Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.9, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site.

# Slowboat

Slowboat is about putting the journey above the destination.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://slowboat.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Day 45 | Flotilla to Alaska | Wood Spit to Juneau](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/day-45-flotilla-to-alaska-wood-spit-to-juneau/) - As often happens, the last day of the flotilla is a whirlwind. We left Wood Spit around 6am for the 43nm cruise north to Juneau. Julie took this photo of Airship just after we pulled up our anchor. We arrived in Juneau, and after a bit of hustling we all eventually got space on the
- [Day 44 | Flotilla to Alaska | Ford's Terror, Dawes Glacier, Wood Spit](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/day-44-flotilla-to-alaska-fords-terror-dawes-glacier-wood-spit/) - First, here are two pics from sunset last night that came in after we published yesterday's post -- one facing west, from Greg on True Grit: And one of True Grit taken by Adrienne on Evenstar 55, facing east: Right after these photos, the fog rolled in thick and amazingly fast! Also, since the shrimp
- [Days 42-43 | Flotilla to Alaska | Tracy Arm Cove to Ford's Terror](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/days-42-43-flotilla-to-alaska-tracy-arm-cove-to-fords-terror/) - We left Tracy Arm Cove around 7am -- out through the Tracy Arm bar, in over the Endicott Arm bar, and up Endicott Arm. We spotted a couple whales just as they dove -- probably working on the same breakfast these seagulls were. We arrived at the entrance to Ford's Terror just after 10am (about
- [Day 41 | Flotilla to Alaska | Tracy Arm Glacier Cruise](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/day-41-flotilla-to-alaska-tracy-arm-glacier-cruise/) - This morning we left Tracy Arm Cove around 7am for our cruise up Tracy Arm and back. We were hopeful we'd get to see at least North Sawyer glacier, but you just never know what the ice will be like as you transit further and further up the arm. More seals and pups on icebergs:
- [Day 40 | Flotilla to Alaska | Taku Harbor to Tracy Arm Cove](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/day-40-flotilla-to-alaska-taku-harbor-to-tracy-arm-cove/) - This morning at Taku Harbor we had another leisurely morning and didn't get underway until 10am, after some homemade coffee cake (two kinds! courtesy of Alicia on Evenstar 42) and and espresso drinks courtesy of True Grit. Our cruise down Stephens Passage to Holkham Bay was easy, and it's always fun as people start spotting
- [Entering Ford's Terror](https://slowboat.com/2016/09/feature-article-fords-terror/) - (Updated June 2026). Ford's Terror might just be the most beautiful place on the planet. Cliffs—absolutely enormous granite walls, really—rise from water's edge to snowcapped bowls and peaks 5000 feet above. Countless waterfalls, some trickles, others torrents, plunge from these peaks. Bears forage ashore. Dolphins frolic around anchored boats. The scale of Ford's Terror is
- [Day 39 | Flotilla to Alaska | Couverden Island Cove to Taku Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/day-39-flotilla-to-alaska-couverden-island-cove-to-taku-harbor/) - Anchors were up this morning by 6am (a few even earlier!) as we started the 52nm cruise around Point Retreat, past Auke Bay/Juneau and Douglas Island and down to Taku Harbor. This might be our last sunny day for a few days so we'll make sure to soak it up! Dog Star got their sail
- [Day 38 | Flotilla to Alaska | Hoonah to Couverden Island Cove](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/day-38-flotilla-to-alaska-hoonah-to-couverden-island-cove/) - The group departed Hoonah at the leisurely hour of 9am, after a very nice breakfast at Fisherman's Daughter. Breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches, waffles, and coffee...a wonderful way to start another sunny day! Weather buoys in Icy Strait were reporting winds around 15kts gusting to 26kts, which was hard to believe when it was this calm
- [Day 36 | Flotilla to Alaska | Appleton Cove to Pavlof Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/day-36-flotilla-to-alaska-appleton-cove-to-pavlof-harbor/) - Our group left early for the six hour cruise from Appleton to Pavlof Harbor, one of our favorite stops in this part of SE Alaska. We left Appleton and cruised the short distance out Peril Strait, turning into an uncharacteristically calm Chatham Strait for the long run up to Pavlof. Alicia and Gregg aboard Evenstar
- [Day 37 | Flotilla to Alaska | Pavlof Harbor to Hoonah](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/day-37-flotilla-to-alaska-pavlof-harbor-to-hoonah/) - Some of the group departed Pavlof Harbor around 6am, and the rest trickled out and were underway by 7am. This morning the clouds had disappeared and the sky was bright blue! No bears (still) but that's okay. We'll be back when the fish are running and there will be bears. Right as we were rounding
- [Day 35 | Flotilla to Alaska | Sitka to Appleton Cove](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/day-35-flotilla-to-alaska-sitka-to-appleton-cove/) - Normally we would not stop at the same place on the way back through Peril Strait, but the timing of Sergius Narrows on the way in caused us to change our plan and we'll be visiting Appleton twice. (Maybe that will convert to more crab! ) We arrived at Sergius Narrows an hour early and
- [Days 33-34 | Flotilla to Alaska | Sitka](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/days-33-34-flotilla-to-alaska-sitka/) - It's been a rainy couple of days in Sitka, but that hasn't stopped this group from getting out and about and seeing town! Everyone is making the most of it...people went to the Raptor Center, Fortress of the Bear, the Sitka National Historic Park, walked all around town, and ate a lot of meals out!
- [Day 32 | Flotilla to Alaska | Appleton Cove to Sitka](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/day-32-flotilla-to-alaska-appleton-cove-to-sitka/) - Wind and rain buffeted our boats overnight in Appleton Cove, but this morning the wind had died down somewhat, and the rain had mainly stopped as we pulled anchors and headed for Sitka. We spotted another bear on shore this morning from Airship...it wandered out for a few minutes to eat some grass and then
- [Day 31 | Flotilla to Alaska | Takatz Bay to Appleton Cove](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/day-31-flotilla-to-alaska-takatz-bay-to-appleton-cove/) - What a difference a day makes! Today was rainy and gray...which is to say, much more what we're accustomed to for weather in SE Alaska! No bear sighting at Takatz Bay this time, but we enjoyed our time dinghying around regardless. As we entered Chatham Strait and headed north for Peril Strait, Dog Star put
- [Day 30 | Flotilla to Alaska | Red Bluff Bay to Takatz Bay](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/day-30-flotilla-to-alaska-red-bluff-bay-to-takatz-bay/) - Red Bluff Bay was stunning to wake up to this morning. No more bears, just blue skies and warm sun. Kevin and David took the dinghies out to pull the shrimp pots (dropped near the entrance) while Julie and I cruised Dog Star and Airship slowly out to pick them up. David: zero shrimp. Kevin:
- [Day 29 | Flotilla to Alaska | Coronation Island to Red Bluff Bay](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/day-29-flotilla-to-alaska-coronation-island-to-red-bluff-bay/) - Everyone was anchors up by 6am today for the long run up to Red Bluff Bay (60nm). Julie from Dog Star snapped this beautiful pic of the sunrise this morning. Airship was the last one out! The water in the bay was flat, but turned to lazy swells as we got out into the open.
- [Day 28 | Flotilla to Alaska | Explorer Basin to Egg Harbor on Coronation Island](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/day-28-flotilla-to-alaska-explorer-basin-to-coronation-island/) - Yesterday underway to Explorer Basin while reviewing the weather for the week, we noticed that conditions looked potentially favorable for a run down to Egg Harbor on Coronation Island. We've taken our group down here a couple times, and we've had it on the itinerary for a few years...but since getting to the island is
- [Day 27 | Flotilla to Alaska | Cannery Cove to Explorer Basin](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/day-27-flotilla-to-alaska-cannery-cove-to-explorer-basin/) - Today was a longer cruise -- 59nm from Cannery Cove down to Explorer Basin on Kuiu Island. But the potential for whales is extremely high along the west side of Kuiu Island and down near Tebenkoff Bay and Explorer Basin, and it's one of the most remote spots we visit. AND the weather today was
- [Day 26 | Flotilla to Alaska | Scenery Cove to Cannery Cove](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/day-26-flotilla-to-alaska-scenery-cove-to-cannery-cove/) - We said goodbye to the appropriately named Scenery Cove by 6am this morning for our 52nm cruise up Frederick Sound to Cannery Cove in Pybus Bay. Conditions in Frederick Sound were calm, with just a little occasional drizzle. We saw several humpbacks in the distance, breaching, and tail- and fin-slapping. Dall's porpoises surfed the bow
- [Day 25 | Flotilla to Alaska | More from Baird Glacier](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/day-25-flotilla-to-alaska-more-from-baird-glacier/) - We got back into the glacial lake at Baird Glacier again tonight (high tide 7:30pm). Armed with the GPS breadcrumbs from the route we eventually found in yesterday, we got right in and spent about an hour cruising in and out of the mostly grounded icebergs and bergie bits. No rain, and we dressed a
- [Days 24-25 | Flotilla to Alaska | Petersburg to Thomas Bay](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/days-24-25-flotilla-to-alaska-petersburg-to-thomas-bay/) - Saturday -- We left Petersburg for the relatively short cruise over to Thomas Bay (20nm). Conditions in Frederick Sound were calm with gray skies and no significant rain. Kali and Evenstar 55 anchored near the Cascade Creek trailhead, and the rest of us anchored at the Ruth Island anchorage, just across the way. Soon after
- [Day 23 | Flotilla to Alaska | Local Color in Petersburg](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/day-23-flotilla-to-alaska-local-color-in-petersburg/) - We opted to stay an extra day in Petersburg this visit. The skies were gray and it rained/drizzled a bit, but the town is plenty colorful to make up for the weather. We explored, shopped, tried several of the local restaurants and cafés, and did a few boat projects. We've of course seen this sign
- [Day 22 | Flotilla to Alaska | Wrangell to Petersburg](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/day-22-flotilla-to-alaska-wrangell-to-petersburg/) - We left Wrangell around 6am this morning for a date with Wrangell Narrows. Yesterday brought some gray skies, cooler weather, and a little rain. We're not complaining at all though because look how beautiful it still is! The annual photos of Two Tree Island: There's a little blue sky to the west, but mostly gray
- [Day 21 | Flotilla to Alaska | Thoms Place to Wrangell](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/day-21-flotilla-to-alaska-thoms-place-to-wrangell/) - We are all enjoying the slower pace, now that we're in SE Alaska. With a short cruise from Thoms Place to Wrangell, we had time to sleep in a little, check crab traps, and depart at a more sensible hour. Several of us had some luck with crabbing. Fleming Evenstar left first and sent back
- [Day 20 | Flotilla to Alaska | Vixen Inlet to Thoms Place](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/day-20-flotilla-to-alaska-vixen-inlet-to-thoms-place/) - Vixen Inlet this morning was perfect. Super calm, clear skies, bright sun. We woke early but no one was in any hurry to leave this beautiful spot. Brian from Evenstar (Fleming) took his drone up and got some great shots of us all at anchor. On our way up to Thoms Place, some up ahead
- [Day 19 | Flotilla to Alaska | Ketchikan to Vixen Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2026/06/day-19-flotilla-to-alaska-ketchikan-to-vixen-inlet/) - The group left Ketchikan this morning around 7am and headed north in Tongass Narrows, avoiding tugs and barges, float planes, fishing boats, and a couple of cruise ships. We opted to pass Meyers Chuck, as cute and as charming as it is, due to limited dock space and our 7 on-the-larger-side boats, but at least
- [Day 15 | Flotilla to Alaska | Prince Rupert to Foggy Bay](https://slowboat.com/2026/05/day-15-flotilla-to-alaska-prince-rupert-to-foggy-bay/) - We were up early this morning to navigate Venn Passage, possibly attempt a Dixon Entrance crossing, and make our way to Foggy Bay, Alaska. The weather was a little iffy. While conditions were good, we had one forecast for five foot swells on our beam at some point, so we made a multi-prong contingency plan.
- [Days 17-18 | Flotilla to Alaska | Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/2026/05/days-17-18-flotilla-to-alaska-ketchikan/) - Our stops in Ketchikan can be quite busy! Sometimes our stops are brief and frantic, but we stayed three nights this visit. Having some down time to explore and chill and do boat chores (and go out to dinner multiple times!) after several long days in a row was rejuvenating, and the sunny weather helped
- [Day 16 | Flotilla to Alaska | Foggy Bay to Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/2026/05/day-16-flotilla-to-alaska-foggy-bay-to-ketchikan/) - We left Foggy Bay this morning for a smooth cruise into Ketchikan. Brian from Evenstar/Fleming took these gorgeous drone shots as people were getting ready to head on to Ketchikan this morning: Seas were calm, the weather was sunny, and a few whales were here and there, settling into their Alaska routine. Ketchikan is quite
- [Day 14 | Flotilla to Alaska | Lowe Inlet to Prince Rupert](https://slowboat.com/2026/05/day-14-flotilla-to-alaska-lowe-inlet-to-prince-rupert/) - Today we made our way from Lowe Inlet up the remainder of Grenville Channel to Prince Rupert, our last stop in BC before we attempt to cross Dixon Entrance into Alaska. It was smooth sailing, and a couple of boats had a guest raven aboard for part of the journey. We arrived at Prince Rupert
- [Day 13 | Flotilla to Alaska | Khutze Inlet to Lowe Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2026/05/day-13-flotilla-to-alaska-khutze-inlet-to-lowe-inlet/) - We were up early and reluctantly left Khutze Inlet. It's one of our favorite stops on the Inside Passage - stunning beauty, abundant wildlife, vast dinghy exploration opportunities, (and somewhat tricky anchoring). It was a long run up to Lowe Inlet - the site of a salmon cannery operation from 1890 to the 1930s. Lowe
- [Day 12 | Flotilla to Alaska | Bottleneck Inlet to Khutze Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2026/05/day-12-flotilla-to-alaska-bottleneck-inlet-to-khutze-inlet/) - It poured all evening in Bottleneck, so we didn't get to do as much as we would have liked there, but the weather broke as we headed out early for a long-ish run up to the stunning Khutze Inlet. Khutze has an estuary surrounded by breathtaking mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. Numerous bears hang out in
- [Day 11 | Flotilla to Alaska | Shearwater to Bottleneck Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2026/05/day-11-flotilla-to-alaska-shearwater-to-bottleneck-inlet/) - We left Shearwater at 5:00am in order to hit Perceval Narrows at slack, on our way to our intended destination of Rescue Bay. Conditions were great, we were making good time, and we made an on-the-water call to extend a couple more hours to Bottleneck Inlet. We'd still arrive before noon, and take two hours
- [Day 10 | Flotilla to Alaska | Pruth Bay to Shearwater](https://slowboat.com/2026/05/day-10-flotilla-to-alaska-pruth-bay-to-shearwater/) - We departed Pruth Bay early to press north to Shearwater. Conditions looked good for a smooth transit. (No sun, but we can't be too picky.) Coming out of Pruth Bay, Dog Star got some favorable sailing conditions and took advantage of them. Shearwater/Bella Bella is really the only good provisioning stop along the middle of
- [Days 8-9 | Flotilla to Alaska | Blunden Harbour to Pruth Bay](https://slowboat.com/2026/05/days-8-9-flotilla-to-alaska-blunden-harbour-to-pruth-bay/) - We opted to leave a little later than our usual zero-dark-thirty to round Cape Caution today. Normally, the driving factor is winds, which tend to build over the course of a day. In that case, leaving early lets you get the more favorable winds (as well as the worm, of course), and gets you around
- [Days 6-7 | Flotilla to Alaska | Boughey Bay to Blunden Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2026/05/days-6-7-flotilla-to-alaska-boughey-bay-to-blunden-harbour/) - This morning we cruised across Queen Charlotte to Blunden Harbour, one of our favorite staging points for rounding Cape Caution. The weather looked decent, but winds were forecast to build as the day progressed, so we got an early start. Overnighting in Boughey Bay had given us a nice route out to Queen Charlotte without
- [Day 5 | Flotilla to Alaska | Kanish Bay/Small Inlet to Boughey Bay ](https://slowboat.com/2026/05/day-5-flotilla-to-alaska-kanish-bay-small-inlet-to-boughey-bay/) - Today was the day to make miles down Johnstone Strait while things were good. Johnstone can be a serious menace, and we had favorable current from 6AM until noon. We figured if we popped out right at 6, we could ride the current all the way down to our turnoff from Johnstone. As a bonus,
- [Day 4 | Flotilla to Alaska | Tribune Bay to Kanish Bay/Small Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2026/05/day-4-flotilla-to-alaska-tribune-bay-to-kanish-bay-small-inlet/) - Early (5am!!) departure today, and a long day to boot! We cruised just over 60nm from our anchorage at Tribune Bay up past Campbell River, through Seymour Narrows (timed perfectly, of course), and onto Kanish Bay. It was a bit lumpy out, with some current against us as we headed north in the Strait of
- [Day 3 | Flotilla to Alaska | Clam Bay to Tribune Bay](https://slowboat.com/2026/05/day-3-flotilla-to-alaska-clam-bay-to-tribune-bay/) - The Environment Canada forecast didn't look all that great for the Strait of Georgia this morning, but after discussing the hourly reported condition (Windy.com, buoy reports, looking at the hourly trend, etc.) with Laura via the group chat, it looked like a little chop was likely the worst we'd get, so the group pulled anchor
- [Day 2 | Flotilla to Alaska | Ganges to Clam Bay](https://slowboat.com/2026/05/day-2-flotilla-to-alaska-ganges-to-clam-bay/) - This morning we left Ganges a little before the 11am checkout time (after wandering up the hill to a nice bakery). We're of course watching the weather forecasts for the Strait of Georgia, and we were greeted this morning with this, for both south and north of Nanaimo. Waterspouts?? Waterspouts are not on our Flotilla
- [Day 1 | Flotilla to Alaska | Prevost Harbor to Ganges](https://slowboat.com/2026/05/day-1-flotilla-to-alaska-prevost-harbor-to-ganges/) - Day 1 is always a very busy day. Clearing Canadian Customs, arriving into Ganges, provisioning for a week without groceries, and then meeting for our first group dinner out...it's a lot. Which means photos from Day 1 are often a little scarce. Airship at Bedwell Harbour for clearing Canadian Customs: Instead of clearing by phone
- [Day 0 | 2026 Flotilla to Alaska | Getting the Group Together at Stuart Island](https://slowboat.com/2026/05/day-0-2026-flotilla-to-alaska-getting-the-group-together-at-stuart-island/) - Today was an exciting day on Airship as we left to meet the group for the beginning of the 2026 Flotilla! We got an early start out of La Conner to get ahead of the weather. The forecast called for some strong winds in the afternoon, and we wanted to get across Rosario Straight before
- [Untamed Coast | Coming September 1, 2026](https://slowboat.com/2026/03/untamed-coast-coming-september-1-2026/) - As many of you know, my debut novel Untamed Coast is being published this year by Ballantine/Penguin Random House. Untamed Coast is a cross-genre novel—book club fiction, mystery, thriller, and wilderness adventure—that spans three timelines, and maybe most importantly to Slowboat readers, it takes place largely on boats in SE Alaska! I’m incredibly grateful for the
- [Announcing the 2026 Slowboat Flotilla to Alaska](https://slowboat.com/2025/10/announcing-the-2026-slowboat-flotilla-to-alaska/) - Inside Passage: San Juan Islands to SE Alaska Prevost Harbor WA to Juneau AK | ~6 weeks | mid May to late June 2026 Update: We now have accepted deposits for all spots on the 2026 flotilla. But things often change for people, so if you're interested in the trip and would like to be
- [Airship | Matia Island](https://slowboat.com/2025/09/airship-matia-island/) - Yesterday we decided to see if there was room for us at Matia Island...it'd been ages since we'd been there, and it was mid-week, so maybe? I didn't remember if the dock was big enough for us, but the park website references a 128-foot dock there, so perhaps. We also didn't recall if anchoring was
- [Airship | Nanaimo](https://slowboat.com/2025/09/airship-nanaimo/) - We continued our cruise out into the Strait of Georgia yesterday (after waiting for the cable ferry across to Denman Island). The red/green lights on shore (letting vessels know when and when not to cross) are much easier to spot on a foggy gray day than they are in bright sunlight. Oh good, back to
- [Airship | Sandy Island Anchorage](https://slowboat.com/2025/09/airship-sandy-island-anchorage/) - We left Gowlland Harbour yesterday morning around 7:30am and had a nice push out past Cape Mudge (and the gazillion little fishing boats, holy moly were there a lot of boats...wish I'd have taken a photo, but was too distracted by going 11 kts at 100rpm lower than usual). Most of our cruise down the
- [Airship | Johnstone Strait](https://slowboat.com/2025/08/airship-johnstone-strait/) - We left Sunday Harbour in the dark (again) this morning, planning to get ALL of Johnstone Strait behind us today. We had just a touch of fog this morning, which eventually cleared to this: ...which eventually cleared to this: We had a great boost of current this morning, and at about the max current against
- [Airship | Cape Caution (and a bonus cautionary tale)](https://slowboat.com/2025/08/airship-cape-caution-and-a-bonus-cautionary-tale/) - Today was our 20th rounding of Cape Caution, and the calmest one yet! A few minutes after we exited Fury Cove, we spotted a group of humpbacks cruising from east to west, so we slowed so not to cross their path. They dove as I tried to get a couple photos, but both slight fog
- [Airship | Fury Cove](https://slowboat.com/2025/08/airship-fury-cove/) - Our extra day in Fury Cove was really nice! We were the only boats there until late afternoon (when six others came in). Kevin and Russ did well with the fish, and it's beautiful here, so definitely worth the extra day. Last night we dinghied over to Melissa Lynn for dinner: fresh salmon, wild rice,
- [Airship | Shearwater to Fury Cove](https://slowboat.com/2025/08/airship-shearwater-to-fury-cove/) - We decided to leave Shearwater this morning at 7am for the 50nm cruise down to Fury Cove. Conditions still foggy, but not AS foggy. As we were about to turn east into Lama Passage, I noticed a big circle of what maybe was bait fish, but it looked different than the usual surface disturbance from
- [Airship | Rescue Bay and Shearwater](https://slowboat.com/2025/08/airship-rescue-bay-and-shearwater/) - We left Kent Inlet yesterday -- a couple hours before low slack at Philip Narrows with a few knots of current pushing us through. More fog, but it eventually cleared not long before we turned into scenic Jackson Passage. The current was pushing us along at a good clip through the narrows, but still no
- [Airship | Kent Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2025/08/airship-kent-inlet/) - We arrived at Kent Inlet on Princess Royal Island a bit before slack for Philip Narrows, but there was little to no current to worry about. (We were at a 17ft high yesterday and had about 22ft under us at the shallowest spot.) We dropped our anchor in the far head of the bay where
- [Airship | Racey Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2025/08/airship-racey-inlet/) - We arrived at Bone Anchorage in Racey Inlet (on Princess Royal Island) right after 5pm yesterday, and immediately set out in the dinghies to go explore and look for bears. (We're the only boats in here.) This is the spot our friends Dan and Eileen saw a spirit bear two summers ago, so we like
- [Airship | McMicking Inlet on Campania Island](https://slowboat.com/2025/08/airship-mcmicking-inlet-on-campania-island-2/) - McMicking Inlet on Campania Island is one of our favorite places in the north coast area of British Columbia. And on the day we arrived the weather could not have been better. Conditions were calm enough that we anchored right in front of one of the white sandy beaches at the entrance to the inlet.
- [Airship | More Saycuritay Cove](https://slowboat.com/2025/08/airship-more-saycuritay-bay/) - We were originally planning to cruise 6nm or so down to a spot at the north tip of Campania Island yesterday morning, but we decided to stay another day here (since the fishing is good) to hopefully add more salmon to the freezer. Later in the afternoon, about 30 minutes after I looked over toward
- [Airship | Dunn Passage South on Campania Island](https://slowboat.com/2025/08/airship-dunn-passage-south-on-campania-island/) - We left Saycuritay Cove yesterday around 9:30am and headed south to Campania Island. Missie was up early and snapped this cool photo of the morning sky: We thought we'd cruise in to take a look at the Harwood Bay anchorages, but ultimately figured we'd go further south to Dunn Passage, since so much area near
- [Airship | Bubblenet Feeding in Nepean Sound on our way to Saycuritay Cove](https://slowboat.com/2025/08/airship-bubblenet-saycuritay/) - We left Monckton Inlet this morning just after 9am and headed south in Principe Channel in much nicer conditions than yesterday. Last year when we took this same route home, we saw SO many humpbacks bubblenet feeding at the southern tip of Pitt Island (right there where the red/orange marker is) so we were hopeful
- [Airship | Wood Spit to Ford's Terror](https://slowboat.com/2025/07/airship-wood-spit-to-fords-terror/) - Last night at Wood Spit, just as we were going to bed, a humpback cruised past us, spouting and lunge feeding as it made its way around the spit. The light was very low, but I took a few shots anyway. Super cool! Also, I forgot to post the video Kevin took while he and
- [Airship | More Ford's Terror](https://slowboat.com/2025/07/airship-more-fords-terror/) - Another sunny day in Ford's Terror! We're gonna soak it all up, too, because looking ahead shows a whole bunch of cloudy/rainy days. This morning's shrimp trap pull: 50 more coonstripes and one big spot prawn daddy. When discussing what to do with our fresh Dungeness crab from yesterday at Wood Spit, the words "crab
- [Airship | Hanus Bay to Takatz Bay](https://slowboat.com/2025/08/airship-hanus-bay-to-takatz-bay/) - We pulled out of Hanus Bay late yesterday morning and headed east in Peril Strait, spotting this one humpback along the shore as we cruised past. Chatham Strait was just the slightest bit choppy in about 15kts of wind on the nose, but a beautiful cruise down to Takatz Bay. It started raining soon after
- [Airship | Dixon Entrance, Prince Rupert, Newcombe Harbour, Monckton Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2025/08/airship/) - Our plan was to wait until conditions looked nice and calm on Monday to leave Foggy Bay and cross Dixon Entrance into BC. Saturday we saw some 35kt gusts inside Foggy Bay, but the anchorage is well protected and we were completely comfortable. On Sunday, the conditions looked a little choppy but overall fine, and
- [Airship | McMicking Inlet on Campania Island](https://slowboat.com/2023/08/airship-mcmicking-inlet-on-campania-island/) - Yesterday we cruised from Anger Island past Pitt Island, down Principe Channel, through Nepean Sound and Estevan Sound and into McMicking Inlet on Campania Island. Oh, and I keep meaning to mention...if you click the "Where is Airship?" button on the front page of the blog that shows you where we are via our Garmin
- [How Boating in Alaska Led to a Book Deal](https://slowboat.com/2025/08/how-boating-in-alaska-led-to-a-book-deal/) - Many of you Slowboat readers have been part of this journey—chatting with me about the project, beta-reading early drafts, and cheering me on. I’m deeply grateful, and want to officially announce here on Slowboat, that my novel, titled Untamed Coast, will be published by Ballantine/Penguin Random House in about a year. How did we get
- [Airship | Ketchikan to Foggy Bay](https://slowboat.com/2025/08/airship-ketchikan-to-foggy-bay/) - We left Ketchikan yesterday morning after deciding we'd rather wait out this upcoming low pressure system (35kt winds and rain) at anchor in a pretty place with a view of trees and water, rather than at the dock in Ketchikan with a view of a very poorly maintained wooden boat (containing several dogs barking for
- [Airship | Red Bay and Snug Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2025/08/airship-red-bay-and-snug-harbor/) - Last Friday we cruised from Portage Bay into Petersburg for a few days to wait out some super rainy weather. Dave and his brother Kyle (from Turnagain) flew home from Petersburg, and we're on our own now. We left Petersburg late in the day on Sunday and anchored in Red Bay. On Monday it was
- [Airship | Honeydew to Portage Bay](https://slowboat.com/2025/08/airship-honeydew-to-portage-bay/) - This morning we had another present on our anchor to deal with before we could leave our beautiful Honeydew Cove. All the prettiest spots seem to come with kelp! All the finger-crossing and whale-dancing we did this morning to conjure the whales today worked!! There were SO many whales out in Frederick Sound after we
- [Airship | Takatz Bay to Honeydew](https://slowboat.com/2025/08/airship-takatz-bay-to-honeydew/) - We had a gorgeous, calm cruise from Takatz Bay, across Chatham Strait and over to Honeydew today! Spotted a few whale spouts in the distance, but other than that, just blue skies and puffy clouds. As we were approaching Kuiu Island and Keku Strait, we could see fog ahead. Also, check out this crazy sky!
- [Airship | Kalinin Bay and Hanus Bay](https://slowboat.com/2025/08/airship-kalinin-bay-and-hanus-bay/) - We left Klag Bay day before yesterday (Saturday) expecting 3ft swells at about 6-7 seconds, but conditions outside were a bit sportier than advertised. Not terrible, but more like 4-5ft at about 5-6 seconds, with the occasional set of steeper, closer together 5-6 footers. So just this one photo because the rest of the time
- [Airship | Kimshan Cove and Klag Bay](https://slowboat.com/2025/08/airship-kimshan-cove-and-klag-bay/) - A bit of a teaser for some news we'll be announcing soon: Kevin is doing the final edits on a novel he wrote (mystery, thriller, historical fiction) that is set in the area we are now exploring. The inspiration for the book came from our visit in 2016, when we went in search of a
- [Airship | Pelican to Kimshan Cove](https://slowboat.com/2025/07/airship-pelican-to-kimshan-cove/) - We left Pelican this morning just after 8am. The low clouds persisted but the rain we listened to overnight had mostly stopped. Conditions in Lisianski Strait as we headed west to the outside of Chichagof Island were calm and peaceful, and the sky brightened as we neared the ocean. We saw one humpback near Cape
- [Airship | Flynn Cove to Inian Islands](https://slowboat.com/2025/07/airship-flynn-cove-to-inian-islands/) - We decided to leave early from Flynn Cove today to make the slack (or close to it) at Inian Pass, and also allow some extra time in case there was any good humpback activity near Point Adolphus. There were definitely quite a few whales around the point. Just milling about though, no bubblenet feeding this
- [Airship | Inian Islands to Pelican](https://slowboat.com/2025/07/airship-inian-islands-to-pelican/) - We had an exciting morning today! Yesterday, one of the sailboats that came into the anchorage later anchored a little close to us but didn't seen close enough to do anything about, so we didn't. What I should have done was turn on the radar and chartplotter and see how close they were relative to
- [Airship | Funter Bay to Flynn Cove](https://slowboat.com/2025/07/airship-funter-bay-to-flynn-cove/) - We leisured late this morning in Funter Bay and didn't leave until after 11am. Another gorgeous, sunny day! We watched the F1 race (Belgian Grand Prix, vroom!) and then pulled our anchor and headed out into the mostly glassy Icy Strait toward Flynn Cove. Turnagain left before us and then peeled off to stop in
- [Airship | Juneau to Funter Bay](https://slowboat.com/2025/07/airship-juneau-to-funter-bay/) - We'll be buddy boating a bit over the next week or more with Dave on Turnagain, now joined by his brother Kyle. We all left Juneau this morning around 6am because low tide was going to be a minus 3.2ft at 9am, and Turnagain had some fishing boats rafted three deep between him and the
- [Airship | Wood Spit to Juneau](https://slowboat.com/2025/07/airship-wood-spit-to-juneau/) - Early start today! We wanted to get back to Juneau with enough time to do some more in town stuff before Taylor and Lauren have to leave in the morning, so the alarm was set for 5:30am. I know, ew. Kevin and Taylor popped out to retrieve the crab traps...they were full, but full of
- [Airship | Ford's Terror to Wood Spit](https://slowboat.com/2025/07/airship-fords-terror-to-wood-spit/) - We slept in again this morning at Ford's Terror, and then Taylor made a super yum breakfast taco bar...scrambled eggs, hash browns, Jerry's double-smoked bacon, tomatillo cream sauce, etc....and we had our breakfast on the flybridge, soaking in all the incredible scenery with more delicious food. After pulling the shrimp pots for the last time
- [Airship | Post Flotilla Fun with Friends | Juneau, Tracy Arm, Wood Spit](https://slowboat.com/2025/07/airship-post-flotilla-fun-with-friends-juneau-tracy-arm/) - We had a couple days off (sort of) in Juneau between the flotilla and having friends join us...we also provisioned, did a bunch of laundry, picked up some supplies, went to the marine store, and also tried to do some sightseeing and touristy stuff with Andrea before she left. Wednesday: Once our friends Lauren and
- [Day 47 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Tracy Arm Cove to Juneau](https://slowboat.com/2025/07/day-47-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-tracy-arm-cove-to-juneau/) - We left Tracy Arm Cove around 6am for an earlyish arrival into Juneau today. The further north we got, the brighter it got, and pretty soon we could even see some very pale blue skies ahead. Approaching Juneau...blue skies!!! We all got space in either Harris or Aurora harbors, and set out for some exploring.
- [Day 46 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Ford's Terror to Tracy Arm Cove](https://slowboat.com/2025/07/day-46-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-fords-terror-to-tracy-arm-cove/) - The rain persists. Yes it's beautiful still, but we're all a bit over the rain at this point. High tide wasn't until just after 3:30pm today so we slept in again, checked the shrimp pots a few more times (we did well again this year, but we also forgot to take photos of our haul),
- [Day 45 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Rainy Ford's Terror](https://slowboat.com/2025/07/day-45-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-rainy-fords-terror/) - This visit to Ford's Terror has been one of the rainiest ever, but bright side...so many more waterfalls!! Speaking of waterfalls, I forgot to post this photo of the one in the Ford's Terror waiting room yesterday before we came in. We had a fun coffee visit with Tim and Carole on sailing vessel Lumina
- [Day 44 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Endicott Arm, Dawes Glacier, Ford's Terror](https://slowboat.com/2025/07/day-44-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-endicott-arm-dawes-glacier-fords-terror/) - Sun!! When we woke up there were shadows!! It didn't last, however, but it was beautiful nonetheless. We pulled anchors and headed for Endicott Arm around 7am. We wanted enough time to get up to the glacier if we could, and then back to Ford's Terror early enough to be able to take people in
- [Day 43 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Tracy Arm, North and South Sawyer Glaciers](https://slowboat.com/2025/07/day-43-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-tracy-arm-north-and-south-sawyer-glaciers/) - If you missed having a bunch of photos in yesterday's post, hold onto yer britches for today because today we've got a TON. Here we all are at anchor before heading out this morning: We saw several humpbacks early along our route today. Another humpback: We made it to within a mile of the face
- [Day 42 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Taku Harbor to Tracy Arm Cove](https://slowboat.com/2025/07/day-42-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-taku-harbor-to-tracy-arm-cove/) - Our cruise today from Taku Harbor down Stephens Passage to Tracy Arm Cove was bumpy. Occasionally 3-4ft chop, with wind gusting to 24kts, but on the nose so not too bad, but not super comfortable. And it was raining hard most of the time, so not a lot of photos from today. As we neared
- [Day 41 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Couverden Island Cove to Taku Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2025/07/day-41-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-couverden-island-cove-to-taku-harbor/) - Well, there certainly has been a LOT of rain lately. Sure would love for that sun to come visit again. But hey, we did get a beautiful view of the mountains and glaciers (and the lighthouse) as we rounded Point Retreat. IF and Turnagain peeled off and stopped in Auke Bay for fuel (IF) and
- [Day 40 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Pavlof Harbor to Couverden Island Cove](https://slowboat.com/2025/07/day-40-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-pavlof-harbor-to-couverden-island-cove/) - We left early this morning from Pavlof Harbor...5:30am-early. The NOAA forecast said 20kts and 4ft in Northern Chatham -- (originally also had gusting to 35kts in the afternoon, but that was downgraded last night) -- but the ECMWF model on Windy (well, and all the other models) did not show it getting over 15kts. The
- [Day 39 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Pavlof Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2025/07/day-39-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-pavlof-harbor/) - We opted to stay in Pavlof Harbor for another day because...bears. It was so nice to sleep in and have a little down time this morning. We motored up to the waterfall and fish ladder to look for bears, but no bears, and just a couple of fish spotted up there. We're still a little
- [Day 38 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Appleton Cove to Pavlof Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2025/07/day-38-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-appleton-cove-to-pavlof-harbor/) - A gorgeous morning in Appleton Cove! Kevin and Andrea pulled our crab pots and we had two nice big keepers. As we were pulling the anchor we spotted a deer walking along the spit on the north side of the cove. As we were heading out of Peril Strait we saw several humpbacks in the
- [Day 37 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Sitka to Appleton Cove](https://slowboat.com/2025/07/day-37-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-sitka-to-appleton-cove/) - We woke this morning in Sitka to....SUN!!! Sure, there are still some clouds, but one whole part of the sky was just BLUE. Andrea pulled up an urchin from a line hanging over the bull rail: Look at all that blue sky!!! We know, it won't last, but we'll take it while we get it!
