We fueled up at Auke Bay and headed down the road, in the fog and rain. We were nervous when we first woke up that it was too foggy, but we all agreed it was clearing and visibility was good.
We saw 3 whales, 3 sea otters, and some porpoises on our six-hour trip. The current and wind was with us and although sometimes a bit swelly, it was an overall nice cruise. We kept thinking we were going to move upstairs and a fresh bout of rain would start up. So, we stayed inside. Jim has docked and undocked several times now from inside.
We really need a halibut harpoon and now regret not just picking one up in Ketchikan, we have checked along the way and no joy. We can halibut and salmon fish in Glacier Bay, my friend Corrine who is currently in Glacier Bay has her limit and is shipping fish home. The marine store owner in Hoonah passed earlier this year, so the only available fishing supplies are at the hardware store – and no harpoons.
One and a half miles from downtown there is a cruise ship terminal at Icy Strait Point. The paved trail follows the water and was a pleasant walk. The old cannery was remodeled – there are shops, restaurants, a zip line, and lots of excursions folks can sign up for. Even though mostly cloudy, the sun did pop out on occasion. A Disney cruise ship was in town that day – the sleepy town comes alive.
Tracy and Rocky came over, we played a game and discussed cruising plans after Glacier Bay. They need to be home by Aug 25th, so they are heading back south. We need to be back to Ketchikan soon as well, so that works out well for both of us.
We are on our way to Glacier Bay this morning at 7 am. It should take us roughly 4 hours. We need to take the orientation – there is one at noon and 4:30 today. Tomorrow we have all signed up for a tour. So two nights for us in Bartlett Cove.
Talk soon.