Alaska, Farewell!

Goodbye, Beautiful Alaska!

We traveled most of the day from our last anchorage through more magnificent Alaska, past the entrance to the ocean and on to a tiny anchorage where we just fit. At low tide, there has to be at least 6 feet below the boat, so anything less than 12 feet is not even considered. Calculations were made and the anchor played out.

Earlier today we had what I thought would be an exciting journey through Sergius Narrows, where the water current changes midway through, flowing inward from each side of the passage. For safety Pete and Sue planned our trip at slack tide. But it was quiet, and just a little more rolling than usual.

We’re eating hors d’oeuvres (homemade smoked salmon, grapes, apples, cheese and crackers) on deck after anchoring in our own private little cove 10 miles from Sitka, tomorow’s destination. After a short cruise the next morning we’ll spend the day exploring this small Alaska town where I’ll fly home from the following day.

The salmon are especially frisky in this cove, jumping every few seconds. Sue and I saw two at once, jumping in tandem.

Sue asked me what my favorite memory was from this trip, and I see myself in the front of the dinghy again, reaching for the ancient bergie bit ice, breaking off a soft chunk of (at least) thousand-year-old ice. That pristine taste, untouched and perfect like this wilderness state I have fallen in love with.

The next morning we are underway early, and before long we see signs of civilization. Small and large residences stretched out along the shore. Sitka.

Docking in Sitka

I watched from the wheelhouse while Pete directed the Kama Hele into a spot in a busy harbor where it just fit. But he made it look as easy as parking in a busy Walmart lot.

Exploring Sitka

One of the first things that caught my attention in Sitka was a man running through the outskirts of town, his husky tied to his waist. I have an amusing thought of our part-husky Minnie tied around my son’s waist, stirring up dust while cantering down our dirt road at home.

The three of us spent the day exploring shops and sharing a greasy order of fish and chips in town for a late lunch.

The shops lining the main street carried a fair amount of Chinese made pseudo-Alaskan art, but also some really lovely native art and some beautifully painted Russian boxes. And lots of artwork in galleries from those who live here and nearby. I think this town must be cozy in the winter, with no tourists and only each other to be with.

The flowers in Sitka are abundant, fragrant, dramatic and large.

We walk through a park and ask a stranger to take a photo of us in front of a totem pole, the only one I have that we’re all three in together. It’s a pretty touristy shot, but I had to have at least one.

Dinner at a restaurant recommended by one of Pete and Sue’s floating neighbors, but I made the mistake of ordering what turned out to be a bland tofu dish, knowing their seafood could never trump Peter’s daily fresh catches. Oh well…

Back aboard, I packed for the trip home, leaving at 4:45 am the next morning to catch my cab.

Pete got up with me, heaved my massive suitcase up the stairs to the wheelhouse and over the ship’s side, then helped me down. We waited for the cab together and said our goodbyes. It’s really a bittersweet moment! I will miss Peter and Sue. I will miss Alaska. But I have in my “back pocket” all these unforgettable memories.

And maybe (I’m pretty sure) I will return someday.

Thank you for sharing some of my adventures!

Your Animal Loving Artist,

Merry