- [Day 35-36 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Sitka](https://slowboat.com/2025/07/day-35-36-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-sitka/) - We spent a few days in Sitka soaking up the sights, shopping, walking, going out to dinner, and doing boat chores. We didn't take many photos here on Airship (sorry), but the days in port are always pretty busy for us. We had a group dinner one night at Mangiare, which was great, and we
- [Day 33 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Takatz Bay to Baby Bear Bay](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-33-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-takatz-bay-to-baby-bear-bay/) - This morning brought more fog and gray and drizzle, but especially fog. Always good on a day when seiners will be thick along our route, but by the time we left the bay the fog was mostly just a haze, and visibility wasn't bad at all. There was one packer inside the bay on our
- [Day 34 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Baby Bear Bay to Sitka](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-34-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-baby-bear-bay-to-sitka/) - We pulled out of Baby Bear Bay this morning around 8:30am so we'd arrive at Sergius Narrows near slack with some time to spare. We got a nice push on the way there, but first, right outside of our anchorage we were treated to this fantastic show by a lone Pacific white-sided dolphin. So much
- [Day 32 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Warm Springs Bay to Takatz Bay](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-32-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-warm-springs-bay-to-takatz-bay/) - More rain, more gray, still beautiful. The great conditions originally forecast for today changed to just okay, as a low pressure system is headed in. Looks like wind could be increasing to maybe 20-25kts by the afternoon, and this evening might even bring a few 35kt gusts. Airship and Turnagain de-rafted and Turnagain headed to
- [Day 31 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Red Bluff Bay to Warm Springs Bay](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-31-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-red-bluff-bay-to-warm-springs-bay/) - I took this photo late last night of Admiralty Dream and a superyacht whose name I can't remember, all lit up. These boats on charter seem to stay lit up like this all night! Kinda pretty, kinda not. We'd set the prawn traps toward the entrance the day we arrived, but only procured one (very
- [Day 30 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Explorer Basin to Red Bluff Bay](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-30-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-explorer-basin-to-red-bluff-bay/) - SO many more whales this morning, right off the bat as we exited Explorer Basin, outside of Tebenkof Bay. Breaching, bubble net feeding, tail-slapping, fin-slapping, all of it! Weather was super gray and foggy but conditions were calm so we just hung out and floated around for quite a while, watching the show. And a
- [Day 29 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Pybus Bay to Explorer Basin](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-29-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-pybus-bay-to-explorer-basin/) - We left Cannery Cove and Pybus Bay around 6am and headed into foggy but super calm conditions. Our destination today is Explorer Basin on Kuiu Island. Today is a long day (roughly 58nm), and a bit of a detour to make between Pybus and Red Bluff, but the opportunity to see a lot of humpbacks
- [Day 28 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Scenery Cove to Pybus Bay](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-28-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-scenery-cove-to-pybus-bay/) - We left Scenery Cove around 6am for the 50nm cruise up to Pybus Bay. Water was flat calm and the scenery was majestic. Kevin put the 360 Cam down at the bow and got some killer footage of the porpoises...he wins:  We spotted a handful of humpback spouts ahead between Pybus Bay and the
- [Day 27 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Into the Glacial Lake at Baird Glacier](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-27-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-into-the-glacial-lake-at-baird-glacier/) - Success!! We layered up with warms and waterproofs and headed out in the dinghies toward the mudflats at the head of Thomas Bay with the hope of re-finding our way into the glacial lake in front of Baird Glacier. Baird is no longer a tidewater glacier...blocked off by a moraine of mudflats and rockpiles...but if
- [Day 26 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Petersburg to Scenery Cove](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-26-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-petersburg-to-scenery-cove/) - A leisurely morning in Petersburg today! Our cruise over to Thomas Bay this morning was barely 20nm, so some of us opted to leave between 10:30 and noon. Ron and Jean on Sound Waves left early and made a detour over to see Le Conte Glacier and they're so glad they did! On a day
- [Day 25 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Exchange Cove to Petersburg](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-25-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-exchange-cove-to-petersburg/) - Exchange Cove this morning was stunning in the fog! Kali left earliest to hit Petersburg at slack, and Sara sent me this fantastic shot she got at 4:30am: Then a bit later when the rest of us were up (6ish) I got some more great shots from DeAnne on Turnagain: Dave taking Bodhi to shore
- [Day 24 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Thorne Bay to Exchange Cove](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-24-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-thorne-bay-to-exchange-cove/) - We made a "leave whenever you want to" plan for today...some people left at 7, some at 8 and some not until after 9! Clarence Strait was bumpy for a bit (2-3ft chop, 15-22kts of wind on the nose), but it calmed down eventually and I think most of the boats saw some kind of
- [Day 23 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Kasaan to Thorne Bay](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-23-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-kasaan-to-thorne-bay/) - Off the Kasaan public dock this morning around 7:30! Calm water and hardly any wind made for a very chill cruise up to Thorne Bay. As we were first heading out, we noticed our new friend Skip in his skiff out fishing, so we detoured a little bit to say goodbye and see ya next
- [Day 22 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Ketchikan to Kasaan](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-22-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-ketchikan-to-kasaan/) - We departed the docks in Ketchikan by 6am, hoping for a nice smooth cruise across Clarence Strait (which isn't always guaranteed). We dodged (okay not really "dodged") a couple cruise ships on our way north in Tongass Narrows, and were met with relatively calm water and not much wind as we crossed Clarence and headed
- [Days 20-21 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/days-20-21-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-ketchikan/) - Monday morning in Ketchikan started out very windy and very rainy! Early in the afternoon the sun came out, and we even had some blue sky! We decided to pull our little wagon up to the market while the weather was pleasant and we got all of our shopping/reprovisioning taken care of. On Tuesday morning
- [Day 19 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Pond Bay to Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-19-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-pond-bay-to-ketchikan/) - At 4am this morning, while at anchor in Pond Bay, we were startled awake by what sounded like a loud and distressed "Hey!! HEY!!!" or "Hey! HELP!!!" A male voice. Kevin bolted up from the pillow and said "Did you hear that???" I had, but thought it was in my dream until that point. We
- [Day 18 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Prince Rupert to Pond Bay](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-18-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-prince-rupert-to-pond-bay/) - Conditions this morning for Dixon Entrance still looked fantastic, so we were off the docks by 5am. Turns out, we weren't the only ones. This is what happens when the weather window is as good as it was today (and yesterday): We transited Venn Passage, a twisty but nicely marked channel, calm in the early
- [Day 17 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Baker Inlet to Prince Rupert](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-17-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-baker-inlet-to-prince-rupert/) - We woke to a gorgeous, peaceful morning in Baker Inlet. Zero wind, glassy water, and blue sky! I went out on the deck to take photos of the other boats. DeAnne on Turnagain reciprocated and sent us this one! There was some great color lining the walls of Watts Passage as we transited at low
- [Day 16 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Lowe Inlet to Baker Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-16-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-lowe-inlet-to-baker-inlet/) - Last night in Lowe Inlet was very windy and the boats all moved around at anchor quite a bit. A little tougher to get good sleep in those conditions, but luckily we weren't leaving the anchorage until 11:30am or so which meant we could try to get a little extra snoozing in after the wind
- [Day 15 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Khutze Inlet to Lowe Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-15-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-khutze-inlet-to-lowe-inlet/) - We left Khutze Inlet this morning just before 6am for our 55nm cruise to Lowe Inlet. Conditions were pretty much like this the whole day...a little wind, occasional chop, some current with us and some current against us. It's funny how the perspective changes after a couple weeks on the water as we make miles
- [Day 13 | Flotilla to Alaska | Lowe Inlet to Baker Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-13-flotilla-to-alaska-lowe-inlet-to-baker-inlet/) - We left Lowe Inlet around 8:00a.m. this morning in order to arrive at Watts Narrows near high tide (around 11:00a.m.) Watts Narrows is a short but narrow passage from Grenville Channel that connects into scenic Baker Inlet. There's a dogleg turn near the inner part of the entrance that makes it difficult to see any
- [Day 14 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Another Day in Khutze Inlet (Five Bears!)](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-14-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-another-day-in-khutze-inlet-five-bears/) - (Yes, I know, five bears and I lead with a picture of a duck, but isn't that a cool duck??) This morning we woke to bright sun and blue sky, again. Lovely. We were the only boats in here now, so after breakfast, Kevin took the Mavic Mini* up for a few aerial photos. Today
- [Day 13 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Rescue Bay to Khutze Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-13-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-rescue-bay-to-khutze-inlet/) - We left Rescue Bay around 8am this morning...another sunny day with clear blue sky! Feeling pretty lucky the past few days with the weather. Today's 8am departure saw us through Jackson Narrows about an hour after low tide, so still nice and skinny (for the fun) but plenty of depth under our keels. Airship saw
- [Day 12 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Shearwater to Rescue Bay](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-12-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-shearwater-to-rescue-bay/) - Our plan this morning was to leave Shearwater between 8:30am-9am. We were hopeful that the fuel barge had come during the night...Shearwater was out of diesel when we arrived! Ranger Tug IF really wanted to top off here so they didn't have to stop and hope to get fuel at Klemtu or Hartley Bay, where
- [Day 11 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Codville Lagoon to Shearwater](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-11-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-codville-lagoon-to-shearwater/) - We had a nice calm evening in Codville Lagoon last night, and this morning we left the anchorage by about 8am and headed for Shearwater. Couple of shots of the moonrise last night (not bad from an iPhone!) Entering Fisher Channel on a gorgeous, clear and sunny day! Today's cruise over to Shearwater was only
- [Day 10 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Kwakume Inlet to Codville Lagoon](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-10-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-kwakume-inlet-to-codville-lagoon/) - A nice leisurely morning in Kwakume Inlet! We didn't pull our anchor until the civilized hour of 9am! Before we pulled our anchor though, we pulled our crab traps and had one very large male Dungeness. Score! Once we were all anchored in Codville Lagoon, we dropped the dinghies and met on shore for the
- [Day 9 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Allison Harbour to Kwakume Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-9-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-allison-harbour-to-kwakume-inlet/) - This morning's forecast for our rounding of Cape Caution looked the same as we were expecting. Pine Island and Egg Island both reporting two foot chop and very little wind. Environment Canada for Central Coast from McInnes Island to Pine Island forecasting wind west 5-15kts, seas 1 meter. West Sea Otter buoy reporting 1.3 meters
- [Day 7 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Small Inlet to Mound Island](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-7-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-small-inlet-to-mound-island/) - We had an elaborate plan all worked out for today, with several backup plans built in, and we scrapped all of it as soon as we got up to Chatham Point light, where the promised 25kt winds and 3ft moderate wind waves did not materialize at all. Instead, we opted to continue on and get
- [Day 8 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Mound Island to Allison Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-8-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-mound-island-to-allison-harbour/) - We headed out early again this morning to get through Queen Charlotte Strait before the forecast wind increase in the afternoon. Everyone pulled out of the Mound Island anchorage at six, for what turned out to be a very pleasant cruise. One boat detoured to Port McNeill to get some fuel, but made great time
- [Day 6 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Staying Put in Small Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-6-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-staying-put-in-small-inlet/) - Making the decision to stay put in a location that's not bursting with rainbows and unicorns (aka calm water, multiple bears with cubs foraging on shore, whales and dolphins frolicking around our boats) is always a tough call. Small Inlet is beautiful, and sure, there are some birds (seagulls, mergansers, an eagle in the distance),
- [Day 5 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Campbell River to Small Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2025/06/day-5-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-campbell-river-to-small-inlet/) - A nice leisurely morning at Campbell River! We slept in a bit, and left the dock by 8:30am. Slack at Seymour Narrows was 9:54am, and we had a little current against us until then, and not a bad cruise at all up to Kanish Bay/Small Inlet. Wind in Johnstone was NW 15-25kts mostly on the
- [Day 4 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Comox to Campbell River](https://slowboat.com/2025/05/day-4-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-comox-to-campbell-river/) - Another early morning! We left the dock at Comox at 5am and headed out into the the calm, blue gray morning. The Comox Bar looks a little tricky, but it's really not. The depth is at least 15 feet, marked by red buoys, and there's even a lighted range if you like. The conditions in
- [Day 3 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Clam Bay to Comox](https://slowboat.com/2025/05/day-3-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-clam-bay-to-comox/) - Our alarm went off just before 4:30am this morning...enough time to check the weather, get a few sips of coffee, and figure out if we were going to need to change the plan. Again. A gorgeous, calm morning so far! The forecast, however, showed an increase in wind, plus a strong wind warning (SE 15-20kts
- [Day 2 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Ganges to Clam Bay](https://slowboat.com/2025/05/day-2-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-ganges-to-clam-bay/) - Day 2 and we've already resorted to a Plan B. Originally our plan this morning was to leave Ganges around 7:30am to make Dodd Narrows by noon, just prior to slack, and then continue on up to Tribune Bay on Hornby Island -- a long day (67nm). However, the forecast looked like we might very
- [Day 1 | 2025 Flotilla to Alaska | Prevost Harbor to Ganges](https://slowboat.com/2025/05/day-1-2025-flotilla-to-alaska-prevost-harbor-to-ganges/) - We're back!! The 2025 Flotilla to Alaska officially began last night at Prevost Harbor on Stuart Island, but most everyone was in Anacortes the night before, so we had some extra time to get acquainted before our first official meeting. We left Cap Sante around noon yesterday, and Carrie (on Ranger Tug 29 named IF)
- [Airship | Smuggler Cove to Irish Bay BC, and on to LaConner, WA](https://slowboat.com/2024/09/airship-smuggler-cove-to-irish-bay-bc-and-on-to-laconner-wa/) - Saturday - We opted to leave our nice calm spot in Smuggler Cove this morning and go south down the Strait of Georgia rather than waiting for tomorrow, even though we knew there was a chance it would be bumpy. The forecasted wind (15-20kts except near Vancouver Island 25kts) would be from the NW, which
- [Airship | Lund to Smuggler Cove, BC](https://slowboat.com/2024/09/airship-lund-to-smuggler-cove-bc/) - Before leaving Lund this morning, we walked up to Nancy's Bakery for breakfast, bought a loaf of fresh bread to-go, and then stopped in the market for some fresh salad greens and a couple other fresh things we might want in the next couple days before getting back to LaConner. We left around 9am and
- [Airship | Blenkinsop Bay to Lund, BC (and more dolphins!)](https://slowboat.com/2024/09/airship-blenkinsop-bay-to-lund/) - Blenkinsop Bay was calm and beautiful this morning. A tiny bit of fog laying low on the water, but clear besides that. Unfortunately, our timing wasn't great for the current in Johnstone, and we had as much as 3.8kts against us in some places. We expected current against us, just perhaps not quite that much,
- [Airship | Skull Cove to Blenkinsop Bay, BC](https://slowboat.com/2024/09/airship-skull-cove-to-blenkinsop-bay/) - Skull Cove was shrouded in fog when we woke this morning...no surprise really. We pulled our anchor and slowly motored through the narrow opening. The fog kept us company off and on (mostly on) until we reached Johnstone Strait. Our original plan was 47nm from Skull Cove to Mound Island (about 6.5 hours) but we
- [Airship | Cape Caution, Skull Cove, BC](https://slowboat.com/2024/09/airship-cape-caution-skull-cove-bc/) - We made lunch at Fury Cove, the other two boats left (they maybe had been waiting for the fog to burn off), and after a whole lot of overthinking by me, we decided to get around Cape Caution this afternoon instead of waiting for morning. It could be a little bumpy, but current conditions don't
- [Airship | Shearwater, Oyster Cove, Fury Cove, BC](https://slowboat.com/2024/09/airship-shearwater-to-oyster-cove-furycove-bc/) - We made an overnight stop on Sunday night in Shearwater with hopes of picking up some produce and grabbing a bite out at Fishermans Pub for dinner. We did have dinner at Fishermans, but the produce was a no-go. We got a couple apples, a bag of carrots, and a some green onions that had
- [Airship | Roscoe Inlet, BC](https://slowboat.com/2024/09/airship-roscoe-inlet-bc/) - We woke to socked in fog yesterday morning in Troup Narrows, so we decided that since our cruise up Roscoe Inlet promised spectacular scenery, we'd wait for the fog to burn off before heading out. We ended up pulling the anchor around 11am. Roscoe Inlet definitely does not disappoint. Sheer granite cliffs and giant domes,
- [Airship | Dixon Entrance, Captain Cove, Saycuritay Cove, BC](https://slowboat.com/2024/08/airship-dixon-entrance-captain-cove-saycuritay-cove/) - We left Foggy Bay around 6am on Friday and had perhaps the most chill crossing of Dixon Entrance ever. It's possible that due to it being our 18th (!!!) crossing we're a little more chill ourselves, but it was SO so calm and felt quite short! We saw quite a few different groups of whale
- [Airship | Saycuritay Cove to Racey Inlet/Bone Ache Anchorage, BC](https://slowboat.com/2024/08/airship-saycuritay-cove-to-racey-inlet-bone-ache-anchorage/) - I set the alarm for 6am this morning, thinking we'd get an early start, but it was still fully dark (oops) at 6am, so we snoozed and left at 7am instead. We had a beautiful cruise down the east side of Campania Island (Squally Channel, not squally today) into Campania Sound and Caamaño Sound before
- [Airship | Kent Inlet to Rescue Bay, BC](https://slowboat.com/2024/08/airship-kent-inlet-rescue-bay/) - We left Kent Inlet on Thursday morning as the fog was clearing...another beautiful day so far! We cruised a slightly longer day (39nm) to Rescue Bay, where we put a couple crab traps down. A little later, we saw a green-hulled Selene approaching from Jackson Narrows...could it be Scott on Impulse? Yes it could! Awesome!
- [Airship | Troup Narrows, BC](https://slowboat.com/2024/08/airship-troup-narrows/) - So Troup Narrows fully delivered (well, except for the crab closure, but that's fine). As you can see from the spoiler feature photo, we got some fantastic aurora last night. But we'll start earlier in the day. Kevin got some great aerials of the anchorage and surrounds after we arrived and got settled: We all
- [Announcing the 2025 Slowboat Flotilla to Alaska](https://slowboat.com/2024/08/announcing-the-2025-slowboat-flotilla-to-alaska/) - Inside Passage, San Juan Islands to SE Alaska Prevost Harbor WA to Juneau AK | ~6 weeks | late May to mid July 2025 NOTE 8/22/24: We have accepted "hold my spot" deposits for all openings on the 2025 flotilla and have several people already on the waitlist. Things almost always change, so let us
- [Airship | South from Prince Rupert: Whales, and More Fun Challenging Anchorages](https://slowboat.com/2022/09/airship-south-from-prince-rupert-some-fun-challenging-anchorages/) - We left Cow Bay Marina in Prince Rupert in thick fog, which cleared gradually as we made our way south. We cruised through Ogden Channel around to the west side of Pitt Island, and stopped at Newcombe Harbour for the night. The weather was quite rainy most of the time, so we didn’t do much
- [Airship | Vixen Harbor, Ketchikan, Kah Shakes Cove, Foggy Bay](https://slowboat.com/2024/08/airship-vixen-ketchikan-kahshakes-foggy/) - After Bradfield Canal, we spent one night in Vixen Harbor on our way to Ketchikan. The entrance to Vixen Harbor is always a fun transit...we've written posts about it several times before (here's one), but the charts are wrong, and the route that looks best on the charts has only about a foot of water,
- [Airship | Bradfield Canal](https://slowboat.com/2024/08/airship-bradfield-canal/) - We haven't ever been up Bradfield Canal, so after we left Berg Bay, at the bottom of Blake Channel we turned left up Bradfield Canal and headed for an anchorage just past the Harding River. We saw two humpbacks spouting in the distance, twice, but didn't see them again after that. We dropped the hook
- [Airship | Sokolof Island and Berg Bay](https://slowboat.com/2024/08/airship-sokolof-island-and-berg-bay/) - We left Petersburg yesterday morning around 8am. A beautiful, mostly clear, sunny day! We transited Wrangell Narrows riding the current in and then also out...it's fun when the timing works and you get a current boost the whole way through! We stopped and anchored on the east side of Sokolof Bay, a spot we were
- [Airship | Sokolof Island, Wrangell 4th of July, and Berg Bay](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/airship-sokolof-wrangell-berg-bay/) - We left Point Baker and headed toward Wrangell, stopping to fish for halibut around Vank and Sokolof Islands in the afternoon. We didn't catch anything and thought we'd fish again the next morning, so we anchored for the night in a little bight on the SE corner of Sokolof Island -- a decent anchorage with
- [Airship | Keku Islands to Portage Bay (And So Many More Whales)](https://slowboat.com/2024/08/airship-keku-islands-to-portage-bay/) - **Note: There are no non-whale photos in this post. Not one.** We left our beautiful spot this morning and headed out into Frederick Sound assuming we'd see more whales, which we did. I got this cool shot of a nice white fluke, and our friend Andrea had an ID super quick for me (see photo
- [Airship | Cape Fanshaw Bubblenet Feeding, Windham Bay](https://slowboat.com/2024/07/airship-cape-fanshaw-bubblenet-feeding-windham-bay/) - Our cruise yesterday from Thomas Bay to Windham Bay was whale-filled, including another (or the same?) group bubblenet feeding right around Cape Fanshaw. I took photos of a few more flukes to identify...uploaded to happywhale.com and will add captions once I have names. (Thanks to Andrea for turning me onto this site...I wish I'd have
- [Airship | Portage Bay to Petersburg](https://slowboat.com/2024/08/airship-portage-bay-to-petersburg/) - We had a nice quiet stay in Portage Bay. We didn't even put the dinghy down...we did some work, played some music, worked on art...and did a little boat clean up to get ready for another guest! Friends Brian and Allie on Knot to Worry came into Portage on our second day, and this morning
- [Airship | Flynn Cove to Mosquito Pass](https://slowboat.com/2024/06/airship-flynn-cove-to-mosquito-pass/) - We left Flynn Cove this morning and headed west in Icy Strait. We were hoping to see some humpbacks as we neared Point Adolphus. That turned out to be a big YES. This one below is called a male humpback called Lillian, SEAK-2042, first spotted in Hawaii in March of 2005: Not only that, they
- [Airship | Red Bluff Bay to Keku Islands](https://slowboat.com/2024/08/airship-red-bluff-bay-to-keku-islands/) - Yesterday afternoon in Red Bluff Bay, we dinghied up river to look for bears, but saw only salmon...but SO MANY salmon. A little hard to tell in the photo, but this is what the water looked like on either side of us as we ventured up the river. We met last night on Brian and
- [Airship | Ell Cove to Red Bluff Bay](https://slowboat.com/2024/08/airship-ell-cove-to-red-bluff-bay/) - We exited Ell Cove Wednesday morning onto a flat calm Chatham Strait, but we could see fog in our future. We watched two different humpbacks breaching and fin-slapping in the distance as we cruised south down Chatham Strait, but they were too far for decent photos. Eventually, we were in thick fog with very little
- [Airship | Pavlof Harbor to Ell Cove](https://slowboat.com/2024/08/airship-pavlof-harbor-to-ell-cove/) - We enjoyed two full days of bears (the ones I posted in the last post), warm weather and sun, jellyfish, two keeper crabs, and one nice silver salmon while in Pavlof Harbor. (I believe these orange jellies are Lion's Mane jellyfish.) The first night there were only three boats, but the second night--ten. It was
- [Airship | Red Bluff Bay and Pybus Bay](https://slowboat.com/2024/07/airship-red-bluff-bay-and-pybus-bay/) - Saturday: We left Takatz Bay with the idea we might stop in at Warm Springs, but it was just completely socked in with fog and we opted to keep going to Red Bluff and spend two nights there instead. We texted with friends Tom and Tish on Alaska Quest who were headed to Warm Springs
- [Airship | Another Day in Ell Cove](https://slowboat.com/2024/08/airship-another-day-in-ell-cove/) - What an incredible day! The sun was shining, we are surrounded by incredible beauty, and we don't have to go anywhere or look after anyone right now besides ourselves. We took our coffee up on the flybridge (see above re: soaking it all in) and after a while, we spotted a mama bear and two
- [Airship | Bears at Pavlof Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2024/08/airship-bears-at-pavlof-harbor/) - We spent a few days in Juneau seeing Kevin's brother off and reprovisioning before heading out. First night (last night) we stopped in Funter Bay...anchored way back in Crab Cove. We didn't get any crab, and still had a bit of a rolly night from whatever wind and waves were making their way in. We
- [Airship | Ford's Terror and Taku Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2024/07/airship-fords-terror-and-taku-harbor/) - Friday: We entered Ford's Terror about 25 minutes after Juneau high tide with about 3kts of current still flooding, pushing us in a little faster through as we dodged small icebergs that had entered with the flood. We anchored near where we usually do and started on dinner. We skewered and grilled up the spot
- [Windham Bay, Endicott Arm, Sandborn Canal, and Kake](https://slowboat.com/2017/07/windham-endicott-sandborn-kake/) - After our incredible day at Pack Creek, we headed back down Seymour Canal, joined by a couple of humpbacks. Then, as we were cruising across Stephens Passage toward Windham Bay, we were greeted by about 30 Dall's porpoises who played in Airship's bow wake for about a half an hour. We never tire of these
- [Airship | Thomas Bay, Scenery Cove, Baird Glacier and the Glacial Lake](https://slowboat.com/2024/07/airship-thomas-bay-scenery-cove-baird-glacier-and-the-glacial-lake/) - We left Cannery Cove on Tuesday morning after pulling the crab pots (2 keepers) and headed out into Frederick Sound. Very little wind and quite nice besides the rain. As we neared Cape Fanshaw we noticed another boat that had been hanging out over there for an hour or so, and since it's a popular
- [Airship | From Sitka: Appleton Cove, Basket Bay, Takatz Bay](https://slowboat.com/2024/07/airship-from-sitka-appleton-cove-basket-bay-takatz-bay/) - We hung out for a few days in Sitka while waiting for Kevin's brother Craig to join us. We made pizza one night that turned out super good. Our usual pepperoni with fresh oregano, honey, and hot chili oil, and an experimental one with burnt ends, tomatoes, olives, and jalapeños. Both were great! Since we
- [Airship | Three Entrance Bay](https://slowboat.com/2024/07/airship-three-entrance-bay/) - It rained all night, but by morning the rain had stopped and the sky was quiet. Clouds reflected in the smooth mirror of the bay, interrupted occasionally by schools of tiny fish breaking the surface. The light was soft and we were approaching a low tide, so Kevin went up for some aerial shots. After
- [Airship | Redoubt Bay to Three Entrance Bay](https://slowboat.com/2024/07/airship-redoubt-bay-to-three-entrance-bay/) - Before we left Redoubt Bay yesterday morning, I took a few photos of the family of eagles hanging out in the trees next to us. We cruised the short 6nm around the corner to Three Entrance Bay, and right outside there were several charter boats fishing, as well as a couple of humpbacks breaching. It
- [Airship | Leesoffskaia Bay, Redoubt Bay](https://slowboat.com/2024/07/airship-leesoffskaia-bay-redoubt-bay/) - We had a bit of drama yesterday morning in Leesoffskaia Bay! Well, WE didn't, but this heron sure did. We heard a big racket outside and went to take a look. One eagle was going after a heron -- big mid-air maneuvering and uncomfortable sounds from the heron -- the eagle forced the heron to
- [Airship | Kalinin Bay, Sitka, Leesoffskaia Bay](https://slowboat.com/2024/07/airship-kalinin-bay-sitka-leesoffskaia-bay/) - Thursday July 4: We cruised about 25nm down the outside of Chichagof Island to Kalinin Bay for what we thought would be two nights, but we changed our minds after some very slow fishing out in Salisbury Sound. The sun came out though, and it was a gorgeous day. On Friday we went into Sitka
- [Airship | From Pelican to Pinta Bay, Kimshan Cove, and Klag Bay](https://slowboat.com/2024/07/airship-from-pelican-to-pinta-bay-kimshan-cove-and-klag-bay/) - Monday: We opted to leave Pelican on the earlier side (not waiting for the cafe or the store to open)...dropped our lines around 7am and headed for the outside of Chichagof (Pinta Cove, 29nm from Pelican). Once outside Lisianski Strait we had a bit of swell from the southwest mixed with some wind wave and
- [Airship | Mosquito Pass to Pelican](https://slowboat.com/2024/06/airship-mosquito-pass-to-pelican/) - After dinner last night (and after I posted yesterday's post), Kevin went up for some aerial shots of the anchorage at Mosquito Cove. So these are technically from yesterday, but no one cares, right? Surprisingly, when we pulled (all three) of our boats' anchors this morning, none of us had anything like the giant kelp
- [Airship | Swanson Harbor, Hoonah, Flynn Cove](https://slowboat.com/2024/06/airship-swanson-harbor-hoonah-flynn-cove/) - We left Juneau on Tuesday morning and are headed out to spend some time in Icy Strait, and hopefully south down the outside of Chichagoff Island if weather permits. We'll be buddy boating for a bit with friends Missie and Russ on their Selene 53, Melissa Lynn. (Always nice to have another boat nearby when
- [Day 43 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Wood Spit to Juneau](https://slowboat.com/2024/06/day-43-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-wood-spit-to-juneau/) - Our overnight at Wood Spit was super calm and beautiful, and there were more humpbacks nearby as we pulled anchors and headed north to Juneau today. Arriving in Juneau can be a bit of a shock to the system. There are five cruise ships scheduled in town today. After seeing a few nearby friends on
- [Day 42 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Ford's Terror, Dawes Glacier, Wood Spit](https://slowboat.com/2024/06/day-42-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-fords-terror-dawes-glacier-wood-spit/) - A lazy morning at anchor in one of the most gorgeous places we know of. After breakfast, Kevin took the drone up for some aerials: We pulled anchors around 2 and motored to the exit of Ford's Terror, and then some of us (opting for a long day that will end later this evening by
- [Day 40-41 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Tracy Arm Cove to Ford's Terror](https://slowboat.com/2024/06/day-40-41-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-tracy-arm-cove-to-fords-terror/) - We left Tracy Arm Cove around 9:30am. We had some good current against us as we exited Tracy Arm Bar but then a nice push up Endicott Arm for the rest of the day. We probably could have left later, but this way we have a nice time buffer to stop for whales or pick
- [Day 39 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Tracy Arm](https://slowboat.com/2024/06/day-39-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-tracy-arm/) - Yesterday we took a day trip up Tracy Arm to see some glaciers. The weather was perfect, and there was very little ice in the water. It's about 25 miles up Tracy Arm to South Sawyer Glacier, and we were able to go our full cruise speed all the way to South Sawyer Glacier, which
- [Day 38 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Taku Harbor to Tracy Arm Cove](https://slowboat.com/2024/06/day-38-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-taku-harbor-to-tracy-arm-cove/) - We departed Taku Harbor this morning around 7am and made our way down a nice and calm Stephens Passage into Tracy Arm. There was no ice at all out in Stephens Passage, and hardly any as we crossed the Tracy Arm Bar. A couple of bergs as we made our way to Tracy Arm Cove.
- [Day 37 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Funter Bay to Taku Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2024/06/day-37-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-funter-bay-to-taku-harbor/) - We left Funter Bay early this morning...6:30am. The chop making its way into the bay woke us up and we figured as long as we were up we might as well be out there. About 30 minutes into the cruise north up Lynn Canal and before we rounded Point Retreat, a humpback breached a few
- [Day 36 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Pavlof Harbor to Funter Bay](https://slowboat.com/2024/06/day-36-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-pavlof-harbor-to-funter-bay/) - Another day that starts with sun...we'll happily take it! Looking north up Lynn Canal, just outside the entrance to Funter Bay: As we passed the entrance to Funter Bay, near Station Island, we spotted a couple humpbacks right inside the bay. And just as we anchored inside Coot Cove, we saw another spout or two
- [Day 35 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Appleton Cove to Pavlof Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2024/06/day-35-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-appleton-to-pavlof/) - Today was a good day for wildlife! As we rounded the tip of Chichagof Island at Morris Reef, there were a couple of humpbacks hanging out near the point. And on Buoy 35, almost as many sea lions as would fit. I'm sure there's room for a few more. A little ways up Chatham Strait
- [Day 34 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Sitka to Appleton Cove](https://slowboat.com/2024/06/day-34-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-sitka-to-appleton-cove/) - Another morning waking up to bright sun! We departed Sitka with with blue skies, flat water, and a nice view of Mt. Edgecumbe. As we headed north in Neva Strait, we spotted a bear on the west shore. At first we thought she had cubs with her, but then we thought nope, those are rocks...too
- [Days 32-33 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Sitka](https://slowboat.com/2024/06/days-32-33-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-sitka/) - We're all provisioned up and ready to head out in the morning again. Everyone has been making the most of their time in Sitka -- exploring town, walking the totem trails, eating food cooked by others, going to museums, and weaving in and out of cruise ship tourists. Here are a few snaps from the
- [Day 30 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Takatz Bay to Baby Bear Bay](https://slowboat.com/2024/06/day-29-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-takatz-bay-to-baby-bear-bay/) - Chatham Strait this morning was a little rolly but not bad at all -- some swells from the south opposing a little current from the north caused a bit of surfing, but it was gentle and manageable. We saw a couple of chill humpbacks and managed to snap a few pics before they dove and
- [Day 31 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Baby Bear Bay to Sitka](https://slowboat.com/2024/06/day-30-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-baby-bear-bay-to-sitka/) - We departed Baby Bear Bay the same way we entered...carefully, and without hitting any of the many rocks that poke out into the entrance. We arrived at Sergius Narrows a bit early and had a 3kt current helping us along...no drama at all. The cruise today into Sitka was gray and rainy but very calm.
- [Day 29 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Warm Springs Bay to Takatz Bay](https://slowboat.com/2024/06/day-29-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-warm-springs-bay-to-takatz-bay/) - We left Warm Springs Bay this morning around 8am...partially sunny (mostly cloudy) but not raining. We'll take it! An easy 9nm cruise up to Takatz Bay, another favorite stop. We saw some humpbacks north in the distance, but a little too far to go visit...maybe they'll be there in the morning! There was one boat
- [Day 28 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Red Bluff Bay to Warm Springs Bay](https://slowboat.com/2024/06/day-28-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-red-bluff-bay-to-warm-springs-bay/) - Suuuuuuuuuunnnnnnnnn!!!!!! What a gorgeous location to wake up to, and as a bonus, the skies are clearing and the sun is shining. First thing this morning (before coffee, even!) Kevin took the drone up to photograph the exposed shoal. The bright light and shadow areas made things tough in places, but some cool shots came
- [Day 27 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Pybus Bay to Red Bluff Bay](https://slowboat.com/2024/06/day-27-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-pybus-bay-to-red-bluff-bay/) - Departing Cannery Cove and Pybus Bay we weren't sure what conditions we'd see out in Frederick Sound...likely some wind waves on the beam, but more importantly, how long would it take for the sporty conditions in Southern Chatham Strait take to flatten out? We had a little bit of roll as we headed west in
- [Day 24 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Petersburg to Pybus Bay](https://slowboat.com/2024/06/day-24-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-petersburg-to-pybus-bay/) - Another 6am departure time...but really only because today was a 52nm day...and conditions out on Frederick Sound were glassy and gorgeous so why NOT be out there as soon as we wake? This view as we head north from Petersburg never gets old. Devil's Thumb (the tallest point in this mountain range) was obscured by
- [Days 25-26 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Cannery Cove in Pybus Bay](https://slowboat.com/2024/06/days-25-26-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-cannery-cove-in-pybus-bay/) - Tuesday morning brought sunshine and blue skies, and this amazing view of the mountain bowl. It never looks as big or as grand in photos as it does in real life though. Looking at the conditions, we definitely could have moved to a new spot Tuesday morning to wait for the storm to pass through
- [Day 23 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Wrangell to Petersburg](https://slowboat.com/2024/06/day-23-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-wrangell-to-petersburg/) - We are very much looking forward to some sun, whenever that might happen. We'll be ready!! We left the dock in Wrangell around 6am and headed for Wrangell Narrows. We had a nice push of current with us most of the day today...assuming it would switch direction somewhere in Wrangell Narrows past Papke's Landing since
- [Day 22 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Meyers Chuck to Wrangell](https://slowboat.com/2024/06/day-22-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-meyers-chuck-to-wrangell/) - Conditions in Clarence Strait this morning were significantly better than they were last night! Two foot chop at most, and about 10kts of wind. We left the dock at Meyers Chuck around 6am. We had a very easy 50nm cruise to Wrangell today! We even had a few minutes or so of Dall's porpoises on
- [Day 21 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Meyers Chuck](https://slowboat.com/2024/05/day-21-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-meyers-chuck/) - Today's weather was mainly rainy and windy and we were pretty happy to be tied at a dock with good scenery all around us (and three different float plane landings/takeoffs right here in the chuck as daytime entertainment!). We hiked when it wasn't too nasty out, and enjoyed the coziness of the insides of our
- [Day 19 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Foggy Bay to Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/2024/05/day-19-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-foggy-bay-to-ketchikan/) - After a very hard rain early this morning, we woke to this: Just as we were pulling our anchor we noticed a black bear at the head of the bay, beyond Ithaka... ...and then realized there were two! And on our way out through the narrow exit, one more on shore there munching on some
- [Day 20 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Ketchikan to Meyers Chuck](https://slowboat.com/2024/05/day-20-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-ketchikan-to-meyers-chuck/) - We left Ketchikan this morning after a quick refresh, reprovision, and celebration dinner for arriving in Alaska - and headed north up Clarence Strait headed for the quaint village of Meyers Chuck. On the way, we had to dodge cruise ships, floatplanes, ferries, tugboats, sailboats, and other traffic coming and going from Ketchikan's bustling port.
