High Seas - Monday June 2

Island Princess - BIG

Last night when we listened to the weather - high winds were still in the forecast for Clarence Strait.  This morning we got up at 4 am to hear the updated weather forecast.  The forecast has abated a bit but still winds are forecast as high as 20 knots and seas up to 4 feet.  The problem is that the weather won't improve for several days.  The good news is that winds are from the NW and will be on our stern.  Also, we have an ebb tide that will help carry us to Ketchikan and provide us with a following sea. 

We slowly poke our nose out past the protected cove and find high seas and confused waters.  Larry and I quickly finish lashing down everything that could possibly move and the cat dives under the covers.  In a few minutes, we have made the turn to the south and things start to calm down.  Soon with a following sea, we have a quite comfortable ride and find ourselves doing over 9 knots.  We were passed by two Cruise ships in the Tongass Narrows. 

This time we found mooring in Thomas Basin -- closer to the downtown part of Ketchikan.  We are just steps away from the famous Creek Street. 

Barrie and I walk several miles to the south of town to see totem poles at Saxman Village.  We met a well respected Tlingit woodcarver, Nathan Jackson, who was working on an eagle that will be atop one of the main totem poles in downtown Ketchikan. 

Saxman Village Totems

Rode the bus back to town then took the tram to Cape Fox Inn for lunch and a brief stop at the boat before walking to the other end of town to fetch our FedEx package.  Package is in hand - great news.

Final stop at Safeway to purchase fresh Copper River Salmon for dinner.  Just $12/pound.  Returned to the boat where Larry had cold beer waiting.  Fixed dinner on the boat and relaxed.

Nathan Jackson at Saxman Village