters at Quayside Marina |
The derelict and unkempt live aboard boat situation has not improved and there were even two beached vessels and one sunken vessel near the entrance to False Creek.
May 27, 2024
Spirit departed Quayside Marina with Rendezvous close astern shortly after 0900 for the 50 NM run to Pender Harbor. The rain was intense at time, rendering the radar virtually useless even with rain clutter control maximized. The winds were 15-20 knots from the SE and with the seas on our port quarter the ride was uncomfortable at times, even with stabilizers engaged. The seas calmed once we were in Welcome Passage and continued calm as we entered Pender Harbor. We rafted Spirit to Rendezvous just outside the entrance to Garden Bay at 1500. The winds were light and the water was flat all evening.
May 28, 2024
Spirit departed Pender Harbor shortly before 0900 in torrential rain, poor visibility, but no wind. Seas were calm until we reached Grief Point and then the skies cleared somewhat and the wind shifted to the Southeast, increasing to 15-20 knots. We continued past Powell River, Lund and Bliss Landing, turning past Sarah Point and headed to Prideaux Haven, our destination for the evening. Spirit anchored first this time, after a 51.5 NM run, and Rendezvous rafted alongside. The rain had started again before we entered Prideaux Haven, with periods of thundershowers interspersed with sun, but no wind in the anchorage. The early evening views were complete with rainbows and dark clouds.
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| A rainbow over Prideaux Haven |
May 29, 2024
A quiet day anchored in Prideaux Haven, with kayaking and tender operations.
May 30, 2024
Spirit broke up the raft and departed Prideaux Haven at 0645, to make high slack water at 1100 at Dent Rapids. We were right on time and cruised through. Taking Greene Point Rapids on the ebb 90 minutes later and exiting into Johnstone Strait via Chancellor Channel. We took advantage of the ebb tide and entered Blackney Pass at 1800, anchoring in 50 feet of water at Hanson Island at 1838. Our day’s run was 101 NM.
May 31, 2024
There is a significant weather front approaching, so we made a dash today past Cape Caution to avoid the high winds predicted for Saturday Evening and Sunday. Seas were relatively calm around the Cape, with a westerly swell of 1-2 meters and a 2-3 foot chop from the 15 knot SE winds. We anchored in Green Island Anchorage in Fitz Hugh Sound at 1630 after an 84 NM run. The anchorage was calm, only one other vessel was present.
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| The Native American Village midden at Green Island |
Alaska 2024 – The Journey Begins
May 23, 2024
For a variety of reasons, we have missed the last several years of our Alaska journeys. This year were we able to organize a shorter trip, with friends and family helping us with running Spirit.
Our first team, Kent and Melody, arrived in Anacortes about noon and by 1230 we were underway for our first night at Echo Bay on Sucia Island. We were accompanied by friends on the Selene 55 “Rendezvous”. By 1525 we were anchored in Echo Bay, after a short 22 NM run, where we shared dinner. We were one of four Selene’s anchored in Echo Bay. This early in the season, with rain expected for the foreseeable future, there was lots of room and many empty mooring buoys.
May 24-26, 2024
We planned our departure for 0700 and managed to beat that by 10 minutes. The crossing was uneventful, with relatively calm seas. We entered False Creek and proceeded to the CBSA dock at Fisherman’s Wharf to clear customs at 1320 after a 50 NM run. Clearance was by cell phone and by 1350 we had our clearance and headed to Quayside Marina at the foot of Yaletown for a three night stay. Rain was our constant companion for the entire stay, but we were able to complete our provisioning of fresh foods we could not bring across the border.
A memorable event was the oyster feed, with 8 dozen oysters consumed by the crew.
|
| Some of our oysters at Quayside Marina |
The derelict and unkempt live aboard boat situation has not improved and there were even two beached vessels and one sunken vessel near the entrance to False Creek.
May 27, 2024
Spirit departed Quayside Marina with Rendezvous close astern shortly after 0900 for the 50 NM run to Pender Harbor. The rain was intense at time, rendering the radar virtually useless even with rain clutter control maximized. The winds were 15-20 knots from the SE and with the seas on our port quarter the ride was uncomfortable at times, even with stabilizers engaged. The seas calmed once we were in Welcome Passage and continued calm as we entered Pender Harbor. We rafted Spirit to Rendezvous just outside the entrance to Garden Bay at 1500. The winds were light and the water was flat all evening.
May 28, 2024
Spirit departed Pender Harbor shortly before 0900 in torrential rain, poor visibility, but no wind. Seas were calm until we reached Grief Point and then the skies cleared somewhat and the wind shifted to the Southeast, increasing to 15-20 knots. We continued past Powell River, Lund and Bliss Landing, turning past Sarah Point and headed to Prideaux Haven, our destination for the evening. Spirit anchored first this time, after a 51.5 NM run, and Rendezvous rafted alongside. The rain had started again before we entered Prideaux Haven, with periods of thundershowers interspersed with sun, but no wind in the anchorage. The early evening views were complete with rainbows and dark clouds.
|
| A rainbow over Prideaux Haven |
May 29, 2024
A quiet day anchored in Prideaux Haven, with kayaking and tender operations.
May 30, 2024
Spirit broke up the raft and departed Prideaux Haven at 0645, to make high slack water at 1100 at Dent Rapids. We were right on time and cruised through. Taking Greene Point Rapids on the ebb 90 minutes later and exiting into Johnstone Strait via Chancellor Channel. We took advantage of the ebb tide and entered Blackney Pass at 1800, anchoring in 50 feet of water at Hanson Island at 1838. Our day’s run was 101 NM.