- [Day 18 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Prince Rupert to Foggy Bay](https://slowboat.com/2024/05/day-18-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-prince-rupert-to-foggy-bay/) - Up again at 4am (okay 4:30am) to check the 4am forecast and conditions for a Dixon Entrance crossing today. The Dixon Entrance East forecast for today looked about the same as last night: Last night at 7pm Green Island was reporting 5ft moderate, and the wind at Grey Islet was SSE 25kts. We were hopeful
- [Days 15, 16, and 17 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Prince Rupert](https://slowboat.com/2024/05/days-15-16-and-17-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-prince-rupert/) - Well, we made the call early Saturday morning to stay in Prince Rupert instead of crossing Dixon. Conditions weren't bad, but the threat of the weather coming in later that afternoon sounded like it could make for a not-so-great experience. The Dixon Entrance East forecast was seas 2 meters becoming 1-2 meters. SE wind 5-15 but
- [Day 14 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Lowe Inlet to Prince Rupert](https://slowboat.com/2024/05/day-14-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-lowe-inlet-to-prince-rupert/) - We left Lowe Inlet this morning at 7am after a very windy night at anchor and not a great amount of sleep. We turned north in Grenville Channel and had a couple knots of current against us for the first few miles, that eventually tapered off, as did the rain and gray skies. We had
- [Day 13 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Khutze Inlet to Lowe Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2024/05/day-13-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-khutze-inlet-to-lowe-inlet/) - Today was an early one and a long one. We departed Khutze Inlet at 6am for the 55nm cruise up to Lowe Inlet. It was gray and rainy the entire time, but the wind and waves were on our stern all day (as was the current!) so we had a very calm cruise and arrived
- [Day 12 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Bottleneck Inlet to Khutze Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2024/05/day-12-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-bottleneck-inlet-to-khutze-inlet/) - We pulled up anchor in Bottleneck Inlet this morning at 7am and headed out into Finlayson Channel for a four-hour cruise up to Khutze Inlet -- one of our favorite anchorages on the northern BC coast. We wanted to arrive at Khutze early enough to leave us with plenty of time to explore. We had
- [Day 11 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Shearwater to Bottleneck Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2024/05/day-11-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-shearwater-to-bottleneckinlet/) - The group departed Shearwater just after 8am. Conditions were great for the entire cruise today. Conditions at Ivory Island showed 1ft chop and a low westerly swell. Perfect! Conditions were so nice, that we changed the plan mid-cruise to go further than our planned stop at Rescue Bay today....and on to Bottleneck Inlet. This takes
- [Day 10 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Codville Lagoon to Shearwater](https://slowboat.com/2024/05/day-10-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-codville-lagoon-to-shearwater/) - Our 18nm cruise over to Shearwater was calm, punctuated by Dall's porpoises taking turns surfing each boat's bow and stern wakes. Always fun! Shearwater is always a welcome stop. Groceries, beer/wine/liquor, a laundromat, water, fuel, a chandlery and a hardware store, and a place to dispose of trash and recycling...what more could we ask for?
- [Day 9 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Green Island to Codville Lagoon](https://slowboat.com/2024/05/day-9-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-green-island-to-codville-lagoon/) - We departed Green Island anchorage at a leisurely hour this morning...everyone was out by around 9am. We turned north in Fitz Hugh Sound and had a very peaceful cruise up to Codville Lagoon. The sky began cloudy and gray and eventually cleared for some blue. A couple miles south of Berhhardt Point we saw whales
- [Day 8 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Allison Harbour to Green Island Anchorage](https://slowboat.com/2024/05/day-8-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-allison-harbour-to-green-island-anchorage/) - The forecast for Cape Caution today still looked good when we checked the 4am weather forecast (yep, it's early). Queen Charlotte Strait: Wind northwest 5 to 15 knots increasing to northwest 15 to 25 this afternoon. Queen Charlotte Sound/Eastern Half: Wind light increasing to northwest 10 to 20 knots this afternoon. Wind northwest 10 to
- [Day 7 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Blunden Harbour to Allison Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2024/05/day-7-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-blunden-harbour-to-allison-harbour/) - We left Blunden Harbour this morning around 7:30am after deciding that conditions looked good enough to scoot up to Allison Harbour, 18nm further toward Cape Caution. The forecast for Cape Caution on Saturday is still looking good, so getting two hours or so closer today will help us out tomorrow! Conditions as we left Blunden
- [Day 6 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Mound Island to Blunden Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2024/05/day-6-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-mound-island-to-blunden-harbour/) - We left our anchorage at Mound Island just after first light this morning, around 5:30am. Conditions were calm, and according to weather information from reporting stations in and around Queen Charlotte Strait, things weren't bad out there early but the forecast promised some ever-increasing wind in the afternoon today...so we opted to make our miles
- [Day 5 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Shoal Bay to Mound Island](https://slowboat.com/2024/05/day-5-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-shoal-bay-to-mound-island/) - Environment Canada's forecast for Johnstone Strait today was a gale warning, with expected winds 20-30kts this afternoon. But Windy showed conditions that looked much more friendly. Johnstone is not an area where we typically can rely on Windy conditions, due to the variety of terrain and other mysterious things -- this is when actual reported
- [Day 4 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Kanish Bay to Shoal Bay](https://slowboat.com/2024/05/day-4-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-kanish-bay-to-shoal-bay/) - The weather is very much not cooperating with our original plan for this week, so we're making changes on the fly. Today, we were up early for a short 16nm cruise from Kanish Bay to Shoal Bay, at the top of East Thurlow Island. Shoal Bay is a great stop, with expansive views up Phillips
- [Day 3 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Tribune Bay to Kanish Bay](https://slowboat.com/2024/05/day-3-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-tribune-bay-to-kanish-bay/) - Today was another long day -- from Tribune Bay north to Kanish Bay (58nm). The only tricky part was that we needed to time our departure from Tribune Bay to we would arrive 6.5 hours later for slack at Seymour Narrows, which today was 3:46pm. We had a little current with us today, increasing as
- [Day 2 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Ganges to Tribune Bay](https://slowboat.com/2024/05/day-2-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-ganges-to-tribune-bay/) - We departed Ganges Marina this morning around 9:30am for today's (long) cruise up to Tribune Bay (68nm). Another gorgeous weather day! Love the shot Missie (from Selene Melissa Lynn) got of this creative use of umbrella-as-sail: And also this shot of Airship with a float plane taking off in front: We were aiming to arrive
- [Day 0 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | A Spectacular Northern Lights Show at Prevost Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2024/05/day-0-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-a-spectacular-northern-lights-show-at-prevost-harbor/) - We're headed north again for another adventure up the Inside Passage to Alaska! We met two boats from this year's group in Prevost Harbor at Stuart Island, and had a nice meetup on Airship to discuss tomorrow into Canada, and the overall plan. This is going to be a really fun group!! We will meet
- [Day 1 | 2024 Flotilla to Alaska | Prevost Harbor to Ganges BC](https://slowboat.com/2024/05/day-1-2024-flotilla-to-alaska-prevost-harbor-to-ganges-bc/) - Nice and easy 15nm cruise from Prevost Harbor on Stuart Island to Ganges Harbour on Saltspring Island. Everyone was pretty happy this morning after that amazing show of lights last night. The forecast for tonight is also good, so maybe we'll be up late again tonight! The weather has been beautiful! We spent the day
- [Getting the Most from Windy.com](https://slowboat.com/2019/02/getting-the-most-from-windy-com/) - Windy.com is our single favorite weather resource for cruising the Pacific Northwest. We never ignore the official NOAA or Environment Canada marine forecasts, but Windy offers a much more granular look at the weather. Environment Canada and NOAA forecasts cover large areas over many hours with wind speeds expressed in big ranges (10 knots or more).
- [Announcing the 2024 Slowboat Flotilla to Alaska](https://slowboat.com/2023/11/announcing-the-2024-slowboat-flotilla-to-alaska/) - Inside Passage, San Juan Islands to SE Alaska Prevost Harbor to Juneau | May 10 to June 23 | Maximum 5 boats Glaciers. Icebergs. Whales. Bears. Cruising to Alaska is all about the incomparable nature right in front of your eyes. It's about not just seeing the world, but experiencing it. This year we are
- [Airship | And Just Like That, We're Home!](https://slowboat.com/2023/09/airship-and-just-like-that-were-home/) - We got an email from the current owners of the Nordic Tug 24 Snowdrop (previously known as Airship), telling us (1) that they saw (current) Airship in Long Harbour on their evening walk, then (2) that they looked at the blog and learned that we'd already found Snowdrop! They invited us to come by in
- [Airship | Campbell River to Hammond Bay, and a Cautionary Tale](https://slowboat.com/2023/09/airship-campbell-river-and-a-cautionary-tale/) - We had a very nice visit to Campbell River. We even went for dinner out with our friend Scott. (Yay, a night off of cooking!) We made an early dinner reservation for outside on the patio at the Harbor Grill (just at the top of the ramp from the marina). We've been eating so much
- [Airship | Long Harbour on Saltspring Island](https://slowboat.com/2023/09/airship-long-harbour-on-saltspring-island/) - We left Hammond Bay around 11am and aimed south for Dodd Narrows to arrive near slack (12:25pm). About 40 minutes before slack we began hearing boats making sécurité calls announcing their transit through the very narrow Dodd Narrows. A couple southbound sailboats went through (current was pushing south until slack), and at that time a
- [Airship | Johnstone Strait, Kanish Bay, Campbell River](https://slowboat.com/2023/08/airship-johnstone-strait-kanish-bay-campbell-river/) - We left Port McNeill and headed down Johnstone Strait with a bit of current helping us along, which was nice. By the time we were at Race Passage we were getting a push of about 4-5 knots. Wheeeee! Due to the full moon and king tides, there is SO MUCH debris in the water right
- [Airship | Cape Caution, a Sunfish, and a Stop in Port McNeill](https://slowboat.com/2023/08/airship-cape-caution-a-sunfish-and-a-stop-in-port-mcneill/) - We woke early this morning and all light station and buoy reports pointed to a nice flat rounding of Cape Caution, and that's just what we got. Just as we were passing Egg Island, a maneuvering seagull on port caught my eye and when I looked over, I spotted what appeared to be a sunfish!
- [Airship | Fury Cove and Secure Anchorage (not Cape Caution, yet)](https://slowboat.com/2023/08/airship-fury-cove-and-secure-anchorage-and-not-cape-caution-yet/) - We left our anchorage at Kisameet Bay late in the morning on Sunday (after watching the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix) and headed south for Fury Cove. We saw so many whales along the way, but weirdly, most of them were just floating at the surface, as they do when they're sleeping. But it was
- [Airship | Kisameet Bay](https://slowboat.com/2023/08/airship-kisameet-cove/) - We left Mary Cove this morning around 7am or so...exited into Finlayson Channel and pretty quickly saw some spouts over by shore. We thought at first (through the haze) that it was humpbacks, but it was actually a pod of about six orcas...we saw their fins and the steam from their breath, but then we
- [Airship and Akeeva | Heading South: Ketchikan to Campbell River](https://slowboat.com/2021/09/airship-and-akeeva-heading-south-ketchikan-to-campbell-river/) - Airship and Akeeva connected back in Ketchikan earlier this month with the plan to head south together for a ways. Sam and Anna were back from their adventure on Akeeva up to Prince William Sound, and after transiting through British Columbia they'll continue south to Mexico for the winter. Kevin and I plan to slow
- [Airship | Kent Inlet, Alexander Inlet, Mary Cove](https://slowboat.com/2023/08/airship-kent-inlet-alexander-inlet-mary-cove/) - Yesterday's destination was Kent Inlet. Kent Inlet is part of the Kitasoo Spirit Bear Conservancy on Princess Royal Island, which sounded pretty great. Potential for a spirit bear sighting, plus the added bonus of tidal rapids to navigate (or at least time for slack, which we did). The highest concentration of Kermode bears are found
- [Airship | Captain Cove and Anger Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2023/08/airship-captain-cove-anger-inlet/) - Our very short cruise (10nm) from the Spicer Islands back around to Captain Cove was beautiful and calm, and we passed a couple of humpbacks on the way but I didn't manage to get any decent photo of either of them. We dropped the anchor at the very head of Captain Cove in about 35ft,
- [Airship | Spicer Islands](https://slowboat.com/2023/08/airship-spicer-islands/) - First, a few photos I haven't posted between Kah Shakes Cove, Dixon Entrance (nice and calm), and one night spent in Prince Rupert (yay sushi!): We left Prince Rupert early this morning and bypassed the turnoff to Grenville Channel, opting for another trip down what we call "the outside of the inside." Instead of heading
- [Airship | Ketchikan to Kah Shakes Cove](https://slowboat.com/2023/08/airship-ketchikan-to-kah-shakes-cove/) - We left Ketchikan on Thursday morning after topping off all of the fuels (diesel, propane, dinghy gas) and headed for...well, we weren't quite sure where yet! We've got a good window for crossing Dixon Entrance on Friday or Saturday, so we considered Foggy Bay, Judd Bay (on Duke Island), or somewhere we had not been
- [Airship | Juneau to Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/2023/08/airship-juneau-to-ketchikan/) - Guest swap time in Juneau! Kevin's brother Craig flew home after two weeks with us on Airship, and a few days later we flew Kevin's mom Shirley in for 10 days or so as we cruised from Juneau to Ketchikan. First stop on our way south was Tracy Arm Cove, where we promptly spotted a
- [Airship | Ford's Terror and Wood Spit](https://slowboat.com/2023/08/airship-fords-terror/) - Monday - We left Tracy Arm Cove this morning on the late side (for us - 10am-ish) to get to the entrance to Ford's Terror by 1:30pm (high slack in Juneau). It's been a few years since we took Kevin's brother to Ford's Terror, and he's psyched to see it again. The flood current was
- [Airship | Kake, Pybus Bay, and Tracy Arm Cove](https://slowboat.com/2023/07/airship-kake-pybus-bay-and-tracy-arm-cove/) - Saturday: We left our anchorage at Honey Dew and headed across Keku Strait for a stop at Kake. We were in the market for some more fresh vegetables, more wine and beer, and some dinghy fuel. The grocery store hours said it opened at 9am, and the liquor store at 10am, and no doubt the
- [Airship | Gut Bay to Honey Dew Cove](https://slowboat.com/2023/07/airship-gut-bay-to-honey-dew-cove/) - This morning was still and silent at anchor...nothing but the sounds of birds and the occasional splash from a fish jumping. We pulled anchor around 8:30am and headed out. Out in Chatham Strait it was not calm at all. 15-18kts of wind from the north and 2-3 foot wind waves (against a slight current). Not
- [Airship | Another Stop in Gut Bay](https://slowboat.com/2023/07/airship-another-stop-in-gut-bay/) - The sky was mostly clear yesterday morning and the clouds were no longer obscuring the tops of the mountain peaks, so we opted to go back down to Gut Bay to show Kevin's brother another new spot (and more amazing scenery). We noticed on AIS that there was another boat anchored up at the head
- [Airship | Takatz Bay and Red Bluff Bay](https://slowboat.com/2023/07/airship-takatz-bay-and-red-bluff-bay/) - Tuesday: We left Basket Bay and cruised about 35nm south to Takatz Bay. We've been seeing very little other traffic which seems a bit odd, considering it's late July and typically one of the best times to be boating in SE Alaska. The salmon are here, the bears are out, the weather is usually mild...oh
- [Airship | Basket Bay and the Marble Grotto](https://slowboat.com/2023/07/airship-basket-bay-and-the-marble-grotto/) - We woke in Pavlof Harbor to very little wind and mostly flat water. What a difference a day can make! We pulled our anchor and left around 10am for our not very long 14nm cruise down to Basket Bay. We arrived right near low tide, and anchored in the north corner of Basket Bay in
- [Airship | Bears and Crab in Pavlof Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2023/07/airship-bears-and-crab-in-pavlof-harbor/) - Last week we spent three nights in Auke Bay, where we took advantage of the land base to rent a car and reprovision, visit with friends, and we even got to take a nice hike out to Nugget Falls at Mendenhall Glacier. We picked up Kevin's brother on Friday night and left Auke Bay early
- [Airship | South Arm of Kelp Bay](https://slowboat.com/2023/07/airship-south-arm-of-kelp-bay/) - We said goodbye to Dan and Eileen this morning as they de-rafted from Airship in Gut Bay. We hope to meet up with them later in the summer! Super fun time buddy boating down the outside of Baranof Island! Chatham this morning was nice and calm (no photos) and by the time we turned off
- [Airship | Gut Bay Aerials](https://slowboat.com/2023/07/airship-gut-bay-aerials/) - At 9pm, after a wonderful dinner on Airship with Dan and Eileen, the rain had finally stopped and the clouds had lifted and the light was gorgeous, so guess what? Aerials!! Airship and Fortunate rafted just inside the mouth of the river, another boat (a Nordhavn called Seacret), came in earlier this evening and is
- [Airship | Toledo Harbor to Gut Bay](https://slowboat.com/2023/07/airship-toledo-harbor-to-gut-bay/) - Toledo Harbor was a great stop! I can imagine it wouldn't be as good if Chatham wasn't as calm as it was yesterday and last night, but we had a very quiet night at anchor. Same in the morning....look at how flat the water is! We had an uneventful easy cruise as we continued up
- [Airship | Puffin Bay to Toledo Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2023/07/airship-puffin-bay-to-toledo-harbor/) - After the winds died down yesterday afternoon, we had a serene, completely calm overnight in Puffin Bay. We pulled the anchor this morning around 7am and headed for Cape Ommaney. We were hoping the fog would burn off by the time we got to the cape so we could at least see what it looked
- [Airship | Redfish Bay to Puffin Bay](https://slowboat.com/2023/07/airship-redfish-bay-to-puffin-bay/) - We woke in Redfish Bay this morning to a thick marine layer of gray, but no big deal because it had already started burning off by the time we left around 8am. It was even calmer outside than it was yesterday...very minor swells and just a tiny bit of wind chop. Today's trip was under
- [Airship | Scow Bay to Redfish Bay](https://slowboat.com/2023/07/airship-scow-bay-to-redfish-bay/) - We left Scow Bay a little early this morning (7am) since we had a longer day than the past few (a whoppin' 33nm to Redfish Bay). I wish we had just a bit more time to slow down and pop in and out of more anchorages, but I guess it leaves us more to see
- [Airship | Redoubt Bay to Scow Bay](https://slowboat.com/2023/07/airship-redoubt-bay-to-scow-bay/) - We pulled anchor and left Redoubt Bay this morning around 8am. Conditions on the outside were quite calm, with a gentle swell, and I should have taken more photos of the rugged coastline, but I didn't. Tomorrow. Here's today's route from Redoubt Bay to Scow Bay: And here's a close up so you can see
- [Airship | South from Sitka to Redoubt Bay](https://slowboat.com/2023/07/airship-south-from-sitka-to-redoubt-bay/) - Finally, a good weather window lined up with our plans to get on the outside of Baranof Island for a few days! We got up at 5am in Baby Bear to transit Sergius Narrows near the 5:30am slack, which meant (a) we got into Sitka before 9am, and (b) we were tired, so immediately after
- [Airship | Pavlof Harbor to Baby Bear Bay](https://slowboat.com/2023/07/airship-pavlof-harbor-to-baby-bear-bay/) - After dinner last night we took a brief dinghy ride over to the falls to look for bears...not here yet. In the morning, Kevin and I got up early to watch the Formula 1 British Grand Prix live (5:55am!). Kinda fun to be able to do that out here where we had no service at
- [Airship | Juneau, Funter Bay, Pavlof Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2023/07/airship-juneau-funter-bay-pavlof-bay/) - We spent a week or so in Juneau after the flotilla ended...visiting with friends and family (Laura's brother Jason flew down from Anchorage with a friend for a visit), and made good use of the rental car we reserved (used the Turo app for the first time...will definitely do that again!) We took a couple
- [Day 43 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Ford's Terror to Tracy Arm Cove](https://slowboat.com/2023/06/day-43-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-fords-terror-to-tracy-arm-cove/) - We enjoyed our last day in Ford's Terror (where we never saw any bears at all for the first time ever), retrieved our prawn traps for the last bunch of coon stripe shrimp, and then started making our way out to the entrance (exit) around 5pm to arrive between 5:30-5:45pm. Juneau high slack was 5:15pm,
- [Day 44 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Tracy Arm Cove to Juneau](https://slowboat.com/2023/06/day-44-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-tracy-arm-cove-to-juneau/) - Once again, everyone wants to know what time Airship is going to leave, so we say 6am, and when we get up at 5:30am, two of the other three boats are long gone and one is pulling its anchor. Fine then. :) Conditions in Stephens Passage were calm and even glassy for our cruise north
- [Days 41-42 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Tracy Arm Cove, Dawes Glacier, Ford's Terror](https://slowboat.com/2023/06/days-41-42-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-tracy-arm-cove-dawes-glacier-fords-terror/) - A downright leisurely morning in Tracy Arm Cove -- we didn't leave until just before 9am. The plan for today is to head up Endicott Arm to see how close we can get to Dawes Glacier, before turning around and heading for the entrance to Ford's Terror so we arrive around 3:30-4pm. High slack in
- [Day 40 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Taku Harbor to Tracy Arm Cove](https://slowboat.com/2023/06/day-40-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-taku-harbor-to-tracy-arm-cove/) - Every summer during the flotillas, almost every evening, there's discussion about what time people want to leave in the morning. Sometimes we have a reason to need to leave early (weather, timing for current and tides, things like that), and when we don't have a reason to leave early, we leave it up to the
- [Day 39 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Couverden Island Cove to Taku Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2023/06/day-39-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-couverden-island-cove-to-taku-harbor/) - We wanted to leave sometime before 6am this morning because it was a long day (53nm) down to Taku Harbor. As has become customary, most of us are pulling anchor at the time we all said we'd set our alarms for...so 5am it was! But the reward was pretty incredible. We had a tiny bit
- [Day 38 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Pavlof Harbor to Couverden Island Cove](https://slowboat.com/2023/06/day-38-pavlof-harbor-to-couverden-island-cove/) - We never did see the sow and teeny tiny new cub that our friends saw at Pavlof, but before we left this morning, this one came out and was munching some sedge grass on shore. There definitely will be more bears here later when the salmon are running. See last year's post from the end of
- [Days 36-37 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Appleton Cove to Pavlof Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2023/06/days-36-37-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-appleton-cove-to-pavlof-harbor/) - We left Appleton Cove right around sunrise so we could scoot out and up Chatham Strait and into Pavlof Harbor before the weather came in. It's really tough some days to get up and going so early, but then we're often rewarded with incredible sunrises and scenery like this along the way: Out in Chatham
- [Day 35 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Sitka to Appleton Cove](https://slowboat.com/2023/06/day-35-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-sitka-to-appleton-cove/) - We left Sitka by 5:30am this morning to catch the early slack at Sergius Narrows. Feels nice to get off the dock after four days, but we still love Sitka (and I'm sure we'll be back at least once this summer). We saw another minke whale on our way out, plus a few sea lions
- [Days 32 - 34 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | A Few Days in Sitka](https://slowboat.com/2023/06/days-32-34-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-a-few-days-in-sitka/) - We spent the past few days exploring Sitka, doing boat projects/maintenance/chores, shopping, letting others cook for us, and walking walking walking! The list of places we all visited is long and varied: attractions included the Raptor Center, Fortress of the Bear, the Sitka National Historic Park, the Sheldon Jackson Museum, the Sitka Science Center, St.
- [Day 31 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Deep Bay to Sitka](https://slowboat.com/2023/06/days-31-x-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-deep-bay-to-sitka/) - This morning's alarm was set for 4am (!!!) and we all left Deep Bay in time to catch slack at Sergius Narrows (4:50am, about 30 minutes from Deep Bay). Conditions were calm, gray, and rainy today, so not many photos were taken along the route. Along the way, Two's Out had a mechanical problem. A
- [Day 30 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Takatz Bay to Deep Bay](https://slowboat.com/2023/06/day-30-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-takatz-bay-to-deep-bay/) - This was actually last night in Takatz Bay (Free Solo and Seabear). By the time we got up just before 6am this morning, everyone was gone but us! We cruised out into Chatham Strait and headed north, and conditions were blue-gray, slightly cloudy, and calm calm calm! We turned west into Peril Strait, which pretty
- [Day 29 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Red Bluff Bay to Takatz Bay](https://slowboat.com/2023/06/day-29-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-red-bluff-bay-to-takatz-bay/) - Another beautiful morning (before the "mostly cloudy" sets in)! We stopped to pick up our prawn traps on the way out of Red Bluff Bay and had 55 more spot prawns. Yum! Nice and calm in Chatham Strait today for our run up to Takatz Bay. There were no other boats anchored in Takatz Bay
- [Day 28 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Explorer Basin to Red Bluff Bay](https://slowboat.com/2023/06/day-28-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-explorer-basin-to-red-bluff-bay/) - We awoke to a gorgeous morning in Explorer Basin! The group left the anchorage in shifts. First out was Seabear, who reported back they were again seeing humpbacks bubble-net feeding outside the entrance. Our route in and out of this place is definitely on the herring trail because the waters around here are just bubbling
- [Day 27 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Pybus Bay to Explorer Basin](https://slowboat.com/2023/06/day-27-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-pybus-bay-to-explorer-basin/) - Another long day underway today, so we all left the anchorage before 6am. Once out in Frederick Sound we had some low clouds and a little chop, but eventually the chop evened out and the sky started to clear. There were quite a few other vessels showing up on AIS that we couldn't see visually...a
- [Days 25 - 26  | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Thomas Bay to Pybus Bay](https://slowboat.com/2023/06/day-25-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-thomas-bay-to-pybus-bay/) - Day 25 - The group left the Thomas Bay anchorage early this morning and headed north in Frederick Sound toward Pybus Bay at the south end of Admiralty Island. As we neared the Brothers Islands, the wildlife sightings began! Over at West Brother Island -- a colony of sea lions (over 100 as reported by
- [Day 24 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Petersburg to Thomas Bay](https://slowboat.com/2023/06/day-24-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-petersburg-to-thomas-bay/) - Today was an epic day!! First of all, we woke in Petersburg to some sun, which was very welcome. As we left the dock and headed for Frederick Sound, conditions looked very promising. Frederick Sound was downright glassy, and you could even see the mountains! We got a peek in the evening yesterday, but today
- [Days 21 - 23 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Wrangell to Petersburg](https://slowboat.com/2023/06/days-21-23-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-wrangell-to-petersburg/) - Day 21 - We left Wrangell this morning to time the current at Wrangell Narrows so we could ride the flood in and the ebb out, but we were a little early and we had a pretty good current boost most of the way through (2.8kts at one point!) and we arrived in Petersburg with
- [Day 20 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Thoms Place/Quiet Harbor to Wrangell](https://slowboat.com/2023/05/day-20-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-thoms-place-quiet-harbor-to-wrangell/) - Airship and Free Solo left Quiet Harbor this morning after an early night (which may or may not have included a cocktail after yesterday's alternator drama) and headed for Wrangell. Earlier in the morning there was a solo humpback hanging out at the entrance to the harbor, but we didn't get any photos. Conditions were
- [Day 19 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Ketchikan to Thoms Place/Quiet Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2023/05/day-19-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-ketchikan-to-thoms-place/) - We awoke to a beautiful morning in Ketchikan. Much nicer than the rain and wind we've seen the last couple of days. It was time to untie the lines and get the party moving northward. Fate and boats had some interesting plans in store for us today, though. In Clarence Strait near Caamano Point we
- [Days 16-17-18 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Foggy Bay to Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/2023/05/days-16-17-18-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-foggy-bay-to-ketchikan/) - Day 16 (Friday) - The wind had picked up quite a bit overnight while we were anchored in Foggy Bay. We also had some RAIN for the first time this whole trip last night...that's certainly a record. We've never gone this long with no rain at all. We left Foggy Bay and had some 1-3
- [Day 15 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Kelp Passage to Foggy Bay](https://slowboat.com/2023/05/day-15-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-kelp-passage-to-foggy-bay/) - We left Kelp Passage near first light for our Dixon Entrance crossing. The weather forecast looked excellent -- wind NW 15 diminishing to light early, seas 1 meter. We popped up early to check the 4AM update to be sure nothing had changed for the sinister overnight. It looked even a little better, and a
- [Day 14 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Lowe Inlet to Kelp Passage](https://slowboat.com/2023/05/day-14-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-lowe-inlet-to-kelp-passage/) - Before we left Lowe inlet this morning, Airship pulled our crab traps and had a couple of nice keepers - after several consecutive days of empty traps. There will be crab dip tonight. We left Lowe early to find the calmer winds in Grenville Channel, and to catch the currents at a more favorable time.
- [Day 13 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Khutze Inlet to Lowe Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2023/05/day-13-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-khutze-inlet-to-lowe-inlet/) - We left the Khutze Inlet anchorage early (5:30am-early) to beat the increasing winds that were forecast. Conditions were calm calm calm. By the time we reached Whale Passage and Wright Sound, the wind had picked up a bit (10-20kts from the NW) and we had about a one foot chop. Quite pleasant! Additionally, we think
- [Days 11-12 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Rescue Bay to Khutze Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2023/05/days-11-12-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-rescue-bay-to-khutze-inlet/) - This morning the plan was to transit Jackson Narrows about an hour before low slack...giving us a little more water under the keel and maybe only a slight bit of current against us, but we actually had a little current with us, so apparently it had already turned. We all made it through just fine
- [Day 10 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Shearwater to Rescue Bay](https://slowboat.com/2023/05/day-10-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-shearwater-to-rescue-bay/) - We left Shearwater this morning just before 10am. Timing today was for Perceval Narrows, but the swell we expected in Seaforth Channel was almost nonexistent and the wind still hadn't picked up much by the time we arrived. We arrived at Perceval Narrows with about 3kts of current helping us along. And just after that,
- [Day 9 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Codville Lagoon to Shearwater](https://slowboat.com/2023/05/day-9-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-codville-lagoon-to-shearwater/) - We pulled our prawn and crab traps this morning in Codville Lagoon and, here's what we got: five small coon-stripe prawns in the prawn trap, and in one of the crab traps, a whole bunch of green sea urchins! If you aren't going to catch what you're aiming for, it's at least fun to catch
- [Day 8 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Green Island to Codville Lagoon](https://slowboat.com/2023/05/day-8-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-green-island-to-codville-lagoon/) - We pulled our crab traps this morning before departing Green Island and had one small spindly little sea spider but no Dungeness. Additionally, the other trap had a large clump of about a hundred of these things, which we later learned were squid egg sacs! They seemed hardy enough, so we think they'll be fine
- [Day 7 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Allison Harbour to Green Island Anchorage -- Cape Caution Day!](https://slowboat.com/2023/05/day-7-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-allison-harbour-to-green-island-anchorage-cape-caution-day/) - Another alarm set for 4am, but this time the condition report was "GO!!" No outflow winds, barely any wind, and very minor westerly swell. A little fog...we'll take it! Off we went as soon as it was light enough to see. We had a very nice cruise up to the Green Island Anchorage and we're
- [Day 6 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Blunden Harbour to Allison Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2023/05/day-6-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-blunden-harbour-to-allison-harbour/) - We set the alarm for 4am this morning to look at the updated forecast for Cape Caution today. The Environment Canada forecast for McInnes to Pine Island said: Wind light except northeasterly outflow 30 knots near the mainland inlets. Wind becoming northwest 5 to 15 early this afternoon then becoming light near midnight. Wind becoming
- [Day 5 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Mound Island to Blunden Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2023/05/day-5-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-mound-island-to-blunden-harbour/) - We left Mound Island by 7am this morning, not because we needed to, but because we want some time to play in Blunden Harbour later today. There's so much to explore there, and the weather is (still) amazing. The folks on Two's Out sent us this nice photo of Airship underway in Queen Charlotte Strait
- [Day 3 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Tribune Bay to Kanish Bay](https://slowboat.com/2023/05/day-3-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-tribune-bay-to-kanish-bay/) - Today was another long day...58nm from Tribune Bay to Kanish Bay. Today's timing-critical spot is Seymour Narrows, about 7nm north of Campbell River. Currents in Seymour Narrows can run 14-16kts, which means we plan to arrive near slack. Unfortunately, the first slack today was a little too early for us, so we opted to catch
- [Day 4 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Kanish Bay to Mound Island](https://slowboat.com/2023/05/day-4-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-kanish-bay-to-mound-island/) - Another beautiful day! We left Kanish Bay by 6am for the 60nm trip up Johnstone Strait. Mound Island is a spacious, scenic anchorage with room for many boats. We all got settled and then headed out in dinghies to further explore the area. On the north side of nearby Berry Island, there's a rock formation
- [Days 1-2 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Prevost Harbor to Ganges to Tribune Bay](https://slowboat.com/2023/05/days-1-2-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-prevost-harbor-to-ganges-to-tribune-bay/) - Day 1 Not a lot to report for Day 1! We had an easy cruise from Stuart Island into Canadian waters, clearing customs via phone (thanks Nexus) with no drama and gorgeous weather. We met our fourth boat here in Ganges Harbour (a Selene 45 called Two's Out, visible just to the left of the
- [Day 0 | 2023 Flotilla to Alaska | Prevost Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2023/05/day-0-2023-flotilla-to-alaska-prevost-harbor/) - We're on our way north again! Today we met up with Free Solo (previously Rubicon, previously Jester, a Nordic Tug 39 captained by Ralph), and Seabear, a Nordic Tug 37 owned by Paul and Kim. We're anchored in Prevost Harbor on Stuart Island, and tomorrow we will start our first leg north, clear Canadian Customs
- [Announcing the 2023 Slowboat Flotilla to Alaska](https://slowboat.com/2023/01/announcing-the-2023-slowboat-flotilla-to-alaska/) - Inside Passage, San Juan Islands to SE Alaska Prevost Harbor to Juneau | May 10 to June 23 | Maximum 5 boats Glaciers. Icebergs. Whales. Bears. Cruising to Alaska is all about the incomparable nature right in front of your eyes. It's about not just seeing the world, but experiencing it. This year we are
- [Airship | Ketchikan to Prince Rupert](https://slowboat.com/2022/09/airship-ketchikan-to-prince-rupert/) - More sun as we left Ketchikan! We stopped at the fuel dock and filled up all of the things -- diesel, dinghy gas, and propane -- and then continued on our way. The night before we left Ketchikan, we grilled up the last of our king salmon and served it over rice with soy sauce,
- [Airship | Around Ketchikan: Exploring Revillagigedo Island](https://slowboat.com/2022/09/airship-around-ketchikan-exploring-revillagigedo-island/) - We had originally planned to head south at the end of last week (Thursday/Friday after Labor Day) but we had a few more work things we wanted to get done while we were in town with solid internet, and one more package to pick up that was yet to arrive, so after checking the weather
- [Airship | Campbell River to the San Juan Islands](https://slowboat.com/2022/10/airship-campbell-river-to-san-juans/) - We left Campbell River late in the morning to so we wouldn't have to slog through 7-8kts of current against us...we had a little until we were a ways past Cape Mudge, but it wasn't much of an issue. The weather was glorious, and again with the calm calm conditions on the Strait of Georgia.
- [Airship | Shearwater to Campbell River (with Cape Caution in between)](https://slowboat.com/2022/09/airship-shearwater-to-campbell-river/) - We left Shearwater late morning with perfectly clear skies and calm waters. Today we planned to stop just this side of Cape Caution and then go around in the morning to Skull Cove. Our destination today was originally Big Fry Pan Bay (since the BC Parks’ website says Fury Cove is still closed for anchoring
- [Meyers Narrows and Kynumpt Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2017/08/meyers-narrows-and-kynumpt-harbour/) - We left Port Stephens with no particular destination in mind. Once again, rain poured down. Given the rainfall, not much scenery was visible and riding around in the dinghy wasn't very attractive, so we figured we'd make miles. We hate to zoom through such an interesting section of coast, but frankly, we're ready for summer.
