Ketchikan, and the relief of the "Passages"

Neither of us fully understood the stress that comes with constant planning for open water passages. First, it was just passing through Puget Sound. Then it was transiting north to Anacortes, and further across Rosario Strait. Then with Chuck and Linda, we had to cross the Strait of Juan de Fuca "no matter what", in order to get them to Seattle for their return flight.

Since then, as Chris and I have continued north, we had to get around Cape Caution, Chatham Strait, and into Prince Rupert. But last night, we were faced with the planning for the narrow and complex Venn Passage followed by the open water of Dixon Entrance...


Along the way, after successfully getting through the Venn Passage, there were many sights, such as this light house. The passage called Venn was as tight as advertised, and the "range markers" were different from any I had studied or trained for. Instead of lining two markers up, one over the other, there were lights on either side. So if you were traveling away from the marker and could only see the red light, you must turn to starboard, and if green, turn to port. It works great...


Just after this station near Dundas Island, we entered the Dixon Entrance. I had studied the weather all day yesterday in preparation, and expected "only" 1 meter swells with few waves on top, and they were to become less "during the morning". Well, they were at least 4 feet, with 1 to 2 foot chop on top. We had to tack to avoid the roll motion, but after 2 hours, we were home-free! Chris took this picture while I was stressing at the helm in the seas...I needed a bath after the trip.


This was so peaceful after Dixon, and right about here, we saw our first whales. Two Orcas were playing here, but I couldn't get them on film. But later on, I did...

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And after 6 hours underway, we could see Ketchikan. There were 3 cruise ships visible in this picture, and we called for a slip at Thomas Basin, right in downtown. What a location it was..


We were right next to the main piers in downtown, and after the cruise ships departed, we had the city to ourselves..


Just before getting into town, I saw the puff of "fog" you see in this picture. As I was wondering what would explain such a phenomenon, the source of the fog appeared!!

A hugh Humpback Whale breached, and it's hard to convey the excitement of seeing these creatures up close. She dived and the great tail was magnificent...I'm sure there will be many more, but the first ones were inspiring.


As we cruised into our marina, the scenery was like this.



After tying up at the marina, we headed out to walk the town. The famous bordello, Dollie's, was our first stop. This is along the street called Creek Street, which was totally bordellos during the gold rush. These are mostly shops now, and very quaint.


This is the view of the shops on Creek Street.


Our marina is one of three in town. Ours was the only one absolutely in downtown, and as we docked, the guys next to us helped out. Here is a view of the marina from the city side.. What a coincidence when we walked into a bar in downtown on the waterfront to see all three of the "helpers" at the dock. The boat owner, Tom, owns Arctic Bar, the most famous bar in these parts. It was great fun getting to know Tom, Kevin, and Tom's son, Judd. Tom purchased a wooden boat years ago, that is pictured here...
She was built 67 years ago, and has always been sheltered. There have only been 5 owners in the 67 years, and what a magnificent boat...her name is: The Puget Lady
Eat your heart out, Bruce Diplacido...

Here is a picture of Chris, and to her right is Judd, then Kap and Ron (of Cosmo Place) and to the far left is Tom, owner of the bar, the Puget Lady, and father of Judd...we'll be seeing more of them in the next several days..


On approaching the dock or marina, Chris' job is to get the fenders and lines all out and secure. This is tough, since the boat is moving, rocking and rolling, and we never are sure whether we will have a starboard or port tie, and whether it will be a bow or stern first entry....tough job, and always well done...


Notice the float plane next to the house. These people know how to live...


Notice that this plane is tagged "Ellis Law Offices". Everyone has a float plane up here..



The newspaper is great..


But float planes are truly a dime a dozen. All pilots are familiar with the deHavilland Beaver. There must be a thousand here in Ketchikan. Also, the turbine model of the Otter in the foreground. I am sure that I will be flying in one tomorrow or the next day.



A home in downtown, overlooking the waterfront.

The creek through the town is beautiful...

We had supper at Steamers in downtown. This is the view from the restaurant...



We feel like all of the major passages with high seas are now behind us. Company joins us in several days for a week, where we will probably get to Misty Fjord, and then north to Wrangell and Petersburg. There is a camp called Amman camp where you are mingling "safely" with the grizzlies, but we'll see about that.

There are several trails here to hike and run, so we will have more tomorrow...