May 31, 2024
There is a significant weather front approaching, so we made a dash today past Cape Caution to avoid the high winds predicted for Saturday Evening and Sunday. Seas were relatively calm around the Cape, with a westerly swell of 1-2 meters and a 2-3 foot chop from the 15 knot SE winds. We anchored in Green Island Anchorage in Fitz Hugh Sound at 1630 after an 84 NM run. The anchorage was calm, only one other vessel was present.
|
| The Native American Village midden at Green Island |
May Updates
“Not every lake dreams to be an ocean. Blessed are the ones who are happy with whom they are.” -Mehmet Murat ildan
Another month has come to an end. We began the month by heading up to Cayuga and launching The Pearl. It was a bit startling that spring was a little slower to arrive on the lake. It’s only 120 miles north, but the trees were nowhere near as green.
I think this is the warmest it’s been for us to prepare the boat. Not that we do a lot to get her ready. In fact less than 24 hours after arriving at Beacon Bay Marina and removing her winter covering, The Pearl was securely tied to her summer home. Let the season begin.
It didn’t take long to get the cover off the boat and our things loaded on the boat. Luckily this year we have the house to store a lot of our stuff.
After our work we went out to eat at 84 Fall in Seneca Falls. Seafood Risotto and Pan Seared Salmon
We were welcomed back to the boat with a beautiful sunset.
Launch day was beautiful.
Off to Allan Treman State Marina.
While Stan moves the boat to the south end of the lake I like to drive up to Lake Ontario to pick up rocks that I turn into art.
I picked up three large bags of rocks.
A few of the rocks I’ve painted on the rocks I picked up.
We’ve had a mix of beautiful spring weather and what we consider winter weather. One day is warm in the 70 to low 80s and the next the high was in the 50s. But summer is slowly arriving and we do love it up here.
The sunsets aren’t quite as pretty here as they are in Texas, but every once in a while they are beautiful.
Stan messed up his foot a little so we haven’t been able to go hiking…instead we’ve had picnics at our favorite winery. Sheldrake is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon.
We spent Mother’s Day at Kyle’s. It was a fun day with good food and lots of laughs.
These kids always bring us smiles.
My beautiful Mother’s Day flowers.
Our yard seems to change by the day. The flower beds look like a jungle now full of all sorts of beautiful flowers.
Ornamental Onion, Purple Clematis, Rhododendron, European Columbine, Cinqquefoil, Greater Burdock, Geranium and a pink European Columbine.
This is the very first time we’ve seen a Golden Tortoise Beetle. There were three but by the time I got my phone one had flown away.
The new addition to the house is a basketball goal for Graham. He was very good and we had a wonderful time playing with him.
The weekend after Mother’s Day the girls had their dance recital. They hold it at a winery not too far from Lewisburg. The girls did great and we loved seeing them dance. After the recital practice we had dinner…Graham loves hamburgers.
Another place we like to go to on a beautiful day is the Ithaca Beer Co. A great place too relax, have a beer and enjoy a good pizza.
We do enjoy sitting on the flybridge…in the mornings and evenings. The marina seems to be slow filling up this summer.
We also like taking our little runabout up the inlet to the Ithaca Farmers Market. It’s a good place to watch people and their food offerings are very international, but we seldom buy fresh vegetables here because they are very pricey.
May 20-22 Hattie’s Visit
“Grandchildren are the dots that connect the lines from generation to generation.” – Lois Wyse
This will be Hattie’s last May visit…she starts kindergarten in the fall. She’s so excited and so ready. We love these one on one visits with the Grands. We have a chance to really get to know them. Hattie has grown up so much in the last three years, she’s smart, energetic and she says the funniest things. We were entertained the whole visit.
On our way to the lake.
Hattie knows how to make the trip shorter…take a nap.
We stayed busy the whole time she was with us. The first day we ran to the store to stock up on all Hattie’s favorites, then she helped Stan bring our little boat from winter storage to the marina. The rest of the day was filled with riding bikes, dancing, climbing rocks and making new friends with marina dogs.
Captain Hattie
She had so much fun riding around the parking lot.
There are so many people and dogs to meet at the marina.
Hattie dancing to her own music…she was putting on a show for us.
Our second day was beautiful so we spent time at Taughannock Falls State Park. We played on the playground and along the lake…looking for treasures. Then enjoyed a picnic before coming back to the boat for a little rest and riding bikes again. After dinner we went out for ice cream. We also stopped and checked out Taughannock Falls. She was very impressed.
Hattie had fun looking at all kinds of treasures…shells, sea glass and jewelry.
Hattie loves to climb…she’s a really mountain goat.
Lunch at the park on the lake.
Summer means ice cream and that also means sprinkles for Hattie.
More things to climb on.
A visit to Taughannoock Falls.
Our last morning was spent at the Ithaca Children’s Garden. She really had fun climbing, swinging and exploring. Our tradition is to stop for lunch and the way home at the Jolly Trolley in Dushore. It breaks up the trip and it’s a fun place to eat.
Fun at the Children’s Garden.
Playing school
Lunch at Jolly Trolley.
May 20-22 Hattie’s Visit
“Grandchildren are the dots that connect the lines from generation to generation.” – Lois Wyse
This will be Hattie’s last May visit…she starts kindergarten in the fall. She’s so excited and so ready. We love these one on one visits with the Grands. We have a chance to really get to know them. Hattie has grown up so much in the last three years, she’s smart, energetic and she says the funniest things. We were entertained the whole visit.