- [The Outside of the Inside Passage | Captain Cove and Port Stephens](https://slowboat.com/2017/08/outside-of-the-inside/) - Heading south from Prince Rupert, we opted to take the "outside of the inside" route. Most boats take the most direct protected route: Grenville Channel (aka The Ditch), which runs between the mainland and Pitt Island. This is a perfectly fine route, well protected, with several scenic anchorages. The "outside of the inside" route, which
- [Airship | Prince of Wales Island: Cholmondeley Sound and Kitkun Bay](https://slowboat.com/2022/09/airship-prince-of-wales-island-cholmondeley-sound-and-kitkun-bay/) - We really enjoy finding spots we haven't visited before that we could show to future guests or flotillas, so we make it a point to seek them out. For this trip over to Prince of Wales Island we planned to focus on Cholmondeley Sound. From the chart, it looked like our choices were Kitkun Bay,
- [Airship | Wrangell to Ketchikan: Anita Bay, Thoms Place, Meyers Chuck](https://slowboat.com/2022/08/airship-wrangell-to-ketchikan-anita-bay-thoms-place-meyers-chuck/) - After two days in Wrangell (picking up the grandkid, reprovisioning, etc.), we decided to check out a place we hadn't been before -- Anita Bay. We recently got a tip from a local fisherman that Anita Bay was great for halibut, so off we went! Anita Bay is south from Wrangell down Zimovia Strait, and
- [Airship | Rocky Pass, Point Baker, Port Protection, and a Giant Lingcod](https://slowboat.com/2022/08/airship-rocky-pass-point-baker-port-protection-and-a-giant-lingcod/) - After leaving Red Bluff Bay we cruised over toward the north end of Rocky Pass and anchored in a spot called Stedman Bay. It's shallow and quiet and we saw no other boats. We dinghied around a bit and saw deer, a large group of harbor seals hauled out on a nearby spit, and some
- [Airship | South from Sitka (and sketchy superyachts)](https://slowboat.com/2022/08/airship-south-from-sitka/) - We were originally aiming for Appleton Cove (just to make some miles, since we've been through Peril Strait a few times this summer) but Peril Strait was nice and settled so we went further and anchored behind Dead Tree Island. This is a very nice anchorage and with more time we would have dropped the
- [Airship | Circumnavigating Chichagof Island](https://slowboat.com/2022/08/airship-circumnavigating-chichagof-island/) - We picked up Kevin's brother Craig in Sitka and after changing our planned route probably five times prior to his arrival due to weather (we were hoping to get out on the outside of Chichagof or Baranof), we set out back through Peril Strait, buddy boating with our friend Ralph on Rubicon. The first day
- [Airship | Ford's Terror, Pavlof Cove, Sitka Sound (and a TON of wildlife photos)](https://slowboat.com/2022/07/airship-fords-terror-pavlof-cove-sitka-sound/) - Recently, I was reading through John Muir’s notes on his trips to SE Alaska in 1879, 1880, and 1889, and came across the part of his 1880 visit where they went up what is now called Endicott Arm, and into what is now called Ford’s Terror. He didn’t have to call it by name….I knew
- [Airship | Icy Strait: Hoonah, George Islands, Inian Islands, Excursion Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2022/07/airship-icy-strait-hoonah-george-islands-inian-islands-excursion-inlet/) - After our trip up Lynn Canal and back, we met up with friends/flotilla folks Ralph and Jeanette (on Rubicon) and Scott (on Impulse) over in Swanson Harbor (where Lynn Canal, Chatham Strait, and Icy Strait all converge). We all got space on the dock and had a nice visit. In the morning, we cruised over
- [Airship | Bridget Cove, Skagway, Haines (also Whitehorse and Carcross by Jeep!)](https://slowboat.com/2022/07/airship-bridget-cove-skagway-haines-also-whitehorse-and-carcross-by-jeep/) - With the flotilla wrapped up and some good weather ahead, we decided to leave Juneau and head around up Lynn Canal. It's been a few years since we've been up, and being in Skagway for the 4th of July weekend sounded like it would be fun! We cruised about 47nm up to Bridget Cove, a
- [Days 27-28 | Flotilla to Alaska | Tracy Arm Cove to Ford's Terror](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/days-27-28-flotilla-to-alaska-tracy-arm-cove-to-fords-terror/) - Excitement ran high today in the flotilla - we are set to move to one of our favorite anchorages anywhere - Ford's Terror. We have written about Ford's Terror many times before. It's an enormous hidden fjord, guarded by a narrow and treacherous entrance. We can enter only at high tide slack current, which seems
- [Day 30 | Flotilla to Alaska | Taku Harbor to Juneau](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-30-flotilla-to-alaska-taku-harbor-to-juneau/) - We left Taku Harbor around 7:30a.m. and headed north in Stephens Passage toward Juneau. We had a gorgeous view up Taku Inlet before entering Gastineau Channel. There was only one cruise ship in port when we arrived, and the clamor of float plane/tour boat traffic felt pretty quiet comparatively. We all got settled between Harris
- [Day 29 | Flotilla to Alaska | Ford's Terror to Taku Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-29-flotilla-to-alaska-fords-terror-to-taku-harbor/) - High tide in Juneau today wasn't until about 1:00p.m., so we wouldn't be exiting Ford's Terror until about 1:30p.m., which gave us some more time to enjoy this incredible place (and the fact that we had it completely to ourselves). In the morning, Kevin took the Mavic up for some aerials: The bear was back
- [Day 26 | Flotilla to Alaska | Tracy Arm Cruise](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-26-flotilla-to-alaska-tracy-arm-cruise/) - We awoke this morning in Tracy Arm Cove to more beautiful weather. We planned to spend the day cruising the length of Tracy Arm to see the North and/or South Sawyer glaciers (depending on ice conditions). We had heard the day before that the ice might be dense, so we prepared ourselves for a possible
- [Day 25 | Flotilla to Alaska | Pybus Bay to Tracy Arm Cove](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-25-flotilla-to-alaska-pybus-bay-to-tracy-arm-cove/) - We awoke to bright sun streaming in through every window and port light...a glorious morning in Cannery Cove! Rubicon was pulling out just as we got up to take photos...they got an early start today to look for wildlife out by the Brothers Islands. The rest of the group headed out a little after 8:00a.m.
- [Day 24 | Flotilla to Alaska | Thomas Bay to Pybus Bay](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-24-flotilla-to-alaska-thomas-bay-to-pybus-bay/) - The flotilla left the Ruth Island anchorage in Thomas Bay fairly early this morning for our long cruise to Cannery Cove in Pybus Bay - on Admiralty Island. Cannery Cove is a stunning anchorage - set in a giant bowl of snowcapped peaks. We often see bears, eagles, seals, sea lions, and more - and
- [Day 23 | Flotilla to Alaska | Petersburg to Thomas Bay](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day23_petersburg_thomasbay/) - With everyone reprovisioned for a week away from civilization, we left Petersburg this morning for Thomas Bay - a short 19-mile hop across Frederick Sound. Thomas Bay is a huge inlet with several viable anchorages. It's close enough to Petersburg to get quite a bit of day fishing and sightseeing traffic as well. Our sunny
- [Day 22 | Flotilla to Alaska | Day Trip to LeConte Glacier](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-22-flotilla-to-alaska-day-trip-to-leconte-glacier/) - Today was LeConte Glacier field trip day. Scott was kind enough to invite everyone to do the trip aboard Impulse - a beautiful 53 Selene. The water was smooth and we zipped out of Petersburg with a few knots of current boosting us along. After a couple of hours, we saw the first icebergs in
- [Day 21 | Flotilla to Alaska | Wrangell to Petersburg](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-21-flotilla-to-alaska-wrangell-to-petersburg/) - Going from Wrangell to Petersburg involves transiting Wrangell Narrows. The narrows are, well, narrow, and have currents that can run over 6 knots. Normally, we try to time the narrows so we arrive at the middle point - Papke's Landing - where the current splits and goes opposite directions as the flood turns to ebb.
- [Day 20 | Flotilla to Alaska | Thoms Place to Wrangell](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-20-flotilla-to-alaska-thoms-place-to-wrangell/) - Before we left Thoms Place this morning, we pulled up the two crab pots we'd put out last night and had two male keepers (Dungeness). Finally! Crabbing has been slow this summer so far! The weather was spectacular as we headed through Zimovia Narrows - warm and sunny with a light breeze from behind. Aboard
- [Day 19 | Flotilla to Alaska | Meyers Chuck to Thoms Place](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-19-flotilla-to-alaska-meyers-chuck-to-thoms-place/) - We left Meyers Chuck this morning at a fairly low tide, making the narrow exit a bit exciting (but not a problem). It was a beautiful clear day, and the seas were fairly calm with just a one-foot chop as we headed around the corner to make our way to Thoms Place. Soon after we
- [Day 18 | Flotilla to Alaska | Ketchikan to Meyers Chuck](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-18-flotilla-to-alaska-ketchikan-to-meyers-chuck/) - We were greeted with lovely weather this morning for our departure from Ketchikan on the way to Meyers Chuck. Great Escape stayed behind for a bit to wait for a part to be delivered, but the rest of the boats headed north. Ralph on Rubicon made a dinghy airport run before he left (we'll miss
- [Day 16-17 | Flotilla to Alaska | Foggy Bay to Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-16-17-flotilla-to-alaska-foggy-bay-to-ketchikan/) - We left our anchorage at Foggy Bay around low tide (a -2.8ft this morning!) and had a much skinnier exit than we did coming in at high tide. The shallowest we saw on the depth finder was 16ft, The conditions in the channel were calm and the skies were brightening and it was so nice
- [Day 15 | Flotilla to Alaska | Kelp Passage to Foggy Bay](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-15-flotilla-to-alaska-kelp-passage-to-foggy-bay/) - We're now in Alaska!! We went to Kelp Passage yesterday to set ourselves up for a possible Dixon Entrance crossing. Dixon Entrance is the final open-to-the-ocean section of the Inside Passage. It deserves respect, and can be dreadful in bad weather. For the last week or so we've been watching the forecast for Dixon. Generally,
- [Day 14 | Flotilla to Alaska | Baker Inlet to Kelp Passage](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-14-flotilla-to-alaska-baker-inlet-to-kelp-passage/) - We'd made a plan to exit Watts Narrows again at high slack (or nearish, anyway) which was at noon, but this group seems not to want to wait around at all in the mornings, and so voted to go on the early low slack at 6:00a.m. instead (still a lot of depth mid-channel and no
- [Day 12 | Flotilla to Alaska | Khutze Inlet to Lowe Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-12-flotilla-to-alaska-khutze-inlet-to-lowe-inlet/) - Today's 54nm cruise up to Lowe Inlet was long and gray and filled with heavy rain. We had the current with us most of the way, so that was a plus, but otherwise, picture windshield wipers going nonstop and waterfalls every couple miles. We all got anchored in Lowe Inlet just fine, but took only
- [Day 11 | Flotilla to Alaska | Bottleneck Inlet to Khutze Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-11-flotilla-to-alaska-bottleneck-inlet-to-khutze-inlet/) - Another gray, drizzly, but beautiful day! Today was just 27nm from Bottleneck to Khutze, so we did not leave super early. We cruised past Butedale, which looks as if nothing much has changed since last year. We turned into Khutze Inlet and made our way to the head of the bay where there were....no other
- [Day 10 | Flotilla to Alaska | Rescue Bay to Bottleneck Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-10-flotilla-to-alaska-rescue-bay-to-bottleneck-inlet/) - We woke to light drizzle and some fog, with a little bit of blue sky in the distance. Our plan to transit Jackson Narrows at high tide made for an uneventful experience. Jackson Passage is a beautiful (and shorter) route from east to west, but often avoided due to Jackson Narrows, but at high slack
- [Day 7 | Flotilla to Alaska | Big Frypan Bay to Codville Lagoon](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-7-flotilla-to-alaska-big-frypan-bay-to-codville-lagoon/) - We finally got the "heavy rain" that the forecast has been promising for the past two days. It all came at once -- last night! There was (finally!) a break in the rain in the morning as we pulled our anchor and left the bay, and the sun came blazing through. Our cruise up Fitz
- [Day 9 | Flotilla to Alaska | Shearwater to Rescue Bay](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-9-flotilla-to-alaska-shearwater-to-rescue-bay/) - We left the docks at Shearwater and headed out for Seaforth Channel. We expected to have some swell eventually, but swell never really materialized and conditions remained calm the entire route. We turned north into scenic Reid Passage up to Perceval Narrows and since we were a bit early, we had a couple knots against
- [Day 8 | Flotilla to Alaska | Codville Lagoon to Shearwater](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-8-flotilla-to-alaska-codville-lagoon-to-shearwater/) - We left Codville Lagoon just before 8:00a.m. and arrived at Shearwater around 10:00a.m. We hadn't been able to get any response from the marina regarding our moorage requests, and calls on 66A went unanswered. We all found space on the dock though, just like a regular first-come-first-served situation, and it all worked out. (We later
- [Day 6 | Flotilla to Alaska | Blunden Harbour to Big Frypan Bay](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-6-flotilla-to-alaska-blunden-harbour-to-big-frypan-bay/) - Today was Cape Caution day. We often talk about the "Gates" of the Inside Passage - segments that give boaters pause, and often limit their progress north toward Southeast Alaska. Beginning in Puget Sound, where there is the highest density of boaters, these include Johnstone Strait, the Strait of Georgia, the rapids in BC, Cape
- [Day 5 | Flotilla to Alaska | Mound Island to Blunden Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-5-flotilla-to-alaska-mound-island-to-blunden-harbour/) - We left our anchorage at Mound Island around 7:30a.m. and had a calm, leisurely cruise up to Blunden Harbor. It was quite foggy, but cleared a few miles from Blunden Harbour and turned into a nice day! Today we met up with our third boat, Great Escape (a Maritimo 50, with Bob and Shelly aboard).
- [Day 4 | Flotilla to Alaska | Port Neville to Mound Island](https://slowboat.com/2022/06/day-4-flotilla-to-alaska-port-neville-to-mound-island/) - This was our first visit to Mound Island with a flotilla. Mound Island is a small island in a cluster of islands near the west end of the Broughtons. It was nicely situated for our planned trip across Queen Charlotte Strait in preparation for rounding Cape Caution in a couple days. There is ample dinghy
- [Day 3 | Flotilla to Alaska | Kanish Bay to Port Neville](https://slowboat.com/2022/05/day-3-flotilla-to-alaska-kanish-bay-to-port-neville/) - We have now reached the part of the trip where we want to make time up Johnstone Strait. The current can really slow you down, and depending on the wind conditions it can be downright awful to transit. But when the weather is settled and you run with the current, it's a nice quick way
- [Days 0-1 | Flotilla to Alaska | Anacortes WA, Ganges Harbour and Tribune Bay, BC](https://slowboat.com/2022/05/days-0-1-flotilla-to-alaska-anacortes-wa-ganges-harbour-and-tribune-bay-bc/) - Day 0 - The 2022 Slowboat Flotilla to Alaska is underway. Over the next four weeks our group will make its way up the Inside Passage through coastal British Columbia, through SE Alaska, ending in Juneau. We’ll pass along the east side of Vancouver Island for around 300 miles, round Cape Caution, then proceed up
- [Day 2 | Flotilla to Alaska | Tribune Bay to Kanish Bay](https://slowboat.com/2022/05/day-2-flotilla-to-alaska-tribune-bay-to-kanish-bay/) - Today’s timing challenge was Seymour Narrows. The currents in Seymour Narrows can run to fifteen knots, so passing through near slack is critical. There also can be considerable traffic - barges with tugs, cruise ships - all timing their arrival at the narrows at about the same time. Seymour Narrows is also our gateway to
- [Day 1 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 2 | Sitka to Klag Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/06/day-1-alaska-flotilla-leg-2-sitka-to-klag-bay/) - After five nights in Sitka, we were ready to move on and the forecast looked good. This leg of the flotilla is new this year, and we have just one boat traveling with us: Jester. Over the next 10 or 11 days, we'll work our way up to Juneau. Most boats do this via the
- [Slow Boat, Fast Dinghy](https://slowboat.com/2017/12/slow-boat-fast-dinghy/) - Nine humpbacks surface and exhale fifty yards from our dinghy, between us and shore. Dolphins leap out of the water, inches away, splashing water into our small vessel. A family of brown bears forage on the beach 20 feet away, munching grass. An icy chill briefly blasts as we motor through a waterfall that tumbles from
- [Day 11 | West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Bunsby Islands to Walters Cove](https://slowboat.com/2019/08/day-11-west-side-of-vancouver-island-flotilla-bunsby-islands-to-walters-cove/) - Airship left the Bunsby Islands first, just before 8:30am for the 10nm cruise over to Walters Cove. There was no rush to arrive at Walters Cove early, but we were hoping to find space on the public dock, and with one lead boat in first, we’d be able to help the rest get settled. The
- [Day 12 | West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Walters Cove to Nuchatlitz](https://slowboat.com/2019/08/day-12-west-side-of-vancouver-island-flotilla-walters-cove-to-nuchatlitz/) - We left Walters Cove about 6:30 a.m. for the 24nm run from Kyuquot Sound to Esperanza Inlet. This route leads around Tatchu Point, and while it's not as significant a headland as Brooks Peninsula, Cape Scott, or Estevan Point, it still deserves respect. Environment Canada called for 15-25 knots of northwesterly wind and 1-2 meter
- [Day 13 | West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Nuchatlitz to Tahsis](https://slowboat.com/2019/08/day-13-west-side-of-vancouver-island-flotilla-nuchatlitz-to-tahsis/) - With just 2.5 hours to travel today we didn't rush out of Nuchatlitz this morning, which turned out to be extremely beneficial. Last night at about 1:30 a.m. (and again at 4:30 a.m.), we heard wolves howling over on shore in what sounded like a new meal celebration, but it was too dark to see
- [Day 14 | West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Tahsis to Hisnit Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2019/08/day-14-west-side-of-vancouver-island-flotilla-tahsis-to-hisnit-inlet/) - Our pace over the next several days is dictated by weather at Estevan Point, one of the major headlands on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The only must-see Nootka Sound destination for our group is Friendly Cove, about 20nm from Tahsis. If the weather was perfect today, we could even leave Tahsis, stop for
- [Day 22 | West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Joe's Bay to Nettle Island](https://slowboat.com/2019/09/day-22-west-side-of-vancouver-island-flotilla-joes-bay-to-nettle-island/) - We woke to fog this morning, but it was peaceful and quiet and still beautiful out here in the Broken Group. Today's cruise was another short day, just 3nm over to Nettle Island. One of the biggest surprises most people have on the trip to Alaska is how much we move. We go somewhere almost
- [Days 19-20 | West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Hot Springs Cove to Ucluelet](https://slowboat.com/2019/09/days-19-20-west-side-of-vancouver-island-flotilla-hot-springs-cove-to-ucluelet/) - Today's 45nm cruise from Hot Springs Cove to Ucluelet takes us back out into the ocean. The Environment Canada forecast was for a southeast wind 5-15kts, and Windy showed light winds in the morning, building to southeast 10-15 knots along our route, accompanied by a lazy 5-6 foot swell. Why are we skipping Clayoquot Sound?
- [Days 16-17 | West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Bligh Island to Friendly Cove](https://slowboat.com/2019/09/days-16-17-west-side-of-vancouver-island-flotilla-bligh-island-to-friendly-cove/) - This morning before leaving Bligh Cove, we took a few aerial photos since the light was so pretty. After breakfast we cruised the 6-7nm over to Friendly Cove, some of us snaking our way through the smaller passages between islands to kill time and add scenery. We anchored in Friendly Cove, rejoining the two boats
- [Day 18 | West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Friendly Cove to Hot Springs Cove](https://slowboat.com/2019/09/day-18-west-side-of-vancouver-island-flotilla-friendly-cove-to-hot-springs-cove/) - Overnight the wind dropped and the swell (Friendly Cove gets some swell) died off. The 4:40 a.m. light station reports sounded promising (single digit winds, one foot chop or rippled), so at about 7:00 a.m. we got underway for the four hour trip from Nootka Sound to Clayoquot Sound. The morning light was particularly pretty:
- [Day 21 | West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Ucluelet to Joe's Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/09/day-21-west-side-of-vancouver-island-flotilla-ucluelet-to-joes-bay/) - Today's cruise was short — 11nm from Ucluelet over to the Joe's Bay anchorage (tucked between Dodd and Turtle Island, next to Walsh Island). As we exited Ucluelet Inlet and transited into Newcombe Channel, we were met with calm water and very little wind. We anchored in this beautiful anchorage and folks spent the afternoon
- [Day 23 | West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Nettle Island to Robbers Passage](https://slowboat.com/2019/09/day-23-west-side-of-vancouver-island-flotilla-nettle-island-to-robbers-passage/) - Sam left the Nettle Island anchorage early this morning and headed for Robbers Passage on Fleming Island. Port Alberni Yacht Club has an outstation there where they welcome non-members (for a fee, no reciprocals), but because it's a weekend we were worried it might be full, so having an early scout was helpful. The days
- [Day 15 | West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Hisnit Inlet to Bligh Island](https://slowboat.com/2019/08/day-15-west-side-of-vancouver-island-flotilla-hisnit-inlet-to-bligh-island/) - Environment Canada predicted southeast 15-25 knot winds today and Windy looked worse. Not our day to round Estevan Point. We decided to move about 15nm to Bligh Cove, in the middle of Bligh Island at the head of Ewin Inlet. Along the way, we stopped at Resolution Cove. Here, in 1778, Captain Cook became the
- [Day 24 | West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Robbers Passage to Bamfield](https://slowboat.com/2019/09/day-24-west-side-of-vancouver-island-flotilla-robbers-passage-to-bamfield/) - We leisurely left the docks at the Port Alberni Yacht Club this morning. Today was another short hop (across Trevor Channel over to Bamfield), and most boats lingered a bit in Trevor Channel to watch the whales. It was gray and rainy this morning, but whales don't mind. Yesterday we noticed a white stripe on
- [Day 26 | West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Effingham Bay to Port Renfrew](https://slowboat.com/2019/09/day-26-west-side-of-vancouver-island-flotilla-effingham-bay-to-port-renfrew/) - We were up early this morning to start the two-day trek into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The weather, for once, was cooperating. Windy showed gusts in the single digits, Environment Canada predicted light wind building to westerly 5-15 later in the day. The morning light station reports were encouraging, with calm winds and
- [Day 25 | West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Bamfield to Effingham Bay (and a whale rescue!)](https://slowboat.com/2019/09/day-25-west-side-of-vancouver-island-flotilla-bamfield-to-effingham-bay-and-a-whale-rescue/) - This morning, en route from Bamfield to Effingham Bay, Airship and Dog Star had just entered Imperial Channel near Diana Island, when Dog Star radioed to tell us (on Airship) there were whales off their port side. We kept an eye out, and eventually spotted at a couple of humpbacks a half mile or so
- [Day 27 | West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Port Renfrew to Victoria](https://slowboat.com/2019/09/day-27-west-side-of-vancouver-island-flotilla-port-renfrew-to-victoria/) - We left Port Renfrew at first light this morning. The weather continued to cooperate and though we had some current against us for a good portion of today's 53nm cruise, we had little fog and very calm water -- a wonderful way to spend the last day of flotilla cruising! We arrived in Victoria around
- [The Abandoned Cannery at Namu, B.C.](https://slowboat.com/2017/08/namu/) - We left Kynumpt Harbour and cruised four nautical miles to Shearwater, where we tied up for a couple hours to do laundry, grocery shopping, and top off the fuel tanks. The grocery store was closed for restocking until 1:00 p.m. (Our lucky day! Fresh produce!) so we took advantage of the new laundry drop-and-fold service
- [Akeeva | San Diego to Cabo](https://slowboat.com/2022/01/akeeva-san-diego-to-cabo/) - Arriving in Mexico was very different than arriving in Canada or the United States. We chose to clear into Mexico in Ensenada, the northernmost port of call. Ensenada is about 60nm from San Diego, and we arrived at Marina Coral late in the afternoon. A health inspector came to the boat, took our temperatures, checked
- [Akeeva | San Francisco to San Diego](https://slowboat.com/2022/01/akeeva-san-francisco-to-san-diego/) - October in San Francisco flew by. Before we knew it Halloween, our appointed departure date, was upon us. We planned to harbor hop down the coast, first stopping at Monterey Bay for a few days, then Morro Bay, then around Point Conception and into Santa Barbara. Getting down the coast this way is a mostly
- [Akeeva | Friday Harbor to San Francisco](https://slowboat.com/2021/12/akeeva-friday-harbor-to-san-francisco/) - My last blog entry had us in Hoonah, AK, after returning to Southeast Alaska from Prince William Sound at the beginning of August. The next month was filled with guests, whales, bears, and rain in Alaska. By the middle of August, the rain was getting to us and we were making concrete plans to head
- [Airship | Desolation Sound, Tribune Bay, Tumbo Island, Home](https://slowboat.com/2021/09/airship-desolation-sound-tribune-bay-tumbo-island-home/) - We left Campbell River on a beautiful day, but the nice weather was not planned to last. We chose Prideaux Haven in Desolation Sound as a good spot to stay put for a few nights (and we hadn't really visited this area since 2016!) We poked into Melanie Cove where there were two boats anchored,
- [Day 9 | Flotilla to Alaska | Blunden Harbour to Fury Cove](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-9-flotilla-to-alaska-blunden-harbour-to-fury-cove/) - Around Cape Caution! When we fell asleep last night, Environment Canada (Central Coast zone) was calling for "wind light" and seas one meter all day. Windy (ECMWF model) was showing this: Forecasts don't get much better than that, but forecasts aren't always right. So when we woke up at 4:30 a.m. we checked West Sea
- [Day 18 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 4 | Frederick Arm to Von Donop Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2019/08/day-18-alaska-flotilla-leg-4-frederick-arm-to-von-donop-inlet/) - We didn't care much about timing Whirlpool Rapids and Greene Point Rapids yesterday, but we do care about the timing at Dent Rapids, Gillard Pass, and Yuculta Rapids. Thankfully, getting to the rapids at slack isn't that hard. Frederick Arm to Dent Rapids is about 6.5nm (we'll call it an hour) and Dent was predicted
- [Crossing Queen Charlotte Sound to Cape Scott](https://slowboat.com/2017/09/cape-scott/) - For the last several days, we've been closely monitoring the weather forecasts, looking for a window to cross Queen Charlotte Sound and round Cape Scott to the west side of Vancouver Island. Environment Canada had been calling for 20-30 knot southerly winds today, diminishing to 5-15 knots tomorrow, then increasing to 15-25 the next day.
- [Akeeva | 52 Hours Back to Southeast Alaska](https://slowboat.com/2021/09/akeeva-52-hours-back-to-southeast-alaska/) - We really wanted to spend more time in Prince William Sound, but we were faced with a deadline a week and a half distant in Sitka. It only takes three days to get from Whittier to Sitka, but those days need to be good weather. The next few days looked pretty good, followed by at
- [Akeeva | Prince William Sound Part 3](https://slowboat.com/2021/09/akeeva-prince-william-sound-part-3/) - We weren't in any great rush to leave Valdez. We had breakfast out (a rare treat, no dishes!), provisioned at Safeway (the best grocery shopping in Prince William Sound), and eventually headed to the fuel dock, where we jokingly referred to the diesel as "local, craft-refined" since it's pulled from the earth in Alaska, sent
- [Akeeva | Prince William Sound Part 2](https://slowboat.com/2021/09/akeeva-prince-william-sound-part-2/) - The sunshine and warm temperatures couldn't last forever. As Erika and Josh departed from Whittier, clouds were rolling in. The forecast for the coming days was considerably more Alaskan than what we'd been used to: overcast, heavy rain at times, highs in the 50s. To be honest, our sunburnt skin, bug bites, and general exhaustion
- [Airship | Vixen Harbor and Helm Bay](https://slowboat.com/2021/08/airship-vixen-harbor-and-helm-bay/) - We left Wrangell late last Thursday afternoon and got as far as Thoms Place before dark (about 23nm from Wrangell). We dropped some crab traps on the way in and picked them back up on the way out in the morning (with three keeper crabs inside!) The forecast was showing a pretty big blow on
- [Day 16 | Flotilla to Alaska | Kelp Passage Cove to Prince Rupert](https://slowboat.com/2017/06/day-16-flotilla-to-alaska-kelp-passage-cove-to-prince-rupert/) - After a breezy night at anchor and with Environment Canada still predicting 20-30 knot southeasterly winds, we were expecting a bumpy ride over to Prince Rupert. But as departure neared the wind died. Somehow we lucked into a calm trip across Chatham Sound and into Cow Bay Marina. Several of us caught a glimpse of
- [Day 17 | Flotilla to Alaska | Crossing Dixon Entrance](https://slowboat.com/2017/06/day-17/) - We fell asleep feeling optimistic about the weather. Environment Canada forecast winds from the southeast at 15-25 knots - windier than we’d prefer, but the best forecast in a week. The day before they’d said 20-30, and it was calm. And conditions would be right behind us, the most comfortable angle. Windy.com looked better. Light
- [Crossing Dixon Entrance](https://slowboat.com/2017/08/crossing-dixon-entrance-2/) - Getting out of Ketchikan was an exercise in patience. Storm after storm, packing lots of southerly wind and buckets of rain, pummeled the area. Even in a town that receives more than 160 inches of rainfall annually, this was exceptional. Streets flooded and locals complained about the worst summer ever. Fishing guides canceled charters. Twice
- [Day 6 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 4 | Foggy Bay to Prince Rupert](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/day-6-flotilla-to-alaska-leg-4-foggy-bay-to-prince-rupert/) - Goodbye Alaska! We've had a great couple months wandering around Southeast—the best weather we can remember (except for that one week of smoke), excellent bear and whale watching, and just a few boat gremlins—but in order to have a leisurely trip down the outside of Vancouver Island with decent weather, it's time to head south.
- [Akeeva | Prince William Sound Part 1](https://slowboat.com/2021/09/akeeva-prince-william-sound-part-1/) - First impressions of a cruising destination have a huge impact on my opinion of a place. Years ago, when I first arrived in Red Bluff Bay, for example, half a dozen brown bears were foraging (and mating) on the beach. Ever since, I've associated Red Bluff Bay with the spectacle of mating bears. The same
- [Airship | Vixen Harbor to Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/airship-vixen-ketchikan-princerupert/) - Frosty Bay was gray with drizzle when we awoke -- first gray day in quite a few! We made coffee and pulled anchor just before 9:00 a.m. and continued down Seward Passage and into Ernest Sound. I had plotted our course all the way to Meyers Chuck, but we really wanted to stay somewhere we
- [Knowing and Trusting Your Sources](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/trusting-your-sources/) - When choosing navigation routes and anchorages, particularly in remote areas, there are numerous sources of information available to cruisers. There are paper and electronic charts, chartplotters, apps (such as Coastal Explorer, Navionics, and iNavX) for computers, smart phones, and tablets, as well as physical reference books. In SE Alaska, the books we typically use are
- [Airship | Red Bay, Hole in the Wall, Devilfish Bay, Port Beauclerc](https://slowboat.com/2021/08/airship-red-bay-hole-in-the-wall-devilfish-bay-port-beauclerc/) - We said goodbye to Kevin's brother Craig in Petersburg, and after a day or so to provision and do a few projects in Petersburg (and one more breakfast from The Salty Pantry!), we left around 9:30am and headed south through Wrangell Narrows. We thought we'd first visit an anchorage we had not been to before
- [Airship | Baranof Island: Sitka to Red Bluff Bay](https://slowboat.com/2021/08/airship-baranof-island-sitka-to-red-bluff-bay/) - After spending a handful of days in Juneau, we left and headed for Sitka, where we docked Airship for two whole weeks! Kevin had a work thing going on that we needed reliable internet for (and an airport for a trip to San Jose) and we'd already been in Juneau for a handful of days,
- [Airship | Frederick Sound, Humpbacks, Baird Glacier](https://slowboat.com/2021/08/airship-frederick-sound-humpbacks-baird-glacier/) - We left Red Bluff Bay on Sunday morning and headed across Chatham Strait in beautiful calm conditions. Today's destination: Pybus Bay on Admiralty Island. We stayed three nights in Pybus Bay (Cannery Cove), primarily to duck out of some weather, but we were also looking forward to relaxing at anchor in the same place for
- [Akeeva | Lituya Bay and the Gulf of Alaska](https://slowboat.com/2021/07/akeeva-lituya-bay-and-the-gulf-of-alaska/) - Southeast Alaska is among the finest cruising grounds in the world. Stretching more than 300nm from north to south and more than 100nm west to east, it’s a huge and diverse area. Most of it is protected, too, with calm water, relatively easy access to services, and no overnight cruising required. I’ve spent most summers
- [Akeeva | Friends in Fords Terror](https://slowboat.com/2021/07/akeeva-friends-in-fords-terror/) - A few hours after we got to Auke Bay, two more friends arrived: Erika, who we went to college with, and Josh, her partner. The next day, with six of us aboard Akeeva, we headed to Endicott Arm, Dawes Glacier, and Ford's Terror. Even after 15-plus visits, this little section of Alaska delights. The combination
- [Airship | Icy Strait (and finally, moose!)](https://slowboat.com/2021/07/airship-icystrait/) - Last week we left Juneau to do some buddy boating with Dog Star for a week or so. (Our grandkid is along with us this week, and has requested lots of bumpy dinghy rides and fresh crab and maybe some fishing.) Our first stop was Swanson Bay/Couverden Islands. There was plenty of room on the
- [Akeeva | Lynn Canal to Skagway](https://slowboat.com/2021/07/akeeva-lynn-canal-to-skagway/) - The flotilla might be over, but our cruising isn’t. The day after the flotilla concluded, friends arrived in Juneau, and the next day we set off for Skagway. Skagway is the first destination of what we hope will be a year of adventure on Akeeva. The plan is to explore Alaska this summer, including (hopefully)
- [Airship | A Few Days in Juneau](https://slowboat.com/2021/07/airship-a-few-days-in-juneau/) - We spent five nights in Juneau after finishing up the flotilla. We've got another guest coming in to join us, and thought we'd get some boat projects, laundry, and provisioning done, while exploring Juneau a little more and revisiting some of our favorite spots. We shared a rental car with friends (and flotilla participants) Julie
- [Day 38 | Flotilla to Alaska | Ford's Terror to Juneau](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/day-38-flotilla-to-alaska-fords-terror-to-juneau/) - We had the anchors up by 5:45a.m. this morning to make our way to the rapids for high slack, which we thought would be around 6:30a.m. The rapids cooperated nicely and we had an easy transit. Exiting Ford's Terror and motoring out of Endicott Arm always feels a little deflating. On the way in, the
- [Days 35 - 37 | Flotilla to Alaska | Tracy Arm Cove, Endicott Arm, Ford's Terror](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/days-35-37-flotilla-to-alaska-tracy-arm-cove-endicott-arm-fords-terror/) - The weather during this flotilla hasn’t all been great, but when it has counted the most (in the most beautiful spots), the weather weather has cooperated unusually well. Few experiences during a summer cruise in Alaska rival visiting a tidewater glacier, and being able to do it on a sunny day is a huge bonus.
- [Day 34 | Flotilla to Alaska | Taku Harbor to Tracy Arm Cove](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/day-34-flotilla-to-alaska-taku-harbor-to-tracy-arm-cove/) - We had a short cruise today, just 25nm from Taku Harbor to Tracy Arm Cove. The morning dawned foggy, but with very low tides predicted later in the morning, we had to vacate the dock or risk sitting in the mud. Thankfully, radar, chart plotters, and AIS make navigating in the fog relatively easy, especially
- [Day 33 | Flotilla to Alaska | Couverden Island Cove to Taku Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/day-33-flotilla-to-alaska-couverden-island-cove-to-taku-harbor/) - Although the wind wasn't quite as gusty as yesterday, we awoke to breezy conditions. The forecast called for 15-20 knot southerlies, and as soon as we left Couverden Island Cove we felt the wind and waves. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. Thankfully, within just a few miles, we crossed a tide line
- [Day 31-32 | Appleton Cove to Couverden Island Cove](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/day-31-appleton-cove-to-couverden-island-cove/) - We got an early start--about 6:00 a.m.--for a longer-than-expected day to Couverden Island Cove. Originally we planned to go to Pavlof Harbor today, about 25 miles south of Couverden Island Cove. The weather forecast called for good traveling weather this morning, but worsening weather beginning in the afternoon and continuing for at least a day,
- [Day 30 | Flotilla to Alaska | Sitka to Appleton Cove](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/day-30-flotilla-to-alaska-sitka-to-appleton-cove/) - Sitka skies this morning were mostly gray and cloudy, but the wind was light and it wasn't raining. We left the harbor by about 6:30 a.m., timing our arrival at Sergius Narrows for near slack (9:48a.m.). On the way into Sitka, we'd jockeyed with lots of traffic from Sergius Narrows all the way into town.
- [Days 28-29 | Flotilla to Alaska | Sitka](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/days-28-29-flotilla-to-alaska-sitka/) - Our time in Sitka has been spent visiting museums and restaurants, shopping, riding bikes around town, walking the trail in the Sitka National Historic Park, and just generally getting some off-boat exercise! Oh and also doing chores like laundry, groceries, refilling dinghy fuel and propane, etc. Some of us went back to Beak for brunch
- [Day 27 | Flotilla to Alaska | Deep Bay to Sitka](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/day-27-flotilla-to-alaska-deep-bay-to-sitka/) - We had spectacular weather today for our 30nm cruise into Sitka -- not a cloud to be seen in the bright blue sky. We pulled anchor in Deep Bay around 6:00 a.m., arrived at Sergius Narrows within a few minutes of slack, and had no real current to speak of. Navigating the traffic through Neva
- [Day 26 | Flotilla to Alaska | Takatz Bay to Deep Bay](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/day-26-flotilla-to-alaska-takatz-bay-to-deep-bay/) - After a relaxing, wildlife-rich several days on the east coast of Baranof Island, today we motored eight hours towards Sitka, from Takatz Bay to Deep Bay. Our route leads to progressively smaller bodies of water, from huge Chatham Strait to Peril Strait, and eventually to Sergius Narrows, the bottleneck just west of Deep Bay that
- [Days 24-25 | Flotilla to Alaska | Warm Springs Bay to Takatz Bay](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/days-24-25-flotilla-to-alaska-warm-springs-bay-to-takatz-bay/) - Over the last few days the pace of the trip has relaxed. Today, we had our shortest day yet: just nine miles, followed by a day sitting at anchor in Takatz Bay. The truth is we could have spent several days at each of the anchorages we've visited this trip, but the distances are too
- [Day 23 | Flotilla to Alaska | Red Bluff Bay to Warm Springs Bay](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/day-23-flotilla-to-alaska-red-bluff-bay-to-warm-springs-bay/) - After yesterday's wildlife extravaganza, today's trip up Chatham Strait was a little boring. We did see a few humpbacks as we left Red Bluff Bay, but after that we struck out. The water was reasonably calm, though, and the Baranof Island shoreline is so mountainous, rugged, and snow-capped that the lack of wildlife didn't matter.
- [Day 22 | Flotilla to Alaska | Explorer Basin to Red Bluff Bay](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/day-22-flotilla-to-alaska-explorer-basin-to-red-bluff-bay/) - As we exited Explorer Basin this morning, we found Chatham Strait FAR less bumpy than the previous day. Additionally, we were greeted by several groups of humpbacks feeding on the herring that were everywhere!! The herring balls were too prevalent and moved too quickly to be steered around, yet every time we drove through one
- [Day 21 | Flotilla to Alaska | Egg Harbor to Explorer Basin](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/day-21-flotilla-to-alaska-egg-harbor-to-explorer-basin/) - After the bumpy pre-breakfast ride up Chatham Strait we were hungry, so we used the rest of the fresh crab we'd caught and made a crab eggs benedict brunch on Airship. So delicious! Most of us just relaxed onboard instead of doing any big dinghy excursions since it was so windy out. We did an
- [Day 20 | Flotilla to Alaska | Bay of Pillars to Egg Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/day-20-flotilla-to-alaska-bay-of-pillars-to-egg-harbor/) - Coronation Island is beautiful in an entirely different way than Pybus Bay or Thomas Bay. Those places have towering mountains, snowfields, and waterfalls. Coronation Island, situated out in the ocean, just south of Chatham Strait, has a rugged, swell-carved coastline dotted with sea caves, arches, and occasional sandy beaches. Getting to Coronation Island requires favorable
- [Day 19 | Flotilla to Alaska | Pybus Bay to Bay of Pillars](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/day-19-flotilla-to-alaska-pybus-bay-to-bay-of-pillars/) - This morning we woke to bits of blue sky and nice calm waters. We departed Pybus Bay and headed for Bay of Pillars on Kuiu Island. We spotted several humpbacks spouting in the distance in Frederick Sound, but nothing very close. Soon after we turned into Chatham Strait, however, we were treated to a group
- [Day 18 | Flotilla to Alaska | Thomas Bay to Pybus Bay](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/day-18-flotilla-to-alaska-thomas-bay-to-pybus-bay/) - We awoke to patchy fog and low clouds in Thomas Bay and departed about 7:00 a.m. Even without yesterday's sunshine, Thomas Bay is beautiful. We forgot to mention...yesterday evening in Thomas Bay, Julie and David from Dog Star were out in their dinghy watching the shoreline and came across a group of arctic terns. They
- [Day 17 | Flotilla to Alaska | Petersburg to Thomas Bay](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/day-17-flotilla-to-alaska-petersburg-to-thomas-bay/) - The leg from Petersburg to Sitka is the longest of the trip without services. For the next 10 days and 350nm, we'll be away from groceries, fuel, water, and garbage. Before leaving, most of us grabbed one final breakfast ashore at Salty Pantry. Everything was delicious! We think the next couple weeks, between Petersburg, Sitka,
- [Day 16 | Flotilla to Alaska | Petersburg](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/day-16-flotilla-to-alaska-petersburg/) - Today was a free day in Petersburg. We awoke to clear blue skies and bright sunshine, with a predicted high of about 68 degrees F! How did we get so lucky? We spent the day exploring, provisioning, and enjoying the glorious weather! Petersburg is a proud fishing town and we love looking at all the
- [Day 15 | Flotilla to Alaska | Day Trip to Le Conte Glacier](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/day-15-leconte/) - Glacier day! For most cruisers, their first visit to a tidewater glacier is both exciting and anxiety-inducing. Since Le Conte Glacier is so close to Petersburg (about 20nm away), it's an easy day trip. Several years ago we started visiting Le Conte on just a few of the flotilla boats. This lets some people have
- [Day 14 | Flotilla to Alaska | Wrangell to Petersburg](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/day-14-flotilla-to-alaska-wrangell-to-petersburg/) - The shortest navigable route from Wrangell to Petersburg is through Wrangell Narrows, a narrow, winding, rock-laden 22 nautical mile passageway with swift current and lots of traffic. In order to minimize opposing current, we typically time our departure from Wrangell so that we arrive at Papke's Landing, where the flooding from the north and south
- [Day 13 | Flotilla to Alaska | Thoms Place to Wrangell](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/day-13-flotilla-to-alaska-thoms-place-to-wrangell/) - Thoms Place to Wrangell is a fun, easy, well-protected, 24 nautical mile route through Zimovia Strait. We were not particularly worried about the current through Zimovia, as it is more a nuisance than a hazard, so we opted for a 7AM departure. After all our early mornings, departing at seven felt pretty luxurious, and still
- [Day 12 | Santa Anna Inlet to Thoms Place](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/day-12-santa-anna-inlet-to-thoms-place/) - Day 12 was an easy cruise from Santa Anna Inlet to Thoms Place on Wrangell Island. Thom's place is a nice large anchorage on the south end of the island with snow-capped mountain views, historically good crabbing, and some fun tidal channels to explore by dinghy at high tide. The group left Santa Anna later
- [Day 11 | Flotilla to Alaska | Ketchikan to Santa Anna Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/day-11-flotilla-to-alaska-ketchikan-to-santa-anna-inlet/) - One consequence of our quick trip from the San Juans to Ketchikan is that we didn't have as many chores to take care of in Ketchikan as we usually would. Many of the boats don't need fuel, laundry, or significant provisions. We haven't been out for weeks—and we've been confined aboard—so the boats are still
- [Day 10 | Flotilla to Alaska | Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/day-10-flotilla-to-alaska-ketchikan/) - Today was basically chore and explore day in Ketchikan: grocery shopping, laundry for those who needed it, picking up packages at Frontier Shipping, etc. Today was a little less rainy than yesterday, but still gray and moody. A good day to work on any boat projects or just see the town in the rain. (It
- [Day 9 | Flotilla to Alaska | Foggy Bay to Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/2021/06/day-9-flotilla-to-alaska-foggy-bay-to-ketchikan/) - We left Foggy Bay this morning around 7:00 a.m., headed for Ketchikan. We had some light swell at first, and a little more than light swell later in morning (and some fog) but overall it was a pretty smooth cruise. Arriving in Ketchikan was uneventful compared to past years when it takes all the concentration
- [Day 8 | Flotilla to Alaska | Foggy Bay](https://slowboat.com/2021/05/day-8-flotilla-to-alaska-foggy-bay/) - Sleeping in this morning was difficult—something about the combination of sunrise around 4:00 a.m., several days of departing at the crack of dawn, and heavy rain pelting the deck had us up long before we should have awoken. Later in the morning, Ralph on Rubicon called on the VHF to let everyone know there was
- [Day 7 | Flotilla to Alaska | Klewnuggit Inlet to Foggy Bay](https://slowboat.com/2021/05/day-7-flotilla-to-alaska-klewnuggit-to-foggybay/) - Our last long day! Alaska! Getting out of boat jail! We've been lucky with the weather this trip and we hoped it would continue today. Environment Canada called for southeast 25-35 knot winds, which didn't sound too promising. NOAA said southeast 25 knots, still not great. The screenshot below shows the Windy route planner, which
- [Day 6 | Flotilla to Alaska | Bottleneck Inlet to Klewnuggit Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2021/05/day-6-flotilla-to-alaska-bottleneck-inlet-to-klewnuggit-inlet/) - We were up before sunrise to get underway for a nearly 90nm day. Today we have few weather concerns (whew, that's nice for a change!), no hazardous currents, and beautiful scenery. And after today, we're just one day from Alaska! Today's cruise is particularly scenic. There's been surprisingly little traffic of any type since the
- [Day 5 | Flotilla to Alaska | Codville Lagoon to Bottleneck Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2021/05/day-5-flotilla-to-alaska-codville-lagoon-to-bottleneck-inlet/) - After a few 5:00 a.m. departures, today's "about 7:00 a.m." departure felt luxurious. So luxurious that most of us, apparently now adjusted to early mornings, were underway well before 7. Today is as close to a lay day as we hope to have in Canada, with fewer than 60 nautical miles to travel in mostly
- [Day 4 | Flotilla to Alaska | Blunden Harbour to Codville Lagoon](https://slowboat.com/2021/05/day-4-flotilla-to-alaska-blunden-harbour-to-codville-lagoon/) - This morning feels a bit like deja vu. Didn't we wake up before the sun yesterday to cruise 80-odd miles? Such is life when transiting BC during COVID. If the weather is safe, we go. The trip around Cape Caution is all about the weather. It's one of only two places we're exposed to the
- [Day 3 | Flotilla to Alaska | Kanish Bay to Blunden Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2021/05/day-3-flotilla-to-alaska-kanish-bay-to-blunden-harbour/) - With Seymour Narrows behind us, the timing of our trip up Johnstone Strait was primarily about maximizing favorable current and miles covered. Thankfully the beginning of the ebb—which runs northwest in Johnstone Strait—was about 5:00 a.m., about the same time it's light enough to spot logs in the water. Complicating matters was the forecast, which
- [Day 1 | Flotilla to Alaska!](https://slowboat.com/2021/05/to-alaska/) - We’ve been unusually quiet for the last year. Cancelling trips, refunding money, doing circles around the San Juan Islands while waiting for the COVID crisis to blow over had us a bit down. But we’re finally underway again, and it feels great! A few months ago, several things became clear: any American who wanted to
- [Day 2 | Flotilla to Alaska | False Bay to Kanish Bay](https://slowboat.com/2021/05/day-2-flotilla-to-alaska-false-bay-to-kanish-bay/) - Today was all about timing our arrival at Seymour Narrows. Seymour Narrows is one of the fastest flowing tidal rapids in the world, with current that can exceed 16 knots, so we definitely don't want to cruise through at the wrong time. We got to sleep in this morning, and didn't leave False Bay until
- [Building a Weather Picture](https://slowboat.com/2019/02/building-a-weather-picture/) - One of the most important skills for successful cruising is understanding the weather and how it impacts your plans. This doesn't mean being a meteorologist, making your own forecasts, or interpreting esoteric weather charts. Rather, it means selecting the right forecast from professional meteorologists (NOAA, Environment Canada, European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts), utilizing real-time
- [Airship’s New Power System](https://slowboat.com/2020/12/airships-new-power-system/) - During the extended COVID quarantine this year, we took the opportunity to do a number of upgrades to Airship. We discussed a lot of them in this article, but we have gotten enough questions on the power system in particular that it merits its own discussion. This article will be closed-captioned for nerds, with a
- [Day 10 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 3 | Explorer Basin to Egg Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/day-10-alaska-flotilla-leg-3-explorer-basin-to-egg-harbor/) - If there are two highlights on this leg of the trip, Coronation Island is one of them (the other is Endicott Arm/Ford's Terror). Coronation Island sits just south of Chatham Strait, out in the ocean. It's a big island—about 30nm around—with a dramatic, bold coastline and bare peaks. Because it's in the ocean, it's "off
- [Day 2 | Flotilla to Alaska | Ganges Harbour to Montague Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-2-flotilla-to-alaska-ganges-harbour-to-montague-harbour/) - With the weather still looking windy on the Strait of Georgia until Thursday, we didn't have far to go today. Our goal is to meander through the Gulf Islands slowly, visiting new places while getting to know each other and providing an opportunity to shake down the boats. So today we made the long, eight
- [Days 5-6 | West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Varney Bay to Kokwina Cove](https://slowboat.com/2019/08/days-5-6-west-side-of-vancouver-island-flotilla-varney-bay-to-kokwina-cove/) - This morning we moved from Varney Bay over to Kokwina Cove, just 3.5nm away. We had little information about Kokwina Cove, so yesterday after anchoring the big boats in Varney Bay, we dinghied over for a look. Since it sounds like we'll be waiting out some stormy weather tonight, we wanted to be as tucked
- [Socially Distanced Buddy Boating in the San Juans](https://slowboat.com/2020/10/socially-distanced-buddy-boating-in-the-san-juans/) - As the upgrades on Airship get closer and closer to being finished (I know, very funny), we're getting antsier and antsier to be out on the water. Summer's over and we've only spent about 3 days aboard, which in a normal year would be closer to 7 months aboard, so this is quite a change.
- [Airship, Now With Solar (well, and a few other things)!](https://slowboat.com/2020/07/airship-now-with-solar-well-and-a-few-other-things/) - Kevin and I finally got to get aboard Airship again last week! Before we talk about our quick cruise, let's do a little catch-up: With the Alaska and Vancouver Island flotillas cancelled this season, Airship has been having another major round of maintenance and upgrades. You can see the initial round of upgrades from 2018
- [Goodbye Safe Harbour, Hello Akeeva!](https://slowboat.com/2020/07/goodbye-safe-harbour-hello-akeeva/) - First of all, apologies for the looooong delay in posting. Much has happened since my last update here. After six years and more than 3500 hours on Safe Harbour, my Nordic Tug 37, I traded her for Akeeva, a Nordhavn 50. As that was happening, the coronavirus situation was rapidly deteriorating. Within days of buying
- [Baja 2019 | San Diego to Ensenada](https://slowboat.com/2019/12/baja-2019-san-diego-to-ensenada/) - Most of the content on Slowboat focuses on cruising north from Puget Sound. This is the area where we have the most experience, and where most of us from the Pacific Northwest naturally go cruising. The Pacific Northwest is undoubtedly fantastic—plentiful and diverse wildlife, thousands of miles of sheltered “inside” cruising, and magnificent scenery—but it’s
- [Cruising Down the West Coast in a Nordhavn 55 | Leg 3 | Crescent City to Monterey, CA](https://slowboat.com/2019/10/cruising-down-the-west-coast-in-a-nordhavn-55-leg-3-crescent-city-to-monterey-ca/) - According to Rich our magic weather router, it was looking like Monday morning (September 30) would be the optimal time for us to head further south. Unfortunately, Kevin (Morris) had meetings in San Jose to attend staring Monday, so he booked a Sunday flight from Crescent City to San Jose, and the three of us
- [Cruising Down the West Coast in a Nordhavn 55 | Waiting for Weather in Crescent City, CA](https://slowboat.com/2019/09/cruising-down-the-west-coast-in-a-nordhavn-55-waiting-for-weather-in-crescent-city-ca/) - Well it appears we'll have a few days (okay, maybe a week) to kill here in Crescent City due to some weather we'd rather not be out in, so we'll get to know this town and its surrounds better in the meantime. Day 1: We all happily slept in on our first morning in the
- [Cruising Down the West Coast in a Nordhavn 55 | Leg 2 | Grays Harbor WA to Crescent City CA](https://slowboat.com/2019/09/cruising-down-the-west-coast-in-a-nordhavn-55-leg-2-grays-harbor-wa-to-crescent-city-ca/) - Thursday, 4:15 a.m. -- Our original plan was to catch the early morning high slack at the Grays Harbor bar, which meant heading out before dark, again. However, in the morning we didn't get an agreeable bar report (boooo!), so we opted to wait until the midday low slack and went back to bed (yaaaaay!).
- [Cruising Down the West Coast in a Nordhavn 55 | Leg 1 | Neah Bay to Grays Harbor WA](https://slowboat.com/2019/09/cruising-down-the-west-coast-in-a-nordhavn-55-leg-1-neah-bay-to-grays-harbor-wa/) - Kevin and I had a few days off in Victoria after our Vancouver Island flotilla ended, so we spent the time relaxing, exploring, eating out, and of course, doing boat projects. We fixed a plumbing leak in the washer/dryer plumbing, worked on getting the boat all dried out with our new dehumidifier, went to the
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 23| Nettle Island to Robbers Passage](https://slowboat.com/2018/09/circvi_flotilladay23/) - September 11 - Barkley Sound is nearly deserted this time of year. We've only seen a couple other cruising boats, so we figured we'd likely be able to get at least a few spots at the dock at the Port Alberni Yacht Club outstation in Robbers Passage. This is a wonderful stop, with short trails to
- [Day 10 | West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Columbia Cove to the Bunsby Islands](https://slowboat.com/2019/08/day-10-west-side-of-vancouver-island-flotilla-columbia-cove-to-the-bunsby-islands/) - Life is good south of Brooks Peninsula! We awoke to a warm, sunny, calm morning. We only had a few miles to travel today, and although Checleset Bay is open to the ocean, the swells were gentle. 1 Tbsp white or yellow miso 4 tsp low sodium soy sauce 4 tsp unseasonsed rice vinegar 1
- [Day 9 | West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Winter Harbour to Columbia Cove](https://slowboat.com/2019/08/day-9-west-side-of-vancouver-island-flotilla-winter-harbour-to-columbia-cove/) - Around Brooks! This is one of the more significant milestones of the trip around Vancouver Island, and the weather has not been particularly cooperative this year. Wind this morning looked ideal. The forecasts called for single digit speeds and the early morning observations at Solander Island and Quatsino Lightstation backed that up. Our concern, though,
- [Day 8 | West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | North Harbour to Winter Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2019/08/day-8-west-side-of-vancouver-island-flotilla-north-harbour-to-winter-harbour/) - The meteorologists called for another stormy day today. They were right. The rain began falling around 9:00 a.m. and didn't let up for more than a few minutes all day. Although the wind didn't make it into North Harbour or Winter Harbour, the reports from Solander Island weren't encouraging. Sustained winds in the 30s, with
- [Day 7 | West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Kokwina Cove to North Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2019/08/day-7-west-side-of-vancouver-island-flotilla-kokwina-cove-to-north-harbour/) - The weather for rounding Brooks Peninsula continues to be problematic. Today looked like a relatively light day of wind, but tomorrow it’s supposed to be blowing from the south (again) at 30 knots or so, possibly making Columbia Cove (one of our favorite anchorages) uncomfortable. So even if we were to go around Brooks today,
- [Day 4 | West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Sea Otter Cove to Varney Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/08/day-4-west-side-of-vancouver-island-flotilla-sea-otter-cove-to-varney-bay/) - Environment Canada predicted light winds and a 1-2 meter swell this morning, not quite perfect, but pretty darn close. But by noon the winds were supposed to be blowing 15-25 knots from the southeast, and even more wind was predicted by the evening. Then, the real storm was scheduled to arrive the following day, with
- [Days 1-3 | West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Port McNeill to Sea Otter Cove](https://slowboat.com/2019/08/days-1-3-west-side-of-vancouver-island-flotilla-port-mcneill-to-sea-otter-cove/) - We met the West Coast Vancouver Island group at North Island Marina in Port McNeill on August 14th. This gave us a few days to get to know people, do lots of provisioning, and answer questions before departing on the 16th. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't cooperating. Winds on the 16th in Queen Charlotte Strait were
- [Day 17 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 4 | Port Neville to Frederick Arm](https://slowboat.com/2019/08/day-17-alaska-flotilla-leg-4-port-neville-to-frederick-arm/) - We left the dock at Port Neville and headed east in Johnstone Strait, then peeled off at Sunderland Channel. Today's destination is Frederick Arm, the inlet just east of Phillips Arm at the top of Nodales Channel. We transited Whirlpool Rapids midway through the flood with a few small whirlpools and eddies, but nothing too
- [Day 15 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 4 | Skull Cove to Alert Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/08/day-15-alaska-flotilla-leg-4-skull-cove-to-alert-bay/) - We departed Skull Cove (in fog, again) and headed for Alert Bay via Ripple Passage. We soon spotted a small pod of orcas in the distance, and slowed to take a few photos. While we were focused on the distant pod, a few more surfaced much closer to our boat (almost too close to capture
- [Day 16 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 4 | Alert Bay to Port Neville](https://slowboat.com/2019/08/day-16-alaska-flotilla-leg-4-alert-bay-to-port-neville/) - Sharp-eyed readers may be wondering why we're continuing down Johnstone Strait since this flotilla was set to end in Port McNeill and the next one is leaving from Port McNeill. Part of the reason is we need something to do for the next week. Part of the reason is that one of the boats we're
- [Day 14 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 4 | Pruth Bay to Skull Cove](https://slowboat.com/2019/08/day-14-alaska-flotilla-leg-4-pruth-bay-to-skull-cove/) - We've been watching the weather at Cape Caution for the last several days, and today looked ideal. Environment Canada predicted variable 5 to 15 knot winds. Windy showed gusts in the single digits until mid-afternoon and seas of just two feet. Tomorrow looked just as good. We'd originally planned to spend another night north of Cape
- [Day 13 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 4 | Shearwater to Pruth Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/08/day-13-alaska-flotilla-leg-4-shearwater-to-pruth-bay/) - Forecast: Wind light becoming northwest 10 to 20 knots in the afternoon (Environment Canada Central Coast). Mostly sunny, high around 75. We didn't have all that far to travel today (about 40nm), but we still wanted to get an early start. We were done with chores at Shearwater, and Pruth Bay—which we'd skipped on the
- [Day 12 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 4 | Lambard Inlet to Shearwater](https://slowboat.com/2019/08/day-12-alaska-flotilla-leg-4-lambard-inlet-to-shearwater/) - We left around 9:00 a.m. this morning. Shearwater is only 19nm from our anchorage here in Lambard Inlet, and there was no point arriving early just to find the docks at the marina still full from last night's occupants, so we lounged around leisurely this morning before we pulled anchor. Shearwater is a busy place
- [Day 11 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 4 | Meyers Narrows Cove to Lambard Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2019/08/day-11-alaska-flotilla-leg-4-meyers-narrows-cove-to-lambard-inlet/) - Our departure from Meyers Narrows Cove was dictated partially by the tide. The narrows have depths in the single digits, and with the tide falling we didn't want to take any chances. We left about 6:30 a.m., with a 5 foot tide, and had at least 12 feet under the keel the whole way through.
- [Day 10 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 4 | Penn Harbour to Meyers Narrows Cove](https://slowboat.com/2019/08/day-10-alaska-flotilla-leg-4-penn-harbour-to-meyers-narrows-cove/) - We were a little concerned about the weather this morning. Environment Canada predicted 25-30 knot northwesterlies out on Hecate Strait, and we feared this wind might make things a little bumpy, particularly as we exited Surf Inlet and turned south into Laredo Channel. This corner is somewhat exposed to wind and seas that originate in
- [Day 9 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 4 | Patterson Inlet to Penn Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2019/08/day-9-alaska-flotilla-leg-4-patterson-inlet-to-penn-harbour/) - The forecast called for improving weather today, at least in terms of precipitation. No rain was in the forecast, and it looked liked it might even get sunny, but the fog would need to burn off first. We had more than 50nm to travel, so we got an early start and spent much of the
- [Day 8 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 4 | Captain Cove to Patterson Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/day-8-alaska-flotilla-leg-4-captain-cove-to-patterson-inlet/) - Today was an easy day: no weather concerns, simple navigation, and not far to go. Along the way we spotted a few dolphins. A long, narrow, easily navigated channel leads to Patterson Inlet, which indents Pitt Island. Along the way we saw this sign. We're not sure who made it, but we've seen others like
- [Day 7 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 4 | Prince Rupert to Captain Cove](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/day-7-alaska-flotilla-leg-4-prince-rupert-to-captain-cove/) - We'd hoped for a lazy morning in Prince Rupert—time to catch up on a few more chores or go out for breakfast, perhaps—but the weather conspired against us. More accurately, the forecast conspired against us. Windy predicted southerly wind near 20 knots by mid-afternoon at the confluence of Ogden Channel, Grenville Channel, and Arthur Passage.
- [Day 5 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 4 | Punchbowl Cove to Foggy Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/day-5-alaska-flotilla-leg-4-punchbowl-cove-to-foggy-bay/) - With our time in Southeast Alaska rapidly dwindling and a favorable weather forecast for Dixon Entrance tomorrow, we departed Punchbowl Cove this morning bound for Foggy Bay, a good jumping off point for Dixon Entrance. Along the way we passed New Eddystone Rock, a dramatic spire that rises more than 200 feet from the depths
- [Day 4 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 4 | Walker Cove to Punchbowl Cove](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/day-4-alaska-flotilla-leg-4-walker-cove-to-punchbowl-cove/) - Today we headed south from Walker Cove to Punchbowl Cove, about 19 nautical miles. Punchbowl Cove is normally our second preferred anchorage in Misty Fjords, but definitely not for lack of beauty, which it is rolling in! The reason is that normally Punchbowl Cove is very heavily trafficked...float planes and tour boats are in and
- [Days 2-3 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 4 | Marguerite Bay to Walker Cove](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/days-2-3-alaska-flotilla-leg-4-marguerite-bay-to-walker-cove/) - Misty Fjords National Monument is one of the most scenic places in Southeast Alaska. Waterfalls of all types, from dainty-looking ribbons to furious torrents, plunge into the ocean. Sheer walls rise thousands of feet into the misty skies. In the places sufficiently horizontal for soil to gather, scars from landslides abound, illustrating just how tenuously
- [Day 1 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 4 | Ketchikan to Marguerite Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/day-1-alaska-flotilla-leg-4-ketchikan-to-marguerite-bay/) - Several weeks ago we stumbled upon some information about the Margaret Creek Wildlife Viewing Area near Ketchikan. Exploring Southeast Alaska (the most popular cruising guide for the area) had almost no information on the bay or the wildlife viewing area, but the anchorage in adjacent Marguerite Bay looked spacious and well-protected with moderate depths. The
- [Day 17 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 3 | Tolstoi Bay to Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/day-17-alaska-flotilla-leg-3-tolstoi-bay-to-ketchikan/) - The 34nm route today from Tolstoi Bay to Ketchikan crosses Clarence Strait and transits south down Tongass Narrows. Traffic increases exponentially as we near the "big city" -- cruise ships, tour boats, float planes, ferries, fishing boats, pleasure boats, and so on. The rest of the group headed for the docks at Bar Harbor (closest
- [Day 16 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 3 | Exchange Cove to Tolstoi Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/day-16-alaska-flotilla-leg-3-exchange-cove-to-tolstoi-bay/) - We departed Exchange Cove and headed south through Kashevarof Passage towards Clarence Strait. Water was glassy for the first couple hours of our 44nm transit, then picked up a little in Clarence Strait. We saw a few humpback spouts in the distance but otherwise an uneventful, calm cruise. Tolstoi Bay is on the west side
- [Day 15 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 3 | Point Baker to Exchange Cove](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/day-15-alaska-flotilla-leg-3-point-baker-to-exchange-cove/) - We weren't in any rush to depart Point Baker, but we all got underway fairly early for the short cruise to Exchange Cove. Right off the bat, strong opposing current slowed our progress. Watching the speed over ground drop into the 5s, then 4s is painful, but thankfully the water was calm and we only
- [Day 14 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 3 | Devilfish Bay to Point Baker](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/day-14-alaska-flotilla-leg-3-devilfish-bay-to-point-baker/) - Our route today from Devilfish Bay to Point Baker is via El Capitan Passage. El Capitan Passage is a narrow, winding, shallow pass (dredged to 6 feet in some places), but it is well-marked and well-charted. Unfortunately, low tide this morning was at about 7:30 a.m. and is a -1.6ft, so we opted to leave
- [Day 13 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 3 | Craig to Devilfish Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/day-13-alaska-flotilla-leg-3-craig-to-devilfish-bay/) - Originally when we planned this leg of the trip we'd hoped to continue down from Craig around the south end of Prince of Wales Island, then north to Ketchikan. This is slightly shorter than going over the north end of Prince of Wales Island, but it's also more exposed. Cape Chacon, at the south end
- [Days 11-12 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 3 | Egg Harbor to Craig](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/days-11-12-alaska-flotilla-leg-3-egg-harbor-to-craig/) - Craig is about 50nm from Egg Harbor, and a third of those miles are in the ocean. Today's forecast is as good as we've seen: wind light and seas (combined wind waves and swell) three feet. We departed early from Egg Harbor—around 6:30 a.m.—hoping to beat any unforecast wind. The ocean cooperated nicely, and we
- [Day 8 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 3 | Kake to Bay of Pillars](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/day-8-flotilla-to-alaska-leg-3-kake-to-bay-of-pillars/) - We left Kake early hoping to beat the forecast 15 knot southerlies on Chatham Strait. As we motored out of Frederick Sound, the wind picked up and the seas built for a few minutes, then died entirely. Perfect! We anchored partway into Bay of Pillars, relaxed aboard for awhile (a few people went fishing), then
- [Day 7 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 3 | Chapin Bay to Kake](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/day-7-flotilla-to-alaska-leg-3-chapin-bay-to-kake/) - The cruise across Frederick Sound to Kake from Chapin Bay is just under 20nm, and conditions were calm and glassy today, with a little morning fog. Boats left the anchorage on their own schedule and headed across between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. We arrived at Portage Harbor in Kake and got space all together
- [Day 9 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 3 | Bay of Pillars to Explorer Basin](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/day-9-flotilla-to-alaska-leg-3-bay-of-pillars-to-explorer-basin/) - After weeks of sun, we finally awoke to overcast. With a short run and a good forecast, we weren't in any rush to leave, and eventually pulled the anchors around 9:00 a.m. Not long after leaving Bay of Pillars, an active humpback surprised Airship as it breached several times about 100 yards from the boat!
- [Day 6 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 3 | Pybus Bay to Chapin Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/day-6-alaska-flotilla-leg-3-pybus-bay-to-chapin-bay/) - Frederick Sound cooperated nicely and we enjoyed a smooth, quick cruise from Cannery Cove to Chapin Bay. Chapin Bay is a great anchorage, well sheltered, huge-yet-intimate, and 40-60 feet deep with excellent holding. Nearby Eliza Harbor and Herring Bay beg to be explored, so soon after anchoring we hopped in the dinghies and set off.
- [Day 5 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 3 | Gambier Bay to Pybus Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/day-5-alaska-flotilla-leg-3-gambier-bay-to-pybus-bay/) - We had a short day today so we slept in, pulled crab traps, and eventually motored out of Snug Cove between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. With four people aboard Nereus and several days to go before the next spot to fill the water tanks, Safe Harbour rafted and transferred water before departure. The delay turned
- [Day 4 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 3 | Ford's Terror to Gambier Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/day-4-alaska-flotilla-leg-3-fords-terror-to-gambier-bay/) - Regular readers know by now that Ford's Terror can only be accessed at high water slack (actually, our recent dinghy excursion indicated low water slack is probably doable, but we don't want to try it with a group the first time!). Today, that meant either about 6:00 a.m. or 6:45 p.m. Not wanting to motor
- [Days 2-3 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 3 | Dawes Glacier and Ford's Terror](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/days-2-3-alaska-flotilla-leg-3-dawes-glacier-and-fords-terror/) - We left our anchorage at Tracy Arm Cove at about 9:00 in the morning and headed up Endicott Arm for Dawes Glacier. Our destination for later today is Ford's Terror, which we'll pass on the way to Dawes Glacier, but slack/entry at Ford's Terror won't be until about 5:00 p.m., which gives us plenty of
- [Day 1 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 3 | Juneau to Tracy Arm Cove](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/day-1-alaska-flotilla-leg-3-juneau-to-tracy-arm-cove/) - Juneau, like most towns in Alaska, launches 4th of July fireworks as the clock rolls from 11:59 p.m. on July 3rd to 12:00 a.m. July 4th. This is because during summer in Alaska darkness is short-lived. In order for the fireworks to occur on July 4th under maximum darkness they must be launched in the
- [Airship | Tracy Arm and Ford's Terror](https://slowboat.com/2019/07/airship-tracy-arm-and-fords-terror/) - We had a week off in between flotilla legs, so we invited friends Jake and Patti to fly up from San Diego and join us on a trip down to Tracy Arm and Ford's Terror, and we buddy-boated with Ralph on Jester while his daughter Sara and her husband David were in town. We left
- [Day 11 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 2 | Admiralty Cove to Juneau](https://slowboat.com/2019/06/day-11-alaska-flotilla-leg-2-admiralty-cove-to-juneau/) - Today is the last leg of flotilla #2 for this summer, and it's been a blast! We left Admiralty Cove early (6:00 a.m. or so) to beat the wind that was forecast to increase later in the morning, and arrived in Juneau right around 9:00 a.m. Gastineau Channel was busy and there was about a
- [Day 10 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 2 | Swanson Harbor to Admiralty Cove](https://slowboat.com/2019/06/day-10-alaska-flotilla-leg-2-swanson-harbor-to-admiralty-cove/) - We'd planned for today to be short, just a 10nm hop across Chatham Strait to Funter Bay. But as we looked at the forecast for the following day (when we'd be making the ~50nm run to Juneau), we were slightly concerned. The weather didn't look bad, but it didn't look great either: 15-20 knots from
- [Day 9 | Flotilla to Alaska Leg 2 | Neka Bay to Swanson Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2019/06/day-9-flotilla-to-alaska-leg-2-neka-bay-to-swanson-harbor/) - We left Port Frederick this morning for Swanson Harbor, in the Couverden Islands, at the confluence of Icy Strait and Chatham Strait. The trip over was ideal: light winds, sunshine, calm seas, beautiful scenery. Flotilla total: 212.1nm, 29 hours 4 minutes underway
- [Day 8 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 2 | Hoonah to Neka Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/06/day-8-alaska-flotilla-leg-2-hoonah-to-neka-bay/) - After breakfast in town at Fisherman's Daughter and one more quick trip to the Hoonah Trading Post, we departed Hoonah and headed deeper into Port Frederick toward Neka Bay. The sky was a bit gray but the water was calm, and we anchored and rafted in the North Bight of Neka Bay. Flotilla total: 187.4nm,
- [Day 7 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 2 | Excursion Inlet to Hoonah](https://slowboat.com/2019/06/day-7-alaska-flotilla-leg-2-excursion-inlet-to-hoonah/) - After a group breakfast on the raft, we departed Excursion Inlet for Hoonah. Kevin had a line in the water, and when he pulled it up prior to departing, discovered that a large octopus had decided to snack on some herring for breakfast had gotten itself hooked. We easily freed the octopus at the surface,
- [Day 6 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 2 | Elfin Cove to Excursion Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2019/06/day-6-alaska-flotilla-leg-2-elfin-cove-to-excursion-inlet/) - Sometimes the forecast doesn't cooperate with the plan. Today we'd intended to go from Elfin Cove to Dundas Bay, a large, scenic bay in Glacier Bay National Park (but outside the permit-required area). The weather today wasn't the problem, but tomorrow looked a bit worse. Not bad, just a bit rolly when we would be
- [Day 5 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 2 | Pelican to Elfin Cove](https://slowboat.com/2019/06/day-5-alaska-flotilla-leg-2-pelican-to-elfin-cove/) - With only 19nm to travel today, we didn't rush out of Pelican. We'd hoped to be able to get breakfast at the Lisianski Inlet Cafe, but they're not open on Sundays until the fishing season really begins and more people arrive in Pelican. Oh well. The trip from Pelican to Elfin Cove is mostly protected,
- [Day 4 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 2 | Stag Bay to Pelican](https://slowboat.com/2019/06/day-4-alaska-flotilla-leg-2-stag-bay-to-pelican/) - We had a relaxed morning in Stag Bay before departing for Pelican, less than two hours away. In the morning before we left, Sam came up with another fun experiment to try in the waffle iron: Pillsbury cinnamon rolls, and they turned out great! Flotilla total: 96.6nm, 13 hours 58 minutes underway
- [Day 3 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 2 | Kimshan Cove to Stag Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/06/day-3-alaska-flotilla-leg-2-kimshan-cove-to-stag-bay/) - We entered the ocean through Imperial Channel and immediately got a glimpse of the Fairweather Mountains to the north. The swell was running, but much gentler than a few days before. Maybe five feet instead of eight, less confused, and spread out a little further. Flotilla total: 85.6nm, 12 hours 20 minutes underway
- [Day 2 | Alaska Flotilla Leg 2 | Klag Bay to Kimshan Cove](https://slowboat.com/2019/06/day-2-alaska-flotilla-leg-2-klag-bay-to-kimshan-cove/) - After a lazy morning, we left Klag Bay around 9:00 a.m. The aids to navigation on this section of coast could use some love but we found our way: Flotilla total: 59.8nm, 8 hours 38 minutes underway
- [Day 34 | Flotilla to Alaska | Deep Bay to Sitka](https://slowboat.com/2019/06/day-34-flotilla-to-alaska-deep-bay-to-sitka/) - Thirty-four days after we left the San Juan Islands for our journey up the Inside Passage, we are ready for this last leg of the flotilla into Sitka. It's been a spectacular trip, and we're excited and also a little sad to be reaching the end. We've had a remarkably smooth transit - with a
- [Day 33 | Flotilla to Alaska | Takatz Bay to Deep Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/06/day-33-flotilla-to-alaska-takatz-bay-to-deep-bay/) - Today's cruise from Takatz Bay to Deep Bay was about 53nm. We had great weather again (getting so spoiled!) and the conditions in Chatham Strait were calm. We saw more traffic today than we've seen all summer...fish boats, charter yachts, cruise ships, a tug and tow, as well as a few other pleasure boats. Flotilla
- [Day 31-32 | Flotilla to Alaska | Warm Springs Bay to Takatz Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/06/day-31-32-flotilla-to-alaska-warm-springs-bay-to-takatz-bay/) - With just nine miles to travel today, we didn't rush off the dock at Warm Springs Bay. After a relaxed morning—more soaking in the hot springs, warm cinnamon rolls delivered to each boat, and more computer work—we headed north to Takatz Bay around 10:30 a.m. Chatham Strait was smooth once again, with a nice current
- [Day 30 | Flotilla to Alaska | Red Bluff Bay to Warm Springs Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/06/day-30-flotilla-to-alaska-red-bluff-bay-to-warm-springs-bay/) - Red Bluff Bay to Warm Springs Bay is about 21nm, straight up Chatham Strait. As we mentioned yesterday, Chatham Strait can be challenging, and even 10-15 knots of wind can make for a bumpy ride. But we emerged from Red Bluff Bay to find another calm and glassy day on Chatham. Flotilla total: 911nm, 127
- [Day 29 | Flotilla to Alaska | Pybus Bay to Red Bluff Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/06/day-29-flotilla-to-alaska-pybus-bay-to-red-bluff-bay/) - We awoke to the sun peeking through the clouds and light wind, perfect for the 40 mile run to Red Bluff Bay. This trip—through Frederick Sound, around Pt. Gardner, and across Chatham Strait—can be bumpy and miserable when the wind is blowing. We had no wind, no chop, calm seas. Flotilla total: 890.4nm, 124 hours
- [Day 27-28 | Flotilla to Alaska | Petersburg to Pybus Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/06/day-27-28-flotilla-to-alaska-petersburg-to-pybus-bay/) - After several days in Petersburg, we were ready to be anchored again. Originally we'd planned to go to Portage Bay, then Pybus Bay the following day. But since Pybus Bay is so much larger and prettier than Portage, we decided to head directly to Cannery Cove in Pybus Bay and spend two nights. The ~50nm
- [Day 25-26 | Flotilla to Alaska | Petersburg and Le Conte Glacier](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-25-26-flotilla-to-alaska-petersburg-and-le-conte-glacier/) - We decided to spend three nights in Petersburg. Part of the reason was practical: we arrived late in the afternoon, will depart in the morning, and will spend a full day out at Le Conte Glacier. This barely gives enough time to get groceries, fix any boat problems, do laundry, or explore Petersburg. Plus we
- [Day 24 | Flotilla to Alaska | Wrangell to Petersburg](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-24-flotilla-to-alaska-wrangell-to-petersburg/) - The group left Wrangell by around 10:00 a.m. this morning and headed for Wrangell Narrows. Flotilla total: 796.6nm, 111 hours 48 minutes underway
- [Day 23 | Flotilla to Alaska | Thoms Place to Wrangell](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-23-flotilla-to-alaska-thoms-place-to-wrangell/) - Another sunny day! We are getting seriously spoiled by the recent weather. Flotilla total: 757.2nm, 106 hours 32 minutes underway
- [Day 22 | Flotilla to Alaska | Meyers Chuck to Thoms Place](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-22-flotilla-to-alaska-meyers-chuck-to-thoms-place/) - We awoke to decidedly un-Alaskan weather: bright sun (even at 4:00 a.m.), warm temperatures (eventually the mid-70s), and light wind. With only four hours to get to Thoms Place, we didn't rush out of Meyers Chuck. Some people explored by dinghy, others dinghied to the dock and wandered the trails. Unfortunately we didn't see Cassie
- [Day 21 | Flotilla to Alaska | Ketchikan to Meyers Chuck](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-21-flotilla-to-alaska-ketchikan-to-meyers-chuck/) - The flotilla left Ketchikan this morning and headed for Meyers Chuck. Another sunny day! We had about 15 knots of wind from the northwest which created a little chop on top of the low swells as we approached Behm Canal. These are the toughest conditions we've had yet--enough to splash a little saltwater on the
- [Day 18 | Flotilla to Alaska | Foggy Bay to Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-18-flotilla-to-alaska-foggy-bay-to-ketchikan/) - We staggered our departure times this morning. The two lead boats headed out first at 6:00 a.m., and the rest followed, two boats at 6:30 a.m. and the last two at 7:00 a.m. This sequence would allow the lead boats to fuel up, get into their slips, and be available to catch lines for the
- [Days 19-20 | Flotilla to Alaska | Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/days-19-20-flotilla-to-alaska-ketchikan/) - Our time in Ketchikan has been spent shopping, doing chores, reprovisioning, visiting the marine stores and museums, and eating out. Ketchikan centers up and down one main street (Tongass Avenue) so it's relatively easy to get from here to there either on foot, or by using Uber or riding the city bus. We mainly choose
- [Day 17 | Flotilla to Alaska | Kelp Passage to Foggy Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-17-flotilla-to-alaska-kelp-passage-to-foggy-bay/) - We’ve had really good weather at all the gates so far. We had to wait, but the Strait of Georgia ended up being lake-like. Johnstone Strait was placid. Cape Caution had a bit of swell: the boats definitely moved, but there was almost no wind or wind chop. For the last week, we’ve scarcely seen
- [Day 16 | Flotilla to Alaska | Lowe Inlet to Kelp Passage](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-16-flotilla-to-alaska-lowe-inlet-to-kelp-passage/) - Occasionally we expect a day to be a grind and are pleasantly surprised when it’s not. Like today. Conventional wisdom says that the current in Grenville Channel floods in from both sides and meets in the vicinity of Evening Point. To maximize speed and minimize fuel burn (currents run to four knots!), we’re supposed to
- [Day 14 | Flotilla to Alaska | Rescue Bay to Khutze Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-14-flotilla-to-alaska-rescue-bay-to-khutze-inlet/) - Flotilla total: 480.9nm, 68 hours 2 minutes underway
- [Day 15 | Flotilla to Alaska | Khutze Bay to Lowe Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-15-flotilla-to-alaska-khutze-bay-to-lowe-inlet/) - Another gorgeous morning! Blue skies and very little wind made the cruise up from Khutze Bay to Lowe Inlet a very pleasant day. Flotilla total: 533.6nm, 75 hours 2 minutes underway
- [Day 13 | Flotilla to Alaska | Shearwater to Rescue Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-13-flotilla-to-alaska-shearwater-to-rescue-bay/) - With chores completed and a good weather forecast, we headed out of Shearwater around 8:30 a.m. The course to Rescue Bay runs west in Seaforth Channel, almost to the ocean, and then through narrow Reid Passage to Perceval Narrows. When the westerly is blowing, Seaforth Channel can be awful, and with swells crashing on nearby
- [Day 12 | Flotilla to Alaska | Ocean Falls to Shearwater](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-12-flotilla-to-alaska-ocean-falls-to-shearwater/) - Cruising on the Central Coast is mostly about anchoring, so the occasional visit to a marina is usually accompanied by a flurry of chores. No other marina or town on the Central Coast offers the convenience and capability of Shearwater. Within just a few steps of the top of the dock is a surprisingly well
- [Day 11 | Flotilla to Alaska | Codville Lagoon to Ocean Falls](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-11-flotilla-to-alaska-codville-lagoon-to-ocean-falls/) - The flotilla left Codville Lagoon this morning between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. We had a total of three crab traps out and one prawn trap, and the shellfish haul before we left consisted of two Dungeness crabs and six big spot prawns. Not too bad! Flotilla total: 366.6 nautical miles, 52 hours 26 minutes underway
- [Day 10 | Flotilla to Alaska | Fury Cove to Codville Lagoon](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-10-flotilla-to-alaska-fury-cove-to-codville-lagoon/) - We've been focused on "gates" since meeting in the San Juans a week and a half ago. First we had the Strait of Georgia, then the next day the rapids and Johnstone Strait, then a few days later Cape Caution. The "gates" are heavily front-loaded on this trip, and it feels good to have four
- [Day 8 | Flotilla to Alaska | Echo Bay to Blunden Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-8-flotilla-to-alaska-echo-bay-to-blunden-harbour/) - Queen Charlotte Sound—rounding Cape Caution—is probably the most significant of the "gates" along the Inside Passage. Here, every vessel is forced from behind the shelter of Vancouver Island into the open Pacific for 40 miles. Since we left the Gulf Islands, we've been looking ahead for our opportunity to round Cape Caution. Tomorrow looks to
- [Day 7 | Flotilla to Alaska | Boughey Bay to Echo Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-7-flotilla-to-alaska-boughey-bay-to-echo-bay/) - We awoke to very different weather than we've had: overcast, temps in the high 40s, and light mist. The wind was also blowing, still from the northwest but at 15-25 knots, building to 25-35 knots. Given the wind, we chose the "inside" route around the east side of Gilford Island to get to Pierre's. This
- [Day 6 | Flotilla to Alaska | Campbell River to Boughey Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-6-flotilla-to-alaska-campbell-river-to-boughey-bay/) - Today looked nearly perfect for running up Johnstone Strait to the Broughtons. Environment Canada called for light winds, building to northwest 15-25 knots late in the afternoon. Windy indicated "late in the afternoon" meant about 3:00 p.m. Given the 62nm cruising day, this weather forecast would suggest an early start. Getting north of Campbell River,
- [Day 5 | Flotilla to Alaska | Newcastle Island to Campbell River](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-5-flotilla-to-alaska-newcastle-island-to-campbell-river/) - We departed the docks at Newcastle Island this morning at 5:00a.m. Today our cruise would be a long one -- all the way up the Strait of Georgia to Campbell River -- about 75 nautical miles. The forecast was what we'd been hoping for, a little breezy in the morning but dying off as the
- [Day 4 | Flotilla to Alaska | Clam Bay to Newcastle Island](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-4-flotilla-to-alaska-clam-bay-to-newcastle-island/) - We've been patiently waiting for the Strait of Georgia to cooperate for several days now, and we're finally ready to move into a position to seize the good weather that's forecast for Thursday and Friday. Our plan is to put the Strait of Georgia behind us on Thursday, by running all the way from Nanaimo
- [Day 3 | Flotilla to Alaska | Montague Harbour to Clam Bay](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-3-flotilla-to-alaska-montague-harbour-to-clam-bay/) - With Thursday (two days away) still looking like our best bet for the Strait of Georgia, we are still pacing ourselves while enjoying the beautiful Gulf Islands. We left Montague Harbour mid-morning for the short jaunt up to Clam Bay - a nice anchorage on the east side of Thetis Island. There is an intertidal
- [Day 1 | Flotilla to Alaska | Prevost Harbor to Ganges Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-1-flotilla-to-alaska-prevost-harbor-to-ganges-harbour/) - Our plan originally was to make a really quick trip to the north end of Vancouver Island, then slow down on the Central Coast. Today we were supposed to run through the Gulf Islands to Nanaimo, so we'd be in position to run up the Strait of Georgia to Campbell River the next day. The
- [Day 0 | Flotilla to Alaska | And We're Off!](https://slowboat.com/2019/05/day-0-flotilla-to-alaska-and-were-off/) - Safe Harbour (Sam Landsman) Off to Alaska! Despite my best efforts, the last few weeks before departure always end up frenzied: endless trips Fisheries Supply, Costco, the supermarket; last-minute boat maintenance; visiting friends and family before the extended absence. Safe Harbour’s trip to Alaska this year started at Salmon Bay Marine Center on the Lake
- [The Case for Slow](https://slowboat.com/2019/04/the-case-for-slow/) - Fast cruising boats are all the rage these days. Pod drives, planing hulls, powerful twin turbo diesels, and even giant supercharged outboards deliver copious quantities of cruising knots to boaters with deep pockets and a need to Get There Now. Modern cruisers don’t have time to wait around, apparently. They’ve got people to see and
- [Slowboat at Trawlerfest](https://slowboat.com/2019/03/slowboat-at-trawlerfest/) - Tuesday, April 23 - Saturday, April 27, 2019 The Slowboat team will be presenting the following seminars at Trawlerfest 2019 in Seattle, WA. All seminars will be held onsite at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront. Seminar registration will be at the hotel. We hope to see you there! Packing, Provisioning and Preparing Your Boat for
- [West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 7 | Walters Cove, Rugged Point, Nuchatlitz](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/westsidevi_flotilladay7/) - We exited Walters Cove around 9:00 a.m. and headed through some fog toward Rugged Point.
- [West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 6 | Bunsby Islands to Walters Cove/Kyuquot](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/westsidevi_flotilladay6/) - The narrow entrance to Walters Cove is a fun navigational challenge. The channel is well-charted and well-marked, but it's narrow and winding. Looking in from the outside, the buoys look more like a random sprinkling of green and red than a defined channel. The chart clarifies the path, but it can still be intimidating. Inside
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 11 | North Harbour to Columbia Cove](https://slowboat.com/2018/08/circvi_flotilladay11/) - We’d departed North Harbour between 6:30 and 7:00 a.m. for the trip around Brooks Peninsula. It’s not a particularly long trip—about 36nm—and the forecast didn’t look like morning would be any calmer than afternoon, but we wanted to leave ample time for exploring Columbia Cove once we arrived. Flotilla total: 371.7 nautical miles, 51 hours
- [Quatsino Sound | West Side of Vancouver Island](https://slowboat.com/2017/09/quatsino-sound/) - Here's a map showing where we've been:
- [Airship | Gorge Waterway and Fisherman's Wharf, Victoria, B.C.](https://slowboat.com/2017/09/airship-gorge-waterway-and-fishermans-wharf-victoria-b-c/) - The other day Kevin and I decided to take the dinghy out to explore the Gorge. The Gorge Waterway is a narrow tidal inlet that connects Victoria Harbour to Portage Inlet. Here's what it looks like on the chart (with the yellow line being our cruise from Causeway Floats, up and back about 7.2 nautical
- [Safe Harbour | Snowpocalypse at Blake Island](https://slowboat.com/2019/02/safe-harbour-snowpocalypse-at-blake-island/) - With Seattle in chaos and normal obligations cancelled because of snow in the forecast, we sought refuge on the water. What better place to spend the blizzard than Blake Island, we thought. So on Friday, after doing battle with every other Seattleite at the grocery store (50 minute line at Trader Joe's!) we cast off.
- [Meet the new Airship](https://slowboat.com/2018/11/meet-the-new-airship/) - We finally did it! The new Airship is a 2006 Nordic Tug 42 flybridge model. We always said we didn't want a flybridge (because, solar!), but she's got one, and I'm sure we'll eventually be totally on board with the flybridge concept, especially after the weather warms up. She's got a Cummins QSC 8.3L 540HP
- [Airship | Winter Cruising in the San Juan Islands](https://slowboat.com/2019/03/airship-winter-cruising-in-the-san-juan-islands/) - Kevin and I had a handful of boat projects to take care of on Airship last week, but as soon as we finished the projects that required we be at a dock (and near the hardware store and West Marine) we took off for a few days of winter cruising in the islands. We are
- [Airship | After-Flotilla Cruising | Tod Inlet, Sidney Spit, Victoria](https://slowboat.com/2018/10/airship-after-flotilla-cruising/) - After wrapping up our last Vancouver Island flotilla, Kevin and I flew from Victoria to NY for some work and some fun, and then returned and met up with Kevin's mom for some Gulf Island cruising. We went around from Sidney to Tod Inlet and anchored there for the night. The next day we dinghied
- [Airship | More Winter Cruising and a Handful of Boat Projects](https://slowboat.com/2019/04/airship-projects-and-winter-cruising/) - Last Monday we took delivery of our new dinghy. We bought an AB ALX 11 from Guyer Boatworks in Bellingham. Center console, aluminum hull, plenty of storage...all things we did not have on our old Zodiac that will certainly make this one heavier but way more comfortable. (This particular AB ALX 11 was actually a
- [Cruise Report: Transiting the Panama Canal](https://slowboat.com/2019/03/cruise-report-transiting-the-panama-canal/) - The Panama Canal is a crossroads of the maritime world. About 40 ships a day transit the canal, ranging from yachts to warships and everything in between. It's a critical economic link between the West Coast and East Coast of the Americas, a monumental civil engineering project, an important political achievement, and a milestone for
- [Radioville, Alaska](https://slowboat.com/2016/08/radioville/) - We left beautiful Klag Bay on Thursday morning (August 4), backtracking out Smooth Channel a little ways to see if we could locate the island where Radioville lived. Bill Pierre in Rose's Bar in Pelican told us to look for a red shack, and in the Evergreen book Sam had, we managed to find reference to
- [The Outside of Chichagof Island](https://slowboat.com/2016/08/the-outside-of-chichagof-island/) - We left Pelican on Tuesday morning. Lisianski Inlet was gray and drizzly and foggy. This fish boat was just in front of us out of the harbor: The trip out to Lisianski Strait and on to the outside of Chichagof Island was mellow and the weather gradually improved as we continued further west. Hey look! It's the
- [Glacier Bay National Park | Johns Hopkins Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2016/07/glacier-bay-national-park-johns-hopkins-inlet/) - After our Reid Glacier on-foot excursion (and brunch), we cruised around the corner to check out Lamplugh Glacier and then into Johns Hopkins Inlet. We took Airship, and Sam and Anna left Safe Harbour anchored in Reid Inlet and instead went in Sam's dinghy. That way we'd have Airship as a base and could trade off passengers
- [Glacier Bay National Park | Exploring Reid Glacier](https://slowboat.com/2016/07/reid-glacier/) - On Friday morning we dinghied over to Reid Glacier and walked around for an hour or so, exploring the ice and rocks and waterfalls. It's difficult to explain just how cool this was, so I'm going to post a ton of photos instead of words. Sam and Anna in the fast dinghy: Arriving on shore:
- [Glacier Bay National Park | South Sandy Cove, Margerie Glacier, Reid Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2016/07/glacier-bay-national-park-south-sandy-cove-margerie-glacier-reid-inlet/) - We checked in on Wednesday afternoon (July 27) at Bartlett Cove just in time to make the 2pm orientation. Not much room at the dock (well, mostly due to the inconsiderate spaces left between other docked boats) so we rafted Airship onto Safe Harbour and hustled up to the Vis (code for Visitor’s Center). The
- [Airship | Dundas Bay and Flynn Cove, AK](https://slowboat.com/2015/08/airship-dundas-bay-and-flynn-cove-ak/) - We left Pelican yesterday morning around 7:30am and headed toward Dundas Bay in Glacier Bay National Park. It was sprinkling a little bit, but the sky was clearing and we had a nice view of Brady Glacier underneath a cloud layer as we entered Cross Sound. Cross Sound was literally swell-less…just a very slight chop. We
- [Airship | Juneau to Angoon](https://slowboat.com/2018/06/airship-juneau-to-angoon/) - We left Auke Bay on Tuesday morning with a plan to cruise all the way down to Pavlof Harbor, (about 49nm) but the conditions were annoyingly snotty in Lynn Canal. The forecast was for 15 knot winds from the south with 3 foot waves, but the waves were more like 4 feet and so close
- [Airship | White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad](https://slowboat.com/2016/07/airship-white-pass-and-yukon-route-railroad/) - We left Airship in the marina at Skagway this morning and headed for the train station. I called yesterday to make a reservation for the 8:15am ride up to the White Pass summit, but the ticket seller talked me into the steam train excursion that went a bit further out to Fraser Meadows, BC, and…well,
- [Airship | Haines, AK](https://slowboat.com/2016/07/airship-haines-ak/) - We left Bridget Cove yesterday morning around 7am. Here's the Eldred Rock Lighthouse (a good place for current weather observations on Lynn Canal): The blue dot on this map of Lynn Canal is us in Bridget Cove: Haines is about 39 nautical miles from Bridget Cove so we'd arrive in Haines around 12:30pm...just in time to meet
- [Airship | Skagway, AK](https://slowboat.com/2016/07/airship-skagway-ak/) - Another gorgeous day in Lynn Canal and up the Taiya Inlet to Skagway! Here's our new view, at the Small Boat Harbor: Skagway, Alaska is pretty much the furthest north in the Inside Passage that we can travel by boat. I'm so glad the weather was great and we got to come all the way up here. It's beautiful! Blue
- [Airship | Taiyasanka Harbor, St. James Bay, Swanson Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2016/07/airship-taiyasanka-harbor-st-james-bay-swanson-harbor/) - Our steam train returned to Skagway on Monday around noon, and we headed for Haines (again) because Haines is great! But at the last minute we decided to stop and anchor in Taiyasanka Harbor. We still want to go back to Haines, but thought we should try a new place. Taiyasanka Harbor was pretty and we had a nice
- [Airship | Heading up Lynn Canal](https://slowboat.com/2016/07/airship-heading-up-lynn-canal/) - Kevin returned from Boston yesterday late afternoon and we just chilled on Airship for the evening at the dock in Juneau. I made us some dinner (chicken breast with truffled risotto and roasted brussels sprouts). This morning we still hadn't decided if we wanted to leave Juneau today or wait until tomorrow morning. We knew we
- [Airship to Alaska | Day 4 | Lund to Squirrel Cove](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/airship-goes-to-alaska-day-4-lund-to-squirrel-cove/) - Airship Goes to Alaska 2016 We got up early this morning in Lund and headed up to Nancy's for breakfast (and a couple of blackberry cinnamon rolls to go). Prawn season opened today, so the docks were crowded with prawn traps and buoys being loaded onto fishing boats. We left after breakfast and decided to head
- [Airship to Alaska | Day 7 | Port Harvey to Pierre's at Echo Bay](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/airship-goes-to-alaska-day-7-port-harvey-to-pierres-at-echo-bay/) - We slept in at Port Harvey this morning...had some coffee, pulled the crab traps (two too small Red Rock crabs) and chatted with George a bit more before leaving the dock and heading toward Echo Bay to see Pierre. It's still early in the season, so it's fairly quiet here at Echo Bay...four boats or
- [Kuiu Island](https://slowboat.com/2017/07/kuiu-island/) - Kake to Halleck Harbor We left Kake mid-day, since Halleck Harbor (in Saginaw Bay) was just 15 miles or so around the corner and we had to wait for the fuel dock...or, the fuel truck. Kake used to have a small fuel dock, but last winter the dock blew away during a storm that brought
- [Airship | Portage Bay and Pybus Bay](https://slowboat.com/2016/06/airship-portage-bay-and-pybus-bay/) - We got away from Petersburg Saturday morning on the lazy side (10am or so), stopping at the fuel dock on our way out to fill up. We thought maybe we’d go all the way to Pybus Bay, or maybe we’d fish and stop in Portage Bay … we ended up doing the latter and fishing
- [Airship | Wrangell to Petersburg](https://slowboat.com/2016/06/airship-wrangell-to-petersburg/) - We left Wrangell early (6:30am) to take advantage of the current in Wrangell Narrows. Commercial crabbing season opened this morning so it was busy around here! The current flows both ways in Wrangell Narrows, so we timed it to enter the south end on the end of a flood, using the current boost to get
- [Airship | Elfin Cove to Pelican](https://slowboat.com/2015/07/airship-elfin-cove-to-pelican/) - We took our time getting around Wednesday morning in Elfin Cove. Since low tide was early (6am-ish), the flood tide would have been going against us in that narrow, shallow channel so the later we left the better (but probably no big deal either way). We made breakfast, did a little work (the internet was
- [Airship | Elfin Cove and Pelican](https://slowboat.com/2016/08/airship-elfin-cove-and-pelican/) - We left Glacier Bay National Park on Sunday (July 31) and headed to Elfin Cove (through South Inian Pass in Cross Sound). It was nice and calm as we left Glacier Bay, and we even got a little humpback breach on our way out. A humpback near shore, closer to Elfin Cove: We were excited to revisit Elfin
- [Airship | More Misty Fjords](https://slowboat.com/2016/06/airship-more-misty-fjords/) - Kevin arrived back in Ketchikan after spending the week in Austin for work. He brought his mom back with him, and we’ll be showing her SE Alaska from Ketchikan to Petersburg this week. (I was really ready to get off the dock back out in nature again!) Our first stop after some sightseeing in Ketchikan
- [Airship | Meyers Chuck to Wrangell](https://slowboat.com/2016/06/airship-meyers-chuck-to-wrangell/) - We left Meyers Chuck right after Cassy brought us warm cinnamon rolls. This is the first time we've ever lucked out on the cinnamon roll thing (worth it!). The first time in Meyers Chuck, we called but Cassy's husband said she was out of town and we definitely didn't want him to make 'em for
- [Airship | Helm Bay to Meyers Chuck](https://slowboat.com/2016/06/airship-helm-bay-to-meyers-chuck/) - It rained for a while this morning in Helm Bay, but when it stopped it was so still and quiet. After a little while, the sky cleared a little bit, the sun popped through, and it was just spectacular. Kevin fished off the dock a little bit with the new collapsible fishing rod with spinning
- [Airship to Alaska | Day 14 | Khutze Inlet to Hartley Bay](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/airship-to-alaska-day-14-khutze-inlet-to-hartley-bay/) - Airship Goes to Alaska 2016 Kevin went out to pull crab traps while I made breakfast. When he got back to Airship, I asked "Did we get anything?" and he replied "Yes?" with kind of a question mark at the end. I went out to the cockpit to see what was up. Turns out we
- [Airship to Alaska | Day 12 | Ocean Falls to Rescue Bay](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/airship-to-alaska-day-12-ocean-falls-to-rescue-bay/) - Airship Goes to Alaska 2016 Today was the best day of our trip so far. Our alarm went off this morning at 6:30am (I know, but stay with me here.) Time to pull the crab traps! We left the dock and motored over toward the dam, past the sleepy seals. We pulled the first trap
- [New Airship | Before and After](https://slowboat.com/2019/01/new-airship-before-and-after/) - You may recall back in November we bought a beautiful and very clean 2006 Nordic Tug 42, and we sold our 2013 Nordic Tug 34' "Airship". We'd had our Nordic Tug 34 for four years, and in those four years we spent over 900 nights aboard and 2,700 hours underway, went to Alaska and back
- [Slowboat at the 2019 Seattle Boat Show](https://slowboat.com/2019/01/slowboat-at-the-2019-seattle-boat-show/) - January 25 - February 2, 2019 It's that time of year again! The Slowboat team will be presenting six different free seminars at the 2019 Seattle Boat Show. We are excited to share our knowledge with the boat show crowd to help people have a richer, safer, more satisfying cruising experience. Hope to see you in Seattle!
- [Scooters Aboard!](https://slowboat.com/2019/01/scooters-aboard/) - Upon arriving in a new port, I, like most cruisers, usually want to explore ashore. Sometimes there are chores to do, other times there are specific attractions, and often I just want to get the feeling of a place. Regardless, land transportation quickly becomes an issue, especially if the supermarket, chandlery, or attraction is beyond
- [Improving the Boat Fridge: Fridge Optimizer](https://slowboat.com/2019/01/improving-the-boat-fridge-fridge-optimizer/) - Several years ago, I replaced the 15-year-old Norcold refrigerator aboard Safe Harbour with a shiny new NovaKool RFU9000. The new fridge reduced power consumption and was quieter, but it was far from perfect. In fact, it (along with the Force 10 range with the heat output of a Bic lighter) are among the most frustrating
- [Clearing Customs by App: CBP ROAM](https://slowboat.com/2018/09/clearing-customs-by-app-cbp-roam/) - The process for clearing into the U.S. by water has changed (you can still do it the old way if you prefer), and it's WAY better. Customs and Border Protection has a new app called CBP ROAM. We just tried it on our way back from Victoria, and it's awesome! Here's the key information: The
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 27 | Port Renfrew to Victoria](https://slowboat.com/2018/09/circvi_flotilladay27/) - September 15 - We left Port Renfrew at 6:30 a.m. for the last leg of the flotilla -- the 50+ mile section from Port Renfrew to Victoria. We took advantage of the flood current we'd have for the first part of the day, with between 1 and 2 knots of current pushing us along for
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 26 | Effingham Bay to Port Renfrew](https://slowboat.com/2018/09/circvi_flotilladay26/) - September 14 - We'd hoped to spend a couple nights in Effingham Bay, but today looked like a great day on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Rather than push our luck for one more night in the Broken Group, we decided to take advantage of the calm and head towards Victoria. We were spoiled
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 25 | Bamfield to Effingham Bay](https://slowboat.com/2018/09/circvi_flotilladay25/) - September 13 - Effingham Island is the largest island in the outermost cluster of islands in the Broken Group, and the Effingham Bay anchorage is a great base from which to explore the many surrounding rocky islets, sea caves, and driftwood-strewn beaches by dinghy. We'd crossed paths a couple times earlier in the week with
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 24 | Robbers Passage to Bamfield](https://slowboat.com/2018/09/circvi_flotilladay24/) - September 12 - We're starting to analyze the weather for our run in the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Victoria. Based on the current models, it looks like we'll have a good two days to make the run this weekend, September 15 and 16. With three more days in Barkley Sound, we figured we'd head
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 22| Joe's Bay to Nettle Island](https://slowboat.com/2018/09/circvi_flotilladay22/) - September 10 - Since we arrived earlier than scheduled in Barkley Sound, we have some extra time to visit additional anchorages. Although the Broken Group is small—only about seven miles by five miles—there are many interesting anchorages. Today, we made the short run over to Nettle Island. This is another large anchorage in Barkley Sound, not
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island Flotilla | Days 20 and 21| Ucluelet to Joe's Bay](https://slowboat.com/2018/09/circvi_flotilladay20-21/) - September 8 - The weather in Ucluelet was breezy and foggy, with pouring rain this morning. The forecast called for worsening conditions through tomorrow, when winds were predicted to climb to 30-40 knots with heavy rain. Might this be the first taste of fall? With a lousy forecast, we headed for Joe's Bay. This is a
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 19 | Ucluelet](https://slowboat.com/2018/09/circvi_flotilladay19/) - Sometimes, when on a flotilla, it's fun to take a commercial fishing charter from a port where fishing is good and expert guides are available. You get to see what gear an expert professional fisher-person uses, what techniques they apply to maximize the catch for their clients, and some of the current local hotspots for
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 18 | Hot Springs Cove to Ucluelet](https://slowboat.com/2018/09/circvi_flotilladay18/) - We've been spoiled by the weather this trip. Other than a few hours of beam seas around Cape Scott, and maybe 45 minutes of head seas north of Seymour Narrows, conditions have been pretty darn calm. What little wind we've had has been from behind us—northwesterlies are typical during summer—and we can't imagine a smoother
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 17 | Friendly Cove to Hot Springs Cove](https://slowboat.com/2018/09/circvi_flotilladay17/) - We left the anchorage at Friendly Cove around 7:00 a.m. The reported wind at Estevan Point was 5 knots at 6:00 a.m., and we felt very little swell as we got out of Nootka Sound and into the open Pacific. By the time we were abeam of Estevan Point, we showed 1 to 2 knots
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island | Flotilla Day 16 | Hisnit Inlet to Friendly Cove](https://slowboat.com/2018/09/circvi_flotilladay16/) - We left Hisnit Inlet on the early side this morning. The anchorage at Friendly Cove isn't all that spacious, so we wanted to get in early enough to be sure there was room for everyone. Turns out we were the only boats there! When we visited last month, the light keeper told us they'd soon
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 15 | Tahsis to Hisnit Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2018/09/circvi_flotilladay15/) - In the morning after a bit more of an internet fix and a few more fishing items purchased, the boats left the marina. The staff puts what's left after fish-cleaning operations out on the breakwater for the birds, and these young eagles were having breakfast as we motored past. It was foggy in the early
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 14 | Nuchatlitz to Tahsis](https://slowboat.com/2018/09/circvi_flotilladay14/) - We left Nuchatlitz first thing in the morning and headed up Esperanza Inlet toward Tahsis. On our way up Tahsis Inlet, we ran into a pod of orcas (perhaps even the ones we saw out near Nuchatlitz the other day!) We arrived at the Westview Marina in Tahsis to find it much less busy than
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 13 | Nuchatlitz](https://slowboat.com/2018/09/circvi_flotilladay13/) - Today we stayed put at Nuchatlitz! This morning’s change in wind direction brought smoke from the nearby wildfires our way, and our anchorage smelled a bit like last night’s campfire. It did make for a few moody sunrise photos, however. Ralph and Jeanette, Vince, and Kevin and Laura took Airship out for a little salmon
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 10 | Sea Otter Cove to North Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2018/08/circvi_flotilladay10/) - Dawn brought more fog but light winds and a lazy swell. With the tide low, we snuck out of Sea Otter Cove with a few feet (or inches for Epoch, which draws six feet) under the keels. The trip down the coast to Quatsino Sound was easy and uneventful. In July and early August, we
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 12 | Columbia Cove to Rugged Point to Nuchatlitz](https://slowboat.com/2018/08/circvi_flotilladay12/) - Today looked like the last day of calm. We’ve quickly grown spoiled by the windless days in the ocean and we decided to use this last day of calm to jump down the coast to Esperanza Inlet and Nootka Sound. This meant skipping the Bunsby Islands and Walters Cove. We didn’t wantto skip them, but
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 8 | Port Alexander to Bull Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2018/08/circvi_flotilladay8/) - After two nights at Port Alexander, we were ready to move on. The weather at Cape Scott still was a bit bumpier than we’d prefer, so we made the short trip to Bull Harbour. The next day looked better. In fact, the next day looked like the beginning of four days of light winds on
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 9 | Bull Harbour to Sea Otter Cove](https://slowboat.com/2018/08/circvi_flotilladay9/) - With an extended forecast for good weather, we weren’t in a rush to get to Quatsino Sound. In fact, the forecast looked like the best day for rounding Brooks Peninsula—our next major hurdle after Cape Scott—is still a few days away. It’s enough time to spend a day at Sea Otter Cove, but not enough
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island | Flotilla Day 4 | Cameleon Harbour to Forward Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2018/08/circle_flotilladay4/) - We'd hoped to make it into the Broughtons today, but the weather had other ideas. The typical summer weather pattern for Johnstone Strait is relatively calm mornings followed by building northwesterly winds in the afternoon and evening. Once the sun goes down, the northwesterly usually diminishes. Today, though, the northwesterly was blowing in the morning.
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island | Flotilla Days 6-7 | Port McNeill to Port Alexander](https://slowboat.com/2018/08/circvi_flotilladay6-7/) - Before leaving Port McNeill, we studied the weather obsessively. We had a plan A, plan B, plan C, maybe even a plan D. Basically, it looked like we might have an opportunity to get around Cape Scott on Saturday (day 6). We'd anchor in Sea Otter Cove, then continue to North Harbour in Quatsino Sound the following
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island | Flotilla Day 3 | Campbell River to Cameleon Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2018/08/circle_flotilladay3/) - On most of our flotilla trips, we take the "back way"—Yuculta Rapids, Gillard Pass, Dent Rapids, Greene Point Rapids, and Whirlpool Rapids—north from Desolation Sound to the Broughtons. This time, we're in a hurry, so we're taking the "highway" route. This route is less protected and less scenic, but shorter and only requires transiting one
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island | Flotilla Day 5 | Forward Harbour to Port McNeill](https://slowboat.com/2018/08/circvi_flotilladay5/) - Johnstone Strait has a reputation as a difficult body of water. Current can run to four or five knots. Surrounding terrain funnels wind through. The challenges for a boater are to avoid beating into the current (which can greatly prolong your time in Johnstone Strait), avoid wind-against-current situations, and avoid traveling in the dark (too
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 1 | Roche Harbor to Nanaimo](https://slowboat.com/2018/08/circvi_flotilladay1/) - We've started another flotilla, and will be circumnavigating Vancouver Island over the next four weeks! Our group met on Sunday at Roche Harbor in the San Juan Islands and headed for Nanaimo in the morning. The wildfire smoke has been pretty bad for the past few days, but today seemed like the worst so far.
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island | Flotilla Day 2 | Nanaimo to Campbell River](https://slowboat.com/2018/08/circvi_flotilladay2/) - We left the docks at Nanaimo just before 6:00 a.m. for the long cruise north to Campbell River (about 75nm). The forecast for the Strait of Georgia was quite good, so we figured we'd skip our planned stop in Comox and have a long (but hopefully calm) day on the Strait of Georgia. The downside
- [Airship | Victoria to Anacortes | Dragonboats and Orcas](https://slowboat.com/2018/08/airship-victoria-to-anacortes-dragonboats-and-orcas/) - The day we left Victoria also happened to be the day of the 2018 Victoria Dragon Boat Festival in Victoria Harbour. The dragon boats began racing at 8:00 a.m. and would continue all day until about 4:30 p.m., so getting out of Causeway Floats between a race (every 11 minutes) took a little bit of
- [West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 5 | Columbia Cove to the Bunsby Islands](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/westsidevi_flotilladay5/) - Today's cruise was a short one -- only 8nm or so from Columbia Cove to the Bunsby Islands. We anchored in the northernmost (slightly larger) anchorage, then took the drone up for some quick aerials before going exploring. By dinghy, we found a small island with a nice landing beach so we went ashore and
- [West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Days 19-20-21 | Bamfield to Sooke Harbour and Victoria](https://slowboat.com/2018/08/westsidevi_flotilladays192021/) - Bamfield to Sooke Harbour is a long cruise--about 73nm. The forecast was wind light, becoming west 10-20 knots in the afternoon, with some fog. We left Bamfield at first light...about 5:30 a.m. The sky (and thus, the water) turned bright pink as we headed out of Trevor Channel. Amazing! There was a thick fog bank
- [West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 18 | Effingham Bay to Bamfield](https://slowboat.com/2018/08/westsidevi_flotilladay18/) - Airship left Effingham Bay a bit ahead of the group (around 10:00 a.m.) for the 9.5nm cruise to Bamfield. It was foggy leaving Effingham Bay, but it eventually cleared as we got closer to Bamfield. We had reservations for everyone at the government dock on the west side of Bamfield, but there's no full-time harbormaster
- [West Coast of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 16-17 | Joe's Bay to Effingham Bay](https://slowboat.com/2018/08/westcoastvi_flotilladay16-17/) - We left Joe's Bay around 10:00 a.m. and cruised the very short distance (less than 4nm) over to Effingham Bay. Most of our flotilla went right in and anchored, while Airship went out to Meares Bluff to do a little fishing. Meares Bluff is right around the corner from the anchorage, and since there were
- [West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 14-15 | Ucluelet to Joe's Bay](https://slowboat.com/2018/08/westsidevi_flotilladay14/) - We left Ucluelet and cruised the short distance (11nm) over to Joe's Bay, just north of Turtle Island in the Broken Group. Unfortunately, we had one boat fewer than normal. Throughout the trip, Mana Kai (a Kadey Krogen 44), has been experiencing intermittent engine problems related to the suction control valve on the common rail
- [West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 12-13 | Tofino to Ucluelet](https://slowboat.com/2018/08/westsidevi_flotilladay12-13/) - We left Tofino in the morning and headed for Ucluelet. The sky was mostly gray but not foggy. Wind was light, with a low, lazy westerly swell and light chop on top, making for a very pleasant cruise. The biggest challenge was avoiding crab traps—hundreds of them, and several crab boats actively fishing! We arrived
- [West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 11 | Hot Springs Cove to Tofino](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/westsidevi_flotilladay11/) - Our original plan for the next few days was to cruise to Quait Bay tonight (in Clayoquot Sound), then continue to Ucluelet (in Barkley Sound) tomorrow. We'd stay for two nights so people could take a day trip by bus to Tofino. Tofino is a hugely popular tourist destination, but it's difficult to visit by
- [West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 10 | Yuquot (Friendly Cove) to Hot Springs Cove](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/westsidevi_flotilladay10/) - We were pleasantly surprised when we awoke to...no fog!! We left Yuquot at 6:00 a.m. and headed for Estevan Point. Environment Canada predicted variable winds 5-15 knots. Windy showed southeast winds in the 10-15 knot range, a little worse but we didn't think it would be too bad. Best of all, the weather reporting station
- [West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 9 | Tahsis to Yuquot (Friendly Cove)](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/westsidevi_flotilladay9/) - Some of our group went into town for a tour of the salmon hatchery. There were no fish there at this time, but the community is quite proud of their volunteer-run hatchery and it really showed. After the hatchery tour, we got on our way and headed for Yuquot/Friendly Cove. As we got further out
- [West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 8 | Nuchatlitz to Tahsis](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/westsidevi_flotilladay8/) - Nuchatlitz was super foggy this morning as the group made their way through the narrow, winding exit. Eventually (once we were pretty far up Tahsis Inlet) the fog cleared! The entrance to the Westview Marina & Lodge is a little tricky if you don't know what you're looking for. You make a 180 degree turn around
- [West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 3 | North Harbour to Klaskish Basin](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/westvi_flotilladay3/) - We left North Harbour about 8:00 a.m. for the relatively short run to Klaskish Basin. A couple of black/white fog and tree photos on our way out of North Harbour: This route crosses the mouth of Quatsino Sound, and we’d hoped for calm morning conditions. Instead, we found 15-knot outflow winds meeting a low westerly
- [West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 4 | Klaskish Basin to Columbia Cove](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/westvi_flotilladay4/) - Brooks Peninsula is one of the most challenging sections of a trip around Vancouver Island. Actually, it may be the single most challenging spot on the whole west coast, from Olympia to Skagway. The problem is that it juts a dozen miles seaward from the Vancouver Island shore. Wind funnels around Cape Cook and Solander
- [West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 2 | Bull Harbour to North Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/westsidevi_flotilladay2/) - Bull Harbour to North Harbour (in Quatsino Sound) is one of the more challenging runs on a trip around Vancouver Island. Just outside of Bull Harbour is Nahwitti Bar, a shallow spot with swift moving current and ocean swells. At slack, it’s not a big deal, but with an ebb, it can be awful. The
- [West Side of Vancouver Island Flotilla | Day 1 | Port McNeill to Bull Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/westvi_flotilladay1/) - We’re off on our first Vancouver Island flotilla! We all met at North Island Marina in Port McNeill prior to departing for the west coast of Vancouver Island. This is an outstanding spot, with mechanics on call (who show up promptly), divers (they cleaned our hulls and running gear), fuel right at your slip, a
- [Two Nights in Sointula](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/sointula/) - Skull Cove was foggy and gray as we left and headed into Queen Charlotte Strait toward Malcolm Island. We made plans to meet up with friends Carol and Park in Sointula this afternoon. (You might remember them from last year's Alaska flotilla, on the Nordhavn 50 Akeeva.) Sointula is on Malcolm Island, just four miles or
- [Another Day in Skull Cove, and Nakwakto Rapids at Max Ebb](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/skull-cove-nakwakto/) - Guess what? We liked Skull Cove enough to stay a THIRD day! There is so much to explore around here, and with decent internet we are able to get a lot of work done. It's also nice to have some down time before we start our next flotilla in three days! This morning we decided
- [Skull Cove, Nakwakto Rapids, Cougar Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/skull-nakwakto-cougar/) - We liked Skull Cove so much that we decided to stay another day! This is a beautiful anchorage with endless nooks and crannies to explore, the weather is great, and we have internet so we're also able to get a lot of work done. We took the dinghies out to Nakwakto Rapids (at slack) to
- [Big Frypan Bay, Cape Caution, Skull Cove](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/big-frypan-bay-cape-caution-skull-cove/) - The forecast for Cape Caution wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. Wind northwest 15-25 knots, diminishing to 10 knots in the morning, and increasing to 15 in the afternoon. Seas 1-2 meters. Windy showed a short period of calm wind close to shore, but it didn't extend very far offshore, didn't start until about
- [Khutze Inlet, Kakushdish Harbour, Big Frypan Bay](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/khutze-kakushdish-bigfrypan/) - We left Khutze with a simple goal: anchor somewhere near Shearwater with good internet! We hoped to catch up on some work, and more importantly, pull all the weather resources we could to look for a weather window to get around Cape Caution. Our route south took us through lots of narrow passages. Hiekish Narrows
- [Baker Inlet to Khutze Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/baker-inlet-to-khutze-inlet/) - Airship and Safe Harbour left Baker Inlet around 6:00 a.m. in order to transit Watts Narrows at low slack. The current was still, and the bright growth visible along the rocky passage at low tide was a colorful addition. We decided to go all the way to Khutze Inlet (about 76nm). This would make it
- [Circumnavigate Vancouver Island With Us: Last Minute Space Available](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/circumnavigate-vancouver-island-with-us-last-minute-space-available/) - We have had a last-minute cancellation for our flotilla around Vancouver Island which leaves from the San Juan Islands on August 19. If you're interested in joining us, let us know right away! If you're already cruising somewhere in the Gulf Islands, Desolation Sound, or the Broughtons, you don't have to go back to the
- [Dixon Entrance, Prince Rupert, Baker Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/dixon-entrance/) - We’re cruising together again! Laura and Kevin picked up Sam from the Ketchikan airport around 11:00 a.m. (how cool is an airport that has a dinghy dock?!) and we set off together to cross Dixon Entrance. We have about ten days to get down to Port McNeill to start a flotilla trip around Vancouver Island,
- [Safe Harbour | Vixen Harbor, Tolstoi Bay, and Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/safe-harbour-vixen-harbor-tolstoi-bay-and-ketchikan/) - Clarence Strait, more than anywhere else in Alaska, has beaten me up. It’s a big body of water, open at the south end to Dixon Entrance, and even with just 15 knots of wind on the bow, it gets uncomfortable. From McHenry Anchorage I planned to head south in Clarence Strait to Kasaan Inlet to
- [Safe Harbour | St. John Harbor, Shrubby Island, McHenry Anchorage](https://slowboat.com/2018/06/safe-harbour-st-john-harbor-shrubby-island-mchenry-anchorage/) - From Petersburg I had two goals: see as many new anchorages as possible, and make it to Ketchikan (only about 110 nautical miles) before a flight out of town in a week. Easy! After a morning of chores in Petersburg, I rode the flood south, to arrive at Papke's Landing (roughly the mid-point, where the
- [Safe Harbour | Le Conte Glacier, Brown Cove, Scenery Cove](https://slowboat.com/2018/06/safe-harbour-le-conte-glacier-brown-cove-scenery-cove/) - When I first came to Alaska, I was unprepared for the scale. Even Southeast—the relatively small portion of the state where I’ve cruised—is truly vast. Somewhere around 70,000 people inhabit an area that stretches more than 300 miles south to north and a hundred miles west to east. Even a few miles from the population
- [Safe Harbour | Round Islet, Hobart Bay, Farragut Bay](https://slowboat.com/2018/06/safe-harbour-round-islet-hobart-bay-farragut-bay/) - Soon after the flotilla arrived in Juneau I had to leave the boat and return to the lower 48 by air. Juneau is a great place to do this since there's first-come, first-served open moorage available (rather than hot-berthing), reasonable rates (~$230 for a month, with power!), and good airline service (Alaska and Delta fly
- [Airship | Anan Wildlife Observatory](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/airship-anan-bears/) - Yesterday morning we decided to check on a permit for Anan Wildlife Observatory since we'd be passing right by today. July 5 is the very first day of the high season and the first day each year that you need a permit to visit (read: there's a good chance to see bears). Prior to July
- [Airship | Chapin Bay, Rocky Pass, Point Baker](https://slowboat.com/2018/07/airship-chapin-bay-rocky-pass-point-baker/) - We got an early start on Saturday morning from Red Bluff Bay. Conditions were nice and calm on Chatham Strait, barely a swell felt. We cruised the 27nm distance to Chapin Bay, on the southern tip of Admiralty Island, and anchored up at the head of the bay in about 50 feet. It rained off
- [Airship | Hidden Falls Hatchery and Red Bluff Bay](https://slowboat.com/2018/06/airship-hidden-falls-hatchery-and-red-bluff-bay/) - We left Takatz Bay this morning and headed back to Ell Cove so we could give the hatchery visit another shot. Conditions were gray with fog and light rain. We saw a couple of orcas just outside Takatz, which was nice. Here's a really bad photo of one of them: We anchored in Ell Cove,
- [Airship | Angoon to Takatz Bay](https://slowboat.com/2018/06/airship-angoon-to-takatz-bay/) - This morning we had intended to walk into the village at Angoon, then take the dinghy back to Mitchell Bay during the afternoon slack. However, when we did a bit more research on the currents, we realized that Bridge Point had a reporting station, and that slack current this morning (turning to flood) was just
- [Airship | Excursion Inlet and Couverden Island Cove](https://slowboat.com/2018/06/excursion-couverden/) - We had just about perfect weather as we left Flynn Cove and cruised across Icy Strait into Excursion Inlet. The wind was about 10 knots out of the west, so we had a 1 foot chop or so on our beam, but nothing to complain about. We anchored in the west arm at Sawmill Bay,
- [Airship | Hoonah and Flynn Cove](https://slowboat.com/2018/06/airship-hoonah-flynncove/) - Yesterday (Saturday) we cruised from Trap Bay in Tenakee Inlet up into Icy Strait and around to Hoonah. We got in on the later side, so we just hung out and had dinner aboard. Dan cooked up some chicken souvlaki and a greek salad for dinner, and I brought over kimchi pancakes with a spicy
- [Airship | Marble Grotto and Trap Bay](https://slowboat.com/2018/06/airship-marble-grotto-and-trap-bay/) - Today our plan was to arrive at Basket Bay a few hours before high tide so we could wait for a good time to enter the Marble Grotto. We’ve known about the Marble Grotto for a few years now but had never gone there. You can only enter when the tide is high enough to
- [Airship | Funter Bay and Pavlof Bay](https://slowboat.com/2018/06/airship-funter-bay-and-pavlof-bay/) - After a few days in Juneau doing some boat chores, Kevin and I picked up our granddaughter Mijonet at the airport. She's 10, and flew in from Portland (for her fourth year in a row!) to join us for a couple weeks. We left Juneau and headed out for the first night in Funter Bay.
- [Day 34 | Flotilla to Alaska | Taku Harbor to Juneau](https://slowboat.com/2018/06/ak-day34/) - Our final cruise of the flotilla was a short, twenty-mile hop up Stephens Passage from Taku Harbor to Juneau. Once again, we felt the slight jar of a return to civilization from the wilderness. Like Ketchikan, Juneau announces its presence early with giant cruise ships visible from miles away, and a sudden increase in all
- [Day 32 | Flotilla to Alaska | Ford's Terror](https://slowboat.com/2018/06/ak-day32/) - Ford's Terror is probably our favorite anchorage ever. There's something about the challenge of getting in, the fact that you can only transit the entrance/exit once every twelve hours (knowing that the current at the entrance can run to 12 knots with large overfalls during non-slack) that makes it an accomplishment. This challenge is rewarded
- [Day 33 | Flotilla to Alaska | Ford's Terror to Taku Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2018/06/ak-day33/) - We pulled anchor a little after 7:00 a.m. in order to arrive at the entrance (exit) to Ford's Terror by about 8:00 a.m. We were a little early but knew from our experience coming in that the tidal swing was low and that meant a longer-than-usual window for transiting the rapids. Airship went through first
- [Day 31 | Flotilla to Alaska | Tracy Arm Cove to Dawes Glacier and Ford's Terror](https://slowboat.com/2018/06/ak-day31/) - **Warning: this post has SO MANY PHOTOS** The Plan for Today: Leave Tracy Arm Cove by about 11:00 a.m. (so late!!), cruise up Endicott Arm to all the way to Dawes Glacier (or as far as we could get), spend some time playing in the ice, and then backtrack to Ford's Terror so we'd reach
- [Day 30 | Flotilla to Alaska | Pybus Bay to Tracy Arm Cove](https://slowboat.com/2018/06/ak-day30/) - Today's cruise from Cannery Cove up to Tracy Arm Cove was just over 40 miles, so we headed out on the early side (basically, no different from any other day with this group). :) Ralph got a nice humpback show out in Stephens Passage (he left a little earlier than the rest) and shared these
- [Day 29 | Flotilla to Alaska | Portage Bay to Pybus Bay](https://slowboat.com/2018/06/ak-day29/) - The weather today was absolutely gorgeous for our cruise from Portage Bay across to Pybus Bay on Admiralty Island. As we left Portage the fog burned off and the water was glassy smooth for much of our transit. Enroute we saw humpback whales, a large pod of Orcas, seals, and sea lions. But, the big
- [Day 28 | Flotilla to Alaska | Petersburg to Portage Bay](https://slowboat.com/2018/06/ak-day28/) - It was rainy and gray when we woke this morning in Petersburg. We filled our water tanks, picked up a couple of last minute things at the market, and left our slips by about 10:00 a.m. The cruise to Portage Bay was calm and uneventful. Not much wildlife today, but an easy day on the
- [Day 27 | Flotilla to Alaska | Petersburg and Le Conte Glacier](https://slowboat.com/2018/06/ak-day27/) - Le Conte Glacier is the first tidewater glacier we encounter on our trip north. LeConte is an easy day trip from Petersburg, so we all climbed aboard Fortunate and Cassidy to make the short trek across Frederick Sound to make our attempt at the glacier. Visiting tidewater glaciers by boat is always a hit-or-miss endeavor
- [Day 26 | Flotilla to Alaska | Wrangell to Petersburg](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/ak-day26/) - We didn't plan to leave Wrangell until 11:30 a.m. or so to get the timing right for Wrangell Narrows, so we took advantage of the late departure time and dinghied back into town for some breakfast and grocery shopping. We grabbed breakfast at J&W's Fast Food (now serving breakfast) and it was really good --
- [Day 25 | Flotilla to Alaska | Thoms Place to Wrangell](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/day-25-flotilla-to-alaska-thoms-place-to-wrangell/) - We spent a quiet night on anchor at Thoms Place and left early for Wrangell. Kevin and Laura pulled their crab traps before pulling anchor and had nineteen Dungeness total (no females, 4 large male keepers). Thoms Place comes through again for fresh crab! After an easy cruise through Zimovia Narrows (a nice, short warm
- [Day 24 | Flotilla to Alaska | Meyers Chuck to Thoms Place](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/ak-day24/) - In past years, we went straight from Meyers Chuck to Wrangell, a 50+nm run. This year, we decided to break it up with a stop in Thoms Place. This way, we have a relaxed day leaving Meyers Chuck, and then can make the short hop to Wrangell the following day and have much more time
- [Day 23 | Flotilla to Alaska | Kasaan to Meyers Chuck](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/ak-day23/) - The forecast for Clarence Strait wasn't great. Southeast 20-25 knots, according to NOAA. Clarence Strait is a big body of water, stretching about 100nm from Dixon Entrance at the south to Zarembo Island at the north. We've been beaten up there before, and weren't eager to repeat those experiences today. Other forecast models—Windy and Windfinder—looked
- [Day 22 | Flotilla to Alaska | Ketchikan to Kasaan](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/ak-day22/) - Today's forecast for Clarence Strait: SE wind 20kts diminishing to 15kts in the afternoon. Seas 4 ft. Rain. We saw nothing over 10kts, about a 1ft chop, and only a tiny bit of drizzle for our cruise across Clarence. (We left Ketchikan around 7:30 a.m.) But once we entered Kasaan Bay the wind picked up to
- [Days 20 and 21 | Flotilla to Alaska | Hanging Out in Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/ak-day2021/) - The weather in Ketchikan for the past two days has been typical Ketchikan -- gray and windy and raining sideways. This is a town that averages more than 150 inches of rain per year. Seattle's 37.5 inch total is paltry in comparison. We only intended to stay in Ketchikan for two nights, but the weather
- [Day 19 | Flotilla to Alaska | Foggy Bay to Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/day-19-flotilla-to-alaska-foggy-bay-to-ketchikan/) - We had a beautiful cruise this morning from Foggy Bay into Ketchikan. It's always a bit of a shock arriving into Ketchikan after being in such quiet, remote areas for several weeks. Today was no exception. Ketchikan was host to FIVE cruise ships when we arrived -- four at the cruise ship berths and one
- [Day 18 | Flotilla to Alaska | Kelp Passage to Foggy Bay](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/ak-day18/) - The forecast for crossing Dixon Entrance was about as good as it gets. Wind light, building to northwest 5-15 knots in the afternoon and 10-20 knots in the evening. Environment Canada, NOAA, Windy, and Windfinder all basically agreed, too. We'd have a lazy, three foot swell and basically calm winds. This is the longest day
- [Day 17 | Flotilla to Alaska | Lowe Inlet to Kelp Passage](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/ak-day17/) - Today felt like a longish day from Lowe Inlet up Grenville Channel to Kelp Passage. It wasn't actually that much longer than any other day, it's that it was a day of gray, rain, fog, and not a lot of scenery or wildlife. Grenville Channel can be a bit boring when the weather is less
- [Day 15 | Flotilla to Alaska | Windy Bay to Butedale](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/day-15-2/) - We've been lucky with the weather so far. We've had sun almost every day, sometimes not until the afternoon and occasionally with some rain showers mixed in, but overall it's been really nice. Yesterday afternoon, clouds moved in, and this morning felt like a typical day on B.C.'s central coast: misty with low clouds clinging
- [Day 16 | Flotilla to Alaska | Butedale to Lowe Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/ak-day16/) - We awoke to the pitter-patter of raindrops falling on the deck. Outside, clouds hung low on the horizon. Environment Canada warned of 25-35 knot winds out on Hecate Strait, and we worried some of that wind might whip up rough seas even on the inner channels we're traveling on. Thankfully, that wasn't the case. We
- [Day 14 | Flotilla to Alaska | Rescue Bay to Windy Bay](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/ak-day14/) - The flotilla left Rescue Bay this morning by 9:00 am and headed up Mathieson Channel -- destination Windy Bay. We are now entering the Fiordland Recreation Area, one of the most remote areas of our trip so far -- where there is virtually no civilization, no cell service or internet connection, and very little boat
- [Day 12 | Flotilla to Alaska | Ocean Falls to Shearwater](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/ak-day12/) - The flotilla arrived at Shearwater Resort by about 10:00 a.m., which was great since it left the rest of the day for chores. Shearwater is always a busy stop for us on our way up and down the Inside Passage. We can shop for groceries, do laundry, fill up with fuel and water, eat out,
- [Day 13 | Flotilla to Alaska | Shearwater to Rescue Bay](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/ak-day13/) - After a busy day doing chores in Shearwater, we were ready to get back to the fun part of cruising—anchoring in remote, beautiful places! From Shearwater, we headed west out Seaforth Channel towards the ocean, then turned north, transited Reid Passage, and slipped through Perceval Narrows. This is a relatively complicated route, but it avoids
- [Day 11 | Flotilla to Alaska | Codville Lagoon to Ocean Falls](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/ak-day11/) - We were on our way to Ocean Falls by 7am this morning. This is an early (and independent!) group. The wind started to pick up as we approached Cousins Inlet, but the sun was shining and the scenery was beautiful as usual. We took advantage of the nice weather to hike up to the dam
- [Day 10 | Flotilla to Alaska | Pruth Bay to Codville Lagoon](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/ak-day10/) - Another voluntary early departure! We left Pruth Bay shortly after 7:00 a.m. The water was glassy when we pulled anchor, and by the time we were out in Hakai Passage we were surfing some gentle swells back in toward Fitz Hugh Sound. Codville Lagoon is a scenic, spacious anchorage with a nice hike to Sagar
- [Day 9 | Flotilla to Alaska | Fury Cove to Pruth Bay](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/day-9-flotilla-to-alaska-fury-cove-to-pruth-bay/) - The group was up early this morning and opted to depart Fury Cove at 7:00 a.m., rather than the “Hey let’s sleep in and leave at 9” decision we chatted about last night at dinner. I guess it's tough not to leave with conditions like this (note the still-present fog bank out on Fitz Hugh
- [Day 7 | Flotilla to Alaska | Echo Bay to Blunden Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/ak-day7/) - Today we left the Broughtons. We're constantly amazed at how quickly the miles tick by. A week after leaving the San Juans, we're further north than many cruisers make it in a lifetime. Granted, our cruise thus far has skipped plenty of outstanding destinations, but that's only because there are so many to see further
- [Day 8 | Flotilla to Alaska | Blunden Harbour to Fury Cove](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/ak-day8/) - Rounding Cape Caution is often the least comfortable section of the trip between Washington and Southeast Alaska. It’s one of just two places where we must leave the protection of the Inside Passage and venture into the open ocean. At first glance, the weather forecast was ideal: wind light, building to northwesterly 10-15 knots in
- [Day 6 | Alaska Flotilla | Port Harvey to Pierre's Echo Bay](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/ak-day6/) - Our cruise from Port Harvey to Pierre's Echo Bay (33nm) was easy and calm. We planned to head west in Knight Inlet and then around the west side of Gilford Island, but the morning weather reports gave us some pause. The northwesterly hadn't died down in Johnstone Strait during the night. With a 20 knot
- [Day 5 | Flotilla to Alaska | Forward Harbour to Port Harvey](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/ak-day5/) - As we mentioned in our "Rapids!!" post yesterday, our cruise to Forward Harbour was a bit on the gray and rainy side. Once anchored in Forward Harbour, the three of us dinghied around to each flotilla boat to discuss the next day's plan. By the time we finished up at around 7:00 p.m. it had
- [Day 4 | Flotilla to Alaska | Squirrel Cove to Forward Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/ak-day4/) - This is what the Cruising World has been waiting for! FIVE Boats. FIVE Rapids, One Day... and only ONE shot at slack.... Well, not really. But we did have a unique transit! Traveling north of Desolation Sound requires transiting rapids. Slow boats don't do well in white water, so timing is critical. The most direct
- [Day 3 | Flotilla to Alaska | Pender Harbour to Squirrel Cove](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/ak-day3/) - Today's cruise from Pender Harbour to Squirrel Cove was about 48nm. A longish cruise, but the conditions were perfect -- calm water and just the slightest breeze. A long but uneventful cruise is nice sometimes, especially when we have internet! We took advantage of the calm cruise to catch up on blog posts and some
- [Day 1 | Flotilla to Alaska | Roche Harbor to Silva Bay](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/ak-day1/) - The beautiful weather continues! We awoke this morning to bright sunshine and our group was so excited to get going that we left Roche Harbor by 8:00 a.m. -- an hour earlier than originally scheduled. All but one of us has Nexus (the trusted traveler program that lets us clear Canadian customs by phone most
- [Day 2 | Flotilla to Alaska | Silva Bay to Pender Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/ak-day2/) - The Strait of Georgia is the first "gate" on our way to Alaska. It's only a few hours across, but if it's windy it can be a miserable few hours. We look at a bunch of different forecasts before crossing any of the gates. Most of the time, the forecasts are pretty much in agreement.
- [VHF/AIS Performance Upgrade - Morad Antennas](https://slowboat.com/2018/05/vhf-ais-performance-upgrade-morad-antennas/) - We depend heavily on VHF and AIS while cruising the Inside Passage between Puget Sound and Southeast Alaska. Both VHF and AIS are running at all times while we are underway, and a good deal of the time when we are not. We are constantly monitoring traffic, chatting with other vessels, listening to weather broadcasts,
- [Please Don’t Call Me Admiral](https://slowboat.com/2018/04/dont-call-me-admiral/) - Boating is for men. I know. Not the first sentence you expected from me, was it? But hang in there and we’ll have a fun little ride. I started boating for real, with my own boat, in 2014 (in my 40s), but I grew up around sailboats and sailing. My grandfather had a sailboat. Our
- [422 Nights on Lithium (Batteries)](https://slowboat.com/2018/04/422-nights-on-lithium-batteries/) - Two years ago, we replaced Airship’s house batteries with new lithium iron phosphate batteries. And, for those who just want the punchlines, we have two: 1) The performance of our lithium batteries has been fantastic through two full seasons of cruising and over 400 nights living aboard (with a high percentage of those disconnected from
- [Slowboat at TrawlerFest 2018](https://slowboat.com/2018/04/slowboat-at-trawlerfest-2018/) - Did you miss our seminars at the Seattle Boat Show earlier this year? Well we're giving you another chance to catch up with us...we'll be at TrawlerFest 2018 in Bremerton, Washington, just days before we take off with our 2018 Flotilla to Alaska! Trawlerfest runs from May 1 through May 5th, and we'll be giving
- [Birth of a New Boat | Waypoint 36 from Tomco Marine](https://slowboat.com/2018/02/birth-of-a-new-boat-waypoint-36-from-tomco-marine/) - It’s difficult to find a high-quality new cruising boat for a reasonable price these days. By and large, the new boats being built are semi-custom - basic configurations with dizzying numbers of custom options that let the customer design exactly the boat of their dreams. Unfortunately, that means enormous amounts of labor to build each
- [Safe Harbour | Solar in the PNW?](https://slowboat.com/2018/03/safe-harbour-solar-in-the-pnw/) - For the last several years, Kevin and Laura have had solar panels installed on Airship. As we cruised together, we compared notes about electrical systems. Despite their enthusiasm for solar, I remained a solar skeptic (maybe even a solar curmudgeon!). I figured I already had a fancy alternator and reasonably sized battery bank. I only
- [Airship | Hood Canal](https://slowboat.com/2018/02/airship-hood-canal/) - We've cruised Hood Canal in Airship before, and although it's a long body of water with not many of what we'd call "destination anchorages", there's still quite a bit to see and do, especially when the weather is nice. We left Pleasant Harbor on Friday morning and cruised the 21nm or so down to the
- [Airship | Cruising Puget Sound and Hood Canal](https://slowboat.com/2018/02/airship-puget-sound-hood-canal/) - The Slowboat team had a very successful Seattle Boat Show this year. All of our seminars were well-attended and we got to connect with new and old friends. Plus: boats!!! Airship left Seattle on Monday and headed over to Blake Island for some hiking and relaxing. It was nice to be back at Blake Island,
- [Slowboat at the 2018 Seattle Boat Show](https://slowboat.com/2018/01/2018-seattle-boat-show/) - January 26 - February 3, 2018 The Slowboat team will be presenting ten different free seminars at the 2018 Seattle Boat Show. We are excited to once again share our experience and expertise with the boat show crowd to help you have a richer, safer, more satisfying cruising experience. In addition to leading flotillas up
- [Why We Love Winter Cruising in the San Juan Islands](https://slowboat.com/2017/12/why-we-love-winter-cruising-in-the-san-juan-islands/) - Winter in the San Juan Islands is our favorite time for cruising up here, and this is why: This is Fossil Bay on Sucia Island, and there's no one else here. No one on the dock. No one on the mooring balls. In the summer, this place is absolutely packed (so we hear--we've managed to
- [Baja Day 11-13 | Cabo & La Paz](https://slowboat.com/2017/11/baja-day-11-13-cabo-la-paz/) - The first night in Cabo was a blur. We arrived late in the afternoon, had a celebratory drink with the Brown Eyed Girl crew, and headed to dinner. More celebratory drinks, then a cab ride to San Jose del Cabo for more celebrating. We stayed at Marina Puerto Los Cabos, a huge, modern facility a
- [Baja Day 9-10 | Magdalena Bay to Cabo](https://slowboat.com/2017/11/baja-day-9-10-magdalena-bay-to-cabo/) - The trip so far has been uneventful. That ended today. We departed Mag Bay in predawn darkness for the 185nm, 28 hour run to San Jose del Cabo. This is the most barren section of coast on the Baja Peninsula. No services, no anchorages, just bluffs and beaches and maybe a few villages here and
- [Baja Day 6-8 | Magdalena Bay](https://slowboat.com/2017/11/baja-day-6-8-magdalena-bay/) - The last week has been a flurry of activity and near constant movement. Officially we’ve spent nights in two Mexican ports—Ensenada and San Quintin—but we’ve yet to really see anything in Mexico. In Ensenada, we cleared customs and went to dinner at the marina, never venturing more than a few hundred yards from the boat.
- [Baja Day 3-5 | San Quintin to Magdalena Bay](https://slowboat.com/2017/11/baja-day-3-5-san-quintin-to-magdalena-bay0/) - We didn’t intend to run 67 hours, but that’s what happened. And it was great. Most people view overnight passages as an occasional, necessary evil. They can be exhausting. Running at night can be disorienting. Someone must stand watch at all times, watching the radar and other instruments and avoiding traffic. With just two of
- [Baja Day 2 | Ensenada to San Quintin](https://slowboat.com/2017/11/baja-day-2-ensenada-to-san-quintin/) - Today is a 16 hour, 105nm run with only 11 hours of daylight. Even though we don’t like running at night, we're forced to on this leg. Generally I prefer to depart in the dark rather than arrive in the dark. It’s easier to follow our tracks out of a marina we’ve already been into
- [Baja Day 1 | San Diego to Ensenada](https://slowboat.com/2017/11/baja-day-1-san-diego-to-ensenada/) - At four in the morning, the rumble of the Lugger main engine startled me awake. A few minutes later we slipped the lines and headed out of the marina in darkness. San Diego is a busy port, even in the dark, and as we motored out the channel towards the ocean we passed several incoming
- [Cruising the Baja Coast on a Nordhavn 40](https://slowboat.com/2017/11/cubar/) - “Interested in helping take a Nordhavn 40 from San Diego to La Paz in November?” Escaping Seattle in November sounded good. Spending time on a Nordhavn 40 seemed like a great way to learn first-hand about a potential next boat. And cruising down the Baja Peninsula sounded challenging, exciting, and rewarding. “Where and when do
- [Safe Harbour | Two Nights at Blake Island](https://slowboat.com/2017/10/safe-harbour-two-nights-at-blake-island/) - "Why am I doing this?" I occasionally think to myself about the whole boating thing. I usually think about this during a project, when I'm upside down in a cramped place, head bruised, arms scratched, knuckles bleeding (bank account bleeding too). Over the last several weeks, as I've wrestled with the generator and the windshield
- [Safe Harbour | Northern Lights Cooling System Maintenance](https://slowboat.com/2017/10/safe-harbour-northern-lights-cooling-system-maintenance/) - With the generator cooling system disassembled to troubleshoot an electrical problem, now was as good a time as any to tackle some basic cooling system maintenance. Northern Lights recommends the cooling system be serviced every two years, regardless of hours. Mine was last serviced three years ago, and it was giving a few indications that
- [Safe Harbour | The Generator Mystery](https://slowboat.com/2017/10/safe-harbour-the-generator-mystery/) - I've been tied to the dock—the same dock!—for three weeks now, the longest I've sat still for more than a year. I'm working through a long list of maintenance tasks, and as most boaters know, seemingly simple tasks have a way of quickly escalating into something much more involved. A good example: my recent generator
- [West Coast Vancouver Island | Wrap Up](https://slowboat.com/2017/10/west-coast-vancouver-island-wrap-up/) - Few Pacific Northwest boating trips capture the imagination of cruisers like circumnavigating Vancouver Island. It's ambitious. It’s technical. Cruisers must deal with all the gates of the inside route—the Strait of Georgia, the rapids north of Desolation Sound, and Johnstone Strait—in addition to the more challenging spots on the outside of the island: Cape Scott,
- [Slowboat Fan Mail](https://slowboat.com/2017/10/slowboat-fan-mail/) - Earlier this summer, we received some fun fan mail from a reader. (Hi David!!) This was no ordinary fan mail, however. David had penned new lyrics to Proud Mary and Friends in Low Places with a theme just for us -- our Slowboat Flotilla to Alaska! We got such a kick out of the songs
- [Safe Harbour | Winter Projects](https://slowboat.com/2017/09/safe-harbour-winter-projects/) - Summer 2017 was one for the record books in Southeast Alaska. In a place known for rain, this was the rainiest summer ever. More than 45 inches fell in Ketchikan in June, July, and August. That’s nearly double their average and more rain than typically falls on Seattle in an entire year. All this rain exposed
- [The Strait of Juan de Fuca | West Side of Vancouver Island](https://slowboat.com/2017/09/the-strait-of-juan-de-fuca/) - We've written about many of the weather trouble spots on the west side of Vancouver Island already: Cape Scott, Brooks Peninsula, and Estevan Point. For southbound travelers, the Strait of Juan de Fuca is the final hurdle. The challenges are many: ocean swells at the west entrance, strong currents throughout, traffic, and the 100nm distance.
- [Bamfield | West Side of Vancouver Island](https://slowboat.com/2017/09/bamfield/) - Bamfield is a tiny town separated into two halves that border Bamfield Inlet. The east side is connected by road to the rest of Vancouver Island. The west side is on Mills Peninsula and is accessible only by boat. All the buildings on the west side are accessed via boardwalks. It’s a charming little town!
- [Barkley Sound | West Side of Vancouver Island](https://slowboat.com/2017/09/barkley-sound-west-side-of-vancouver-island/) - The most challenging part of cruising on the west side of Vancouver Island is weather. The typical summer weather pattern is calm, cool mornings followed by clearing and warming in the afternoon. Fog is frequent. As temperatures climb, a northwesterly breeze fills in and conditions can get rough. By September, this pattern is more often
- [Tofino | West Side of Vancouver Island](https://slowboat.com/2017/09/tofino/) - Approaching Tofino is a bit overwhelming after weeks in the wilderness. Boats—tour boats, fishing boats, skiffs, seaplanes—zoom this way and that. Shoals dot the waterfront. Current runs to four or five knots. We tried hailing the harbormaster at the public docks to no avail. When we looked at the largest facility, 4th Street, the place
- [Bottleneck Bay and Bacchante Bay | West Side of Vancouver Island](https://slowboat.com/2017/09/bottleneck-bay-and-bacchante-bay-west-side-of-vancouver-island/) - From Hot Springs Cove we went into Clayoquot Sound. Clayoquot Sound is best known for Tofino, the town at its center, but the inlets, channels, and anchorages are wonderful cruising areas. Our first anchorage was Bottleneck Bay in Sydney Inlet. The bay gets its name from the narrow entrance channel, which looks a little intimidating
- [Sarkar Cove, El Capitan Pass, Hole in the Wall | Prince of Wales Island](https://slowboat.com/2017/08/sarkar-cove-el-capitan-pass-hole-in-the-wall-prince-of-wales-island/) - Our first stop north of Klawock was Sarkar Cove. It's a pretty spot with good holding and protection, but several houses and a high-end fishing lodge make it feel less remote than it otherwise would. The biggest attraction was Sarkar Lake, which flows into Sarkar Cove and looked like a great place to explore by
- [Port Protection and Point Baker | Prince of Wales Island](https://slowboat.com/2017/08/port-protection-point-baker/) - We left Hole in the Wall just after 11:00 a.m. Two small communities are within just a few miles: Port Protection and Point Baker. We decided to make a quick stop at Port Protection to see what was there, then continue on to Point Baker and perhaps spend the night. Port Protection has an Alaska
- [Brooks Peninsula and Columbia Cove | West Side of Vancouver Island](https://slowboat.com/2017/09/columbia-cove/) - Cruising the west side of Vancouver Island requires frequent hops in the ocean. The hops are typically short—15 to 30 nautical miles—but even a few hours in rough conditions can be awful. Three headlands can create particularly rough conditions: Cape Scott, Brooks Peninsula, and Estevan Point. Brooks is perhaps the worst of all. It juts
- [Estevan Point and Hot Springs Cove | West Side of Vancouver Island](https://slowboat.com/2017/09/hot-springs-cove/) - Continuing south from Friendly Cove requires rounding Estevan Point, one of the significant headlands on the west side of Vancouver Island. The forecast for today sounded acceptable—wind light, building to west 15-25 knots in the afternoon and northwest 25-35 knots in the evening. We planned to head for Hot Springs Cove, about 28nm or four
- [Bunsby Islands | West Side of Vancouver Island](https://slowboat.com/2017/09/bunsby-islands/) - The Bunsby Islands are a group of islets and islands in Checleset Bay, just seven miles south of Columbia Cove. They're popular among cruisers and kayakers, and for good reason. Within the group there are several well-protected anchorages, lots of shoreline to explore, white shell beaches, black silty beaches, lagoons, and beautiful views out to
- [Walters Cove, Rugged Point, Nuchatlitz | West Side of Vancouver Island](https://slowboat.com/2017/09/walters-cove-rugged-point-nuchatlitz/) - The small settlement of Walters Cove is in Kyoquot Sound, just eight miles south of the Bunsby Islands. We popped in and tied up at the public dock for a quick look around and to see if the small general store happened to be open. It wasn't, but the woman we asked about the store
- [Friendly Cove (Yuquot) | West Side of Vancouver Island](https://slowboat.com/2017/09/friendly-cove-yuquot/) - From Nuchatliz we took the inside route through Esperanza Inlet, Hecate Channel, Tahsis Narrows, and Cook Channel to Friendly Cove ("Yuquot" in the native language, which reportedly translates to "wind comes from all directions," which we'll get to later.) Overnight, Environment Canada changed the forecast from light winds to 15 knot south winds. Although conditions
- [Behm Canal and Misty Fjords](https://slowboat.com/2017/08/behm-canal-and-misty-fjords/) - We left Thorne Bay and headed for Ketchikan to catch up on laundry, groceries, etc. and to pick up Kevin and Laura's 9-year-old granddaughter, Mijonet, for a trip around Behm Canal. The Ketchikan airport is across Tongass Narrows from town. Remember the infamous Bridge to Nowhere? Yep, that was here, and since it was never
- [Thorne Bay | Prince of Wales Island](https://slowboat.com/2017/08/thorne-bay-prince-of-wales-island/) - Somehow we've always missed Thorne Bay, but this year we were determined to visit. Cruising friends raved about the friendly locals. They were right! As soon as we tied up, Ron, a liveaboard on a neighboring boat, popped over and introduced himself. He gave us directions around town, welcomed us, and asked if we needed
- [Coffman Cove | Prince of Wales Island](https://slowboat.com/2017/08/coffman-cove-thorne-bay/) - We left Point Baker after breakfast and headed for Coffman Cove. Sumner Strait and Clarence Strait cooperated, and we enjoyed another calm, sunny day on the water, punctuated by a midday whale show at Bay Point. The transient dock at Coffman Cove was full of fish boats when we arrived. Several slips were open, but
- [Airship to Alaska | Day 16 | Prince Rupert to Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/airship-to-alaska-day-16-prince-rupert-to-ketchikan/) - We set our alarm for 4am this morning to check the 4am weather and forecasted conditions for Dixon Entrance to make the final call about whether to go or wait. At Dixon Entrance East, waves were 1-2 meters. Hard to know what that means without the period of seconds between waves. At Buoy 46145, which is
- [Klawock | Prince of Wales Island](https://slowboat.com/2017/08/klawock/) - Klawock is about 7 miles by road north of Craig on Prince of Wales Island. Klawock's early inhabitants were from Tuxekan (a Tlingit winter village to the north), who used Klawock as their summer fishing camp. In 1868, European Americans opened a trading post and a salmon saltery, and in 1878 Klawock was the site
- [Nina Cove, the Abandoned Haida Village of Howkan, American Bay, and Port Refugio](https://slowboat.com/2017/08/longisland-dallisland-howkan/) - From Hunter Bay we headed west to Nina Cove, on the east side of Long Island. The charts had been quite accurate in Hunter Bay and Kassa Inlet, but we found them seriously lacking in Nina Cove. Several rocks are accurately shown, but a big one isn't. The picture below shows where the rocks are
- [Craig and Hydaburg | Prince of Wales Island](https://slowboat.com/2017/07/craig-and-hydaburg/) - Airship and Safe Harbour left Coronation Island on Friday morning and cruised all the way to Craig (about 50 nautical miles). The forecast called for south winds to 10 knots and four foot seas—as good as it gets, basically. Even with the mild conditions, putting the swells on the beam made for a somewhat rolly
- [Kassa Inlet and Hunter Bay | Prince of Wales Island](https://slowboat.com/2017/08/kassa-inlet-and-hunter-bay/) - From Hydaburg we headed south in protected inside waters. After the coldest and wettest summer we can remember in SE Alaska, today's sunshine was welcome! It looks like the sunshine is going to stick around for the foreseeable future...an Alaskan heatwave! Our first stop was Kassa Inlet. Its long shoreline with several bays looked like
- [Coronation Island](https://slowboat.com/2017/07/coronation-island/) - We left Explorer Basin on Kuiu Island early this morning...7:00a.m. It was foggy as we pulled anchor, but as we got out into Chatham Strait, it cleared up and turned into a beautiful day. Why the early departure? Currents run strongly in Chatham Strait. Having adverse current for a short time isn't a big deal,
- [Pack Creek Bears | Admiralty Island](https://slowboat.com/2017/07/pack-creek-bears-admiralty-island/) - The Pack Creek bear viewing area on Admiralty Island is permit-only between June 1 and September 10, and is located up near the top of Seymour Canal. The island is home to an estimated 1,500 brown bears -- more than all the Lower 48 states combined. From Juneau via float plane, it's probably only half
- [Safe Harbour | Port Snettisham, Ford's Terror, Mole Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2017/07/safe-harbour-port-snettisham-fords-terror-mole-harbor/) - Time in port is usually super busy, and the few days I spent in Juneau after Anna and Rudy left was no exception. Grocery shopping, boat fixes (nothing major!), fueling, cleaning, laundry, paying bills...real life doesn't pause while out cruising. Eventually I caught up on chores and headed out. That first night I had no
- [Safe Harbour | Tracy Arm](https://slowboat.com/2017/07/safe-harbour-tracy-arm/) - After a week in the lower 48, I flew back to Juneau with my girlfriend Anna and her dad Rudy. We had 4 nights and 5 days to work with, and after a quick run to the grocery store we headed off for Tracy Arm Cove the same day we flew into Juneau. Just a
- [The Case for Alaska](https://slowboat.com/2016/10/feature-article-the-case-for-alaska/) - “Can I call you right back? A couple orcas just surfaced right in front of the boat and I don’t want to hit them,” I frantically told the U.S. Customs officer as I eased the throttle back. “No problem, that’ll happen,” the officer responded. Welcome to Alaska. We were motoring north in Tongass Narrows, on
- [Airship | Hoonah to Juneau](https://slowboat.com/2017/06/airship-hoonah-to-juneau/) - After a rainy but fun stay in Hoonah (including a couple pints and some Thai food at Icy Strait Brewing, of course) we left Hoonah close to 11:00 a.m. for our short cruise (~10 nautical miles) around to Flynn Cove. The three of us (Akeeva, Ceci Kay, and Airship) anchored in Flynn Cove, one of
- [Airship | Juneau, Taku Harbor, and Tracy Arm](https://slowboat.com/2017/07/airship-juneau-taku-harbor-and-tracy-arm/) - We left Juneau on July 2nd, buddy boating with Carol and Park (on Akeeva), Jan and Stacy (on Ceci Kay) and a new passenger on Airship...Kevin's mom, Shirley! We all found room on the dock at Taku Harbor and did a little exploring on shore. Dinner was a potluck on Ceci Kay (steaks, roasted potatoes,
- [Safe Harbour | Sitka to Juneau](https://slowboat.com/2017/06/safe-harbour-sitka-to-juneau/) - After a few days of chores and goodbyes in Sitka, I headed for Juneau. I would have loved to continue cruising with the group, but commitments intervened and I needed to make it Juneau in time for a flight back to Seattle. I departed Sitka at 6:00 a.m. to make slack at Sergius Narrows. The
- [Airship | Sitka to Hoonah](https://slowboat.com/2017/06/airship-sitka-to-hoonah/) - We left Sitka with all our flotilla boats (minus Safe Harbour, who was headed to Juneau to catch a flight) and anchored for the night in Appleton Cove. Kevin took the drone up for a few aerial shots of Appleton Cove: The next morning, we awoke to a whole lot of fog in Appleton Cove!
- [Day 29 | Flotilla to Alaska | Takatz Bay to Deep Bay](https://slowboat.com/2017/06/day-29/) - We left Takatz Bay, headed up Chatham Strait, then into Peril Strait and on to Deep Bay. Anchorage to anchorage is just over 53 nautical miles, one of the longer days of the trip. The forecast was for sun and light winds, which made it difficult to leave Takatz Bay -- such a gorgeous anchorage
- [Day 30 | Flotilla to Alaska | Deep Bay to Sitka](https://slowboat.com/2017/06/day-30/) - Deep Bay to Sitka is a technical 30 nautical miles. The first challenge is Sergius Narrows, where currents run to 9 knots. Slack today was at 7:31 a.m. and it takes about 30 minutes to get from Deep Bay to the narrows. We left at 7:00 a.m. and the timing worked out perfectly. The next
- [Day 28 | Flotilla to Alaska | Warm Springs Bay to Takatz Bay](https://slowboat.com/2017/06/day-28/) - Today we had a short hop up to Takatz Bay -- about 9 nautical miles. Before departing we invited everyone over to Airship/Safe Harbour for breakfast: Laura's crab cakes benedict (using the fresh crab we caught the day before), Sam's breakfast potatoes, and coffee.We managed not to take any photos of our fancy breakfasts, but
- [Day 27 | Flotilla to Alaska | Red Bluff Bay to Warm Springs Bay](https://slowboat.com/2017/06/day-27/) - Red Bluff Bay to Warm Springs Bay is a quick run...about 20 nautical miles, straight up Chatham Strait. But Chatham Strait can be a challenging body of water. It's 130 nautical miles from south to north and eight miles east to west. A big body of water. Even 10-15 knots of wind can make for
- [Day 26 | Flotilla to Alaska | Pybus Bay to Red Bluff Bay](https://slowboat.com/2017/06/day-26/) - We had a mostly smooth, rainy cruise out of Pybus Bay as we headed for Baranof Island. The east side of Baranof Island has some of the best anchorages in Southeast Alaska. They're dramatic, with peaks towering thousands of feet above, snowfields and hanging glaciers in view, and waterfalls everywhere. Bears—brown bears only, since black
- [Day 25 | Flotilla to Alaska | Portage Bay to Pybus Bay](https://slowboat.com/2017/06/day-25/) - The cruise up Frederick Sound from Portage Bay to Pybus Bay is about 33 nautical miles. The wind was mostly calm (10 knots or so) with just the slightest chop. The sun was even out for a bit! We were hoping for some humpbacks today. Frederick Sound, especially around the Brothers Islands, is usually rich
- [Day 24 | Flotilla to Alaska | Petersburg to Portage Bay](https://slowboat.com/2017/06/day-24/) - We got up early and left late from Petersburg this morning after a flurry of grocery shopping, laundry, and other miscellaneous chores. We won't have access to any amenities again until we reach Sitka, so it's nice to stock up while we can. The weather was quite nice for our cruise up to Portage Bay
- [Day 23 | Flotilla to Alaska | Le Conte Glacier](https://slowboat.com/2017/06/day-23/) - "You made it across the entrance bar??” a fellow cruiser asked incredulously. For some reason, Exploring Southeast Alaska, the most popular cruising guide for this area, makes it sound difficult, even dangerous, to go up Le Conte Bay: “We do not recommend it, except for expeditionary-type excursions…you must favor the north shore to avoid the
- [Day 22 | Flotilla to Alaska | Wrangell to Petersburg](https://slowboat.com/2017/06/day-22/) - Today's route from Wrangell to Petersburg took us through beautiful Wrangell Narrows. Wrangell Narrows is one of the trickier parts of this trip. It's winding, shallow, and....narrow. Traffic can be heavy, with little space for ferries and barges to pass boats like ours. Currents run swiftly. Fishing boats zoom erratically. In 20 nautical miles, the Coast
- [Day 21 | Flotilla to Alaska | Meyers Chuck to Wrangell](https://slowboat.com/2017/06/day-21/) - Day 21 began with the delivery of Cassie's famous cinnamon rolls to the boats in Meyers Chuck. With pastries securely on board consumed, the flotilla cast off lines and headed for Wrangell. Clarence Strait was calm again. As we motored northwest in Ernest Sound the sun briefly appeared and winds remained light. By the time we
- [Day 20 | Flotilla to Alaska | Ketchikan to Meyers Chuck](https://slowboat.com/2017/06/day-20/) - We left Ketchikan around 9:00 a.m. and had a beautiful, calm cruise up Clarence Strait: Clarence Strait can be a nasty body of water. It's 100 nm long and four miles wide. Current runs to several knots. When the wind blows, it gets ugly. Any day of calm water is appreciated! Our destination was Meyers
- [Day 19 | Flotilla to Alaska | Lay Day in Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/2017/06/day-19/) - Today was a lay day in Ketchikan. We figured people could use a day of rest (or chores or exploring) since we've been moving swiftly since meeting at Roche Harbor a couple weeks ago. Now that we're in Alaska we can reset the pace a bit. Yesterday we were lucky enough to see some sun, but today was
- [Day 18 | Flotilla to Alaska | Foggy Bay to Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/2017/06/day-18/) - This morning in Foggy Bay was still and quiet. We worked on the flotilla plan early, and then took the dinghy out (quietly) to look for bears and explore the bay before meeting with each boat to go over the plan for the next two days. Kevin took the Mavic up for some aerials of the
- [Day 9 | Flotilla to Alaska | Fury Cove to Pruth Bay](https://slowboat.com/2017/05/day-9/) - We left Fury Cove around 10:00 a.m. and headed up Fitz Hugh Sound toward Pruth Bay, and quickly found ourselves in the middle of a pod of orcas just 10 minutes or so after departing. We hung out and watched them for a bit. Kevin went out on the bow of Airship and got some fantastic
- [Day 15 | Flotilla to Alaska | Lowe Inlet to Kelp Passage Cove](https://slowboat.com/2017/06/day-15/) - The forecast today was for strong southerly winds (30-40 knots), and we weren't totally sure how they would affect our trip up Grenville Channel. We departed Lowe Inlet a little after 10:00 a.m. in calm conditions and took advantage of the end of the flood to give us an extra few knots of speed. As
- [Day 14 | Flotilla to Alaska | Butedale to Lowe Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2017/06/day-14/) - We left Butedale early this morning -- just before 6:30am -- to beat the current in Grenville Channel. Grenville Channel floods from both sides, and currents run to several knots. Ideally you ride the flood in, and the ebb out. Theoretically, the current was supposed to turn against us about an hour before we reached
- [Day 13 | Flotilla to Alaska | Bottleneck Inlet to Butedale](https://slowboat.com/2017/06/day-13/) - When we woke up in Bottleneck it was totally calm—glassy, except for rain drops, and not a breath of wind. Just outside, though, it was unexpectedly rough. There wasn't much wind, but the southerly swell worked its way up Finlayson Channel. We spent a few minutes rolling around as we left, but things quickly settled down
- [Day 12 | Flotilla to Alaska | Shearwater to Bottleneck Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2017/06/day-12/) - Winter has returned. We've been spoiled by warm, sunny weather. Now temps are in the 40s and 50s and the rain has been pouring down. Oh well, it's part of boating on this coast...but we are all grateful for heating systems and interior helm stations! Today's route was lots of fun, even with the dreary
- [Day 11 | Flotilla to Alaska | Ocean Falls to Shearwater](https://slowboat.com/2017/05/day-11/) - Today the forecast was rain, rain, and more rain. The winds were forecast to pick up (to 20-30 knots) by about noon, so we headed out of Ocean Falls and Cousins Inlet a little earlier than we'd planned (8:30 a.m. or so). Boating is not all about humpback whales, fresh crab, and beautiful vistas. Occasionally
- [Day 10 | Flotilla to Alaska | Pruth Bay to Ocean Falls](https://slowboat.com/2017/05/day-10/) - As we move north, the scale of everything changes. The mountains rise higher, civilization grows sparser, and bodies of water are bigger. Today’s trip up Fitz Hugh Sound is a prime example–nearly 50nm due north with hardly a building in sight. Imagine running from Seattle to Port Townsend with no structures on shore! Our destination
- [Day 4 | Flotilla to Alaska | Squirrel Cove to Shoal Bay, BC](https://slowboat.com/2017/05/day-4-flotilla-to-alaska-squirrel-cove-to-shoal-bay-bc/) - We'd planned to be up early to arrive at the rapids (Yuculta, Gillard, and Dent) in time to hit Dent at the morning slack (because Dent is the most hazardous). That would have required us to leave at about 6:30 a.m. But the morning looked windier than the afternoon. And we like to sleep in
- [Day 6 | Flotilla to Alaska | Port Harvey to Pierre's Echo Bay](https://slowboat.com/2017/05/day-6/) - The Broughtons are a world-class cruising destination. Hundreds of islets and islands, snowcapped mountains, and protected water, combined with a half dozen mom-and-pop marinas, each with their own charms. We're rushing through, providing flotilla participants a taste so they can choose where to go on the way home. Today's route took us through the Broughtons.
- [Day 8 | Flotilla to Alaska | Rounding Cape Caution](https://slowboat.com/2017/05/day-8/) - Rounding Cape Caution is often the least comfortable stretch of the entire Inside Passage. Ocean swells roll in, wind chop often builds by the afternoon, and strong currents can cause waves to stack up. And no matter which route you take, the seas are mostly on the beam. We had a nearly perfect weather forecast,
- [Day 7 | Flotilla to Alaska | Echo Bay to Blunden Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2017/05/day-7/) - We're skipping Port McNeill. The weather is awesome—sunny, warm, calm winds—and the boats (and boaters) are all super capable. We've got plenty of fuel, water, and supplies to keep going, so instead of diverting to Port McNeill, we headed for Blunden Harbour. Not only is Blunden Harbour an amazing anchorage, but it also makes our
- [Day 5 | Flotilla to Alaska | Shoal Bay to Port Harvey, BC](https://slowboat.com/2017/05/day-5/) - We woke up this morning to reports of blustery winds on Johnstone Strait: 16-18 knots from the northwest, right on the bow. Conditions were borderline for the go-no go decision, so we punted. We'd continue towards Port Harvey as scheduled, but if we didn't like what we were experiencing, we'd duck out and anchor for the
- [Day 2 | Flotilla to Alaska | Silva Bay to Pender Harbour, BC](https://slowboat.com/2017/05/day-2/) - We awoke in Silva Bay this morning to coffee, pastries, and fruit provided by the folks at Silva Bay Resort and Marina. They were completely full (turning away many boaters) for the Victoria Day holiday weekend, yet still found the time to deliver fantastic service and hospitality. Thank you! The Strait of Georgia is one of
- [Day 3 | Flotilla to Alaska | Pender Harbour to Squirrel Cove, BC](https://slowboat.com/2017/05/day-3/) - Cruising on a boat is fundamentally a big, complex, real-life puzzle. We're balancing weather challenges, mechanical issues, the need for shoreside supplies, time on shore vs. time at anchor or underway, and so much more. It's important to keep a flexible schedule (which is more difficult the more boats there are) yet deliver a reasonable level
- [Day 1 | Flotilla to Alaska | Roche Harbor to Silva Bay](https://slowboat.com/2017/05/day-1-flotilla-to-alaska-roche-harbor-to-silva-bay/) - Underway at last! In the past, we've taken groups through the Gulf Islands in a couple of nights. This year, we're spending just one night in the Gulf Islands. It's not that there's nothing to see—there are tons of neat communities, anchorages, and marinas—but there's only so much time. Over the next month, we'll cover about 1000
- [Slipless in Seattle: Full-Time Cruising on Puget Sound](https://slowboat.com/2017/04/slipless-in-seattle-full-time-cruising-on-puget-sound/) - Since buying Safe Harbour three and a half years ago, I’ve been fortunate to spend each summer cruising British Columbia and Alaska. As spring rolled around I’d let the marina know that May would be my last month. And each fall I returned and lived aboard through the winter, spending most of my time at
- [Airship | Boat Projects and Island Hopping](https://slowboat.com/2017/04/airship-boat-projects-and-island-hopping/) - We’ve been in the San Juans for just over a week now as we work to get Airship ready to head to Alaska next month. We've been gathering spares and checking things off our Boat - To Do list, but we got enough done and the wind finally settled down so we headed out to Sucia Island for a
- [Deception Pass at Max Ebb](https://slowboat.com/2017/01/deception-pass-at-max-ebb/) - If you want to know what Deception Pass looks like at max ebb (in this case, about 6kts of current against us) we've got some video for you! We knew we'd be arriving around max ebb, and Sam had been through before and wasn't worried. Great to see how these boats handle the conditions. (Here’s where the
- [Dealing with Steamy Windows](https://slowboat.com/2017/03/dealing-with-steamy-windows/) - If you travel by boat or RV during cooler temperatures and you aren’t a robot, then you know. Condensation is an issue. We’ve tried many things to keep the windows clear. After all, so much of travel is about the view, right? On Airship, for a while I used just a squeegee, but then where
- [Where Can I Anchor on Lake Washington?](https://slowboat.com/2017/03/where-can-i-anchor-on-lake-washington/) - For the last couple weeks, I’ve been cruising Lake Union and Lake Washington. As a boater who prefers anchoring to tying up at marinas, these lakes present a bit of a problem. While several bays look appealing, anchoring is highly restricted. Apparently anchored boats have caused problems in the past. Lake Washington is surrounded by
- [Interior Living Space Compared: 27' Airstream vs. 34' Nordic Tug](https://slowboat.com/2017/03/interior-living-space-compared-27-airstream-vs-34-nordic-tug/) - We've logged almost 700 nights in our Airstream since we purchased it in 2010 (a 2010 27'FB International), and almost 600 nights aboard Airship (2013 Nordic Tug 34) since it joined our family in 2014. We've returned to the Airstream for a week of camping on the Oregon Coast (OMG is it ever going to stop RAINING??), and we
- [Airship to Alaska | Day 6 | Shoal Bay to Port Harvey, BC](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/airship-goes-to-alaska-day-6-shoal-bay-to-port-harvey-bc/) - We left Shoal Bay this morning around 8am (after Kevin retrieved our crab traps...which contained two more big male Dungeness) to time getting to Greene Point Rapids and Whirlpool Rapids at favorable times. We were early for Greene Point (oooh, look how scary!)... Read more on the Riveted blog.
- [Airship | San Juan Islands](https://slowboat.com/2016/12/airship-san-juan-islands/) - We've been cruising around the San Juan Islands for a week or so with Sam on Safe Harbour. We've all been working hard creating and recording more webcasts for you as part of our "Mastering the Inside Passage" series. You may have already seen our first installment is "Clearing Canadian Customs." This will soon be followed by
- [Airship | Princess Louisa Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2017/01/airship-princess-louisa-inlet/) - We had such an incredible New Year's cruise up to Princess Louisa with Safe Harbor this week. This was our first trip to Princess Louisa and we had the snow-covered gem to ourselves for two days. I see no reason to go back in the crowded summer. :) I published two posts with many, many more
- [Airship | Blake Island State Marine Park](https://slowboat.com/2017/02/airship-blake-island-state-marine-park/) - We're on Blake Island! We cruised over from Seattle yesterday morning, met up with a few other brave winter boaters, had a great evening last night with happy hour and dinner together on Safe Harbour, and woke up this morning to a gorgeous snowy landscape! We hiked around the whole island this morning after breakfast.
- [Airship | Last Week in Puget Sound](https://slowboat.com/2017/02/airship-last-week-in-puget-sound/) - After we left snowy Blake Island more than a week ago, we headed back to Seattle for a few days, and then over to Poulsbo for the Winter Rendezvous. We also drove up to Anacortes to take a test ride on a new Nordic Tug 40 with Seakeeper stabilization. Impressive! (And will probably cost us all
- [Slowboat at the Seattle Boat Show](https://slowboat.com/2016/11/slowboat-boat-show/) - January 27 - February 4, 2017 Will you be attending the Seattle Boat Show this year? If so, we hope to see you there! Our team at Slowboat will be giving a handful of free seminars at this year's show. Come see us! Slowboat seminars, along with date, time, and location: iPhones, iPads, and Boats: Tips
- [Safe Harbour | To Princess Louisa Inlet!](https://slowboat.com/2017/01/safe-harbour-to-princess-louisa-inlet/) - Princess Louisa Inlet is iconic. It’s a “holy grail,” and with good reason. It’s not too far from the major population centers (200nm from Seattle, for instance), yet it is among the most scenic spots on the coast. Cliffs rise from the water all the way to peaks thousands of feet above. Waterfalls tumble down.
- [Safe Harbour | Winter Boating in the San Juans](https://slowboat.com/2016/12/safe-harbour-winter-boating-in-the-san-juans/) - Three weeks have elapsed since I wrote from Sucia Island. Since then, I’ve been wandering around the San Juans, trying to stay warm and avoid the worst of the windy weather we’ve been experiencing. Destinations have included Jones Island, Fisherman Bay, Blind Bay, Friday Harbor, Sylvan Cove, Brigantine Bay, Cypress Island, and more. I haven’t
- [Safe Harbour | Back to the San Juans](https://slowboat.com/2016/12/safe-harbour-back-to-the-san-juans/) - Half a mile outside of Elliott Bay Marina, I peeked into the engine room and saw hot, strawberry-red coolant spraying out of a now-disconnected hose. Twenty knots of southerly breeze was pushing me towards Magnolia Bluff. Instinctively I dropped the anchor and shut down the engine. This was a maintenance-induced failure. I’d just had the
- [Safe Harbour | Six Days on Puget Sound](https://slowboat.com/2016/11/safe-harbour-six-days-on-puget-sound/) - For the last several winters I’ve kept the boat in Anacortes, just an hour from the San Juan Islands. The winter boating was superb, with a dozen or more State Parks within a few hours cruise. More often than not, I was the only visitor. This winter, I’m based at Elliott Bay Marina in Seattle.
- [How to Get Into Boating](https://slowboat.com/2016/10/how-to-get-into-boating/) - Boating isn't for everyone. Several members of my family owned sailboats at various times during my childhood, and much time was spent sailing around the Southern California coast and back and forth to Catalina Island. Much time was also spent avoiding sanding duty ("With the grain. Always with the grain.") on my mom's Honduras mahogany Rhodes 33, while instead, my brother
- [Nine Boats to Alaska: Failure Analysis](https://slowboat.com/2016/10/nine-boats-to-alaska-failure-analysis/) - Last summer I took eight boats (nine including mine) from Anacortes to Southeast Alaska. Naturally, we experienced a few failures along the way. Below is an accounting of those failures, how we addressed them, and what lessons can be taken away. Failure: Inverter cabling This "professionally-installed" inverter cabling was woefully undersized—2 AWG rather than the
- [Lithium Batteries on Airship - For the Win!](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/lithium-batteries-on-airship-for-the-win/) - This winter, we posted on Riveted blog about how we upgraded Airship’s solar power system. The two new 260W panels, dual Blue Sky MPPT charge controllers, and BlueSky PNPro control panel are performing great. We have seen as much as 30A output from the solar system already, and are consistently getting over 100Ah per day
- [Safe Harbour to Alaska | Day 6 | Blind Channel to Port Harvey](https://slowboat.com/2016/06/safe-harbour-to-alaska-day-6-blind-channel-to-port-harvey/) - Today was a perfect day on the water. Five hours of bliss—sunshine, drone flying (twice), a nap, totally calm water, favorable current, no major boat problems... We left Blind Channel at 8:30. First we had to transit Greene Point Rapids. Even though we were about an hour before slack, it was no big deal. The
- [Safe Harbour to Alaska | Day 7 | Port Harvey to Pierre's Echo Bay](https://slowboat.com/2016/06/safe-harbour-to-alaska-day-7-port-harvey-to-pierres-echo-bay/) - One week in, and we're still having fun! Today we meandered through the Broughton Archipelago. From Port Harvey we headed up Chatham Channel, across Knight Inlet, and through Tribune Channel. The weather was PERFECT...hot even. Six of us jumped in the water at Echo Bay (okay, there is a hot tub nearby). Read more on
- [Safe Harbour to Alaska | Day 8 | Pierre's Echo Bay to Fury Cove](https://slowboat.com/2016/06/safe-harbour-to-alaska-day-8-pierres-echo-bay-to-fury-cove/) - Rounding Cape Caution can be a challenge. Queen Charlotte Sound is one of the few places where the Inside Passage goes outside. Normally we go to Port McNeill before rounding Cape Caution. This gives everyone a chance to resupply (there's a supermarket!), fill boats with fuel, and catch up on chores. Last year we got
- [Safe Harbour to Alaska | Day 9 | Fury Cove to Shearwater](https://slowboat.com/2016/06/safe-harbour-to-alaska-day-9-fury-cove-to-shearwater/) - "Taliesin, Taliesin, Taliesin, this is Just Get'n By." "Just Get'n By, this is Taliesin." "One of our crew just passed out for 15 seconds. They're awake again, but out of it, pale, and they have a weak pulse." Thus started our ninth day underway. Read more on samlandsman.com
- [Airship to Alaska | Day 1 | Anacortes to Roche Harbor](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/airship-goes-to-alaska-day-1-anacortes-to-roche-harbor/) - We were finished with all of our boat projects and provisioning a little sooner than we expected, so we decided to head out a couple days early. We left Cap Sante in Anacortes and cruised over to Roche Harbor on San Juan Island today. We figured we'd rather do the one load of laundry we had left over
- [Airship to Alaska | Day 2 | Roche Harbor to Newcastle Island](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/airship-goes-to-alaska-day-2-roche-harbor-to-newcastle-island-bc/) - We left Roche Harbor this morning after a lovely evening with near perfect weather. Check out the light on the chapel last night! At sunset, the Roche Harbor Color Guard does a flag ceremony where they take down the flags (the Washington State flag, the Canadian flag, the British flag, and then the United States
- [Airship to Alaska | Day 9 | Crossing Cape Caution](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/airship-goes-to-alaska-day-day-9-crossing-cape-caution/) - 5am Port McNeill - Current Weather Queen Charlotte Strait: Wind light. Queen Charlotte Sound: Wind light. Central Coast from McInnes Island to Pine Island: Wind light. Seas 1 metre or less. West Sea Otter Buoy: Waves 0.7 metres at 15 seconds. Wind WSW 6 gusting to 8. All the way up at South Hecate Strait:
- [Safe Harbour to Alaska | Day 1 | Anacortes to Ganges](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/alaska-2016-day-1-anacortes-to-ganges/) - The last week has been super busy. Finalizing the watermaker install, tinkering with systems, provisioning, saying bye to friends and family... Yesterday I moved the boat around from Skyline Marina to Cap Sante Marina, fueled up, picked up Kevin Monahan (my crew to Alaska for the third year in a row), and met with the
- [Safe Harbour to Alaska | Day 2 | Ganges to Silva Bay](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/safe-harbour-to-alaska-day-2-ganges-to-silva-bay/) - Today was a short day—28 nautical miles of protected water from Ganges to Silva Bay. We left about 10:30 a.m., transited Gabriola Pass just before slack at 2:01 p.m., and arrived in Silva Bay soon after. Easy, smooth water along the way. A bit of drizzle, but very little wind. We had a relaxed afternoon
- [Safe Harbour to Alaska | Day 3 | Silva Bay to Pender Harbour](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/safe-harbour-to-alaska-day-3-silva-bay-to-pender-harbour/) - The Strait of Georgia is one of the significant "gates" on the trip to Alaska. It's a big body of water—20 miles wide and 150 miles long. When it's windy, the Strait of Georgia gets rough. Today it was calm. Read more on samlandsman.com
- [Safe Harbour to Alaska | Day 4 | Pender Harbour to Squirrel Cove](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/safe-harbour-to-alaska-day-4-pender-harbour-to-squirrel-cove/) - Hello from Desolation Sound! Today we had an easy cruise from Pender Harbour up to Squirrel Cove. Overcast skies, a bit of chop leaving Pender Harbour, but overall a very easy day. In years past, we've stopped in Prideaux Haven on the flotilla. Prideaux Haven is beautiful—the quintessential Desolation Sound anchorage, really, but it's a
- [Safe Harbour to Alaska | Day 5 | Squirrel Cove to Blind Channel](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/safe-harbour-to-alaska-day-5-squirrel-cove-to-blind-channel/) - Today was the most satisfying and frustrating day of the trip. Satisfying because we got all the boats through the rapids safely and without drama. Satisfying because I got some cool aerial images from the drone as we transited the rapids. Satisfying because the weather continues to cooperate. Satisfying because Blind Channel is an excellent
- [Airship to Alaska | Day 3 | Newcastle Island to Lund](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/airship-goes-to-alaska-day-3-newcastle-island-to-lund-bc/) - We left Newcastle Island this morning around 8am. We originally thought we'd head up the east side of Vancouver Island to Comox, but the weather was so beautiful and the conditions so calm, we opted to cross the Strait of Georgia today and headed for Lund, BC. Read more on the Riveted blog.
- [Airship to Alaska | Day 3 | More from Lund](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/airship-goes-to-alaska-day-3-more-from-lund-bc/) - I know, I already posted about Lund. Whatever. I think you'll like these extra photos. We walked over to the Boardwalk Restaurant to check it out and ended up having dinner there. We shared some fish tacos and some fish and chips. Both things were fantastic, but the fish and chips stood out. SUPER yum. Read
- [Airship to Alaska | Day 5 | Squirrel Cove to Shoal Bay](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/airship-goes-to-alaska-day-5-squirrel-cove-to-shoal-bay-bc/) - We got up early (5:30am!) to make the 3 hour cruise up to Dent Rapids. Looks like it’s going to be another gorgeous day. After we’d woken up a bit, I cooked some breakfast for us (bacon and eggs underway, woohoo!) and we made it to Yuculta Rapids about an hour and 15 minutes before
- [Airship to Alaska | Day 8 |Echo Bay to Port McNeill](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/airship-goes-to-alaska-day-7-echo-bay-to-port-mcneill/) - We got up fairly early this morning at Echo Bay, chatted with Pierre a bit more while he showed us some of the work he'd done recently on the rental cabins. We pulled away around 7:30am, saying goodbye until September, when we stop on the way south again. Calm water, gray sky, and a pretty chill cruise
- [Airship to Alaska | Day 10 | Fury Cove to Shearwater](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/airship-goes-to-alaska-day-10-fury-cove-to-shearwater-bc/) - Our Cape Caution crossing yesterday was nice and calm and uneventful, just like we like it! We weren't planning to cut through the Walker Group, but as we passed by that inviting opening, I decided to cut through after all. It's so pretty in there!! Kevin was napping but the change in rpms woke him
- [Airship to Alaska | Day 11 | Shearwater to Ocean Falls](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/airship-to-alaska-day-11-shearwater-to-ocean-falls/) - This morning we slept in (woohoo, 8am!), did a bunch of work, had some breakfast, and then walked up to the market in Shearwater to get a few things for the crab bisque I plan to make tonight or tomorrow night. It was still gray and rainy, but who cares? We're on our way to
- [Airship to Alaska | Day 13 | Rescue Bay to Khutze Inlet](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/airship-to-alaska-day-13-rescue-bay-to-khutze-inlet/) - We slept in this morning, had some breakfast, and then Kevin went to check the crab traps. (Two large keepers, woohoo!) The wind had definitely picked up, so we opted to go through Jackson Narrows and head over to Finlayson Channel, and then poke our head out to see what the conditions were like. Gale
- [Airship to Alaska | Day 15 | Hartley Bay to Prince Rupert](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/airship-to-alaska-day-15-hartley-bay-to-prince-rupert/) - Whoa! We made it to Prince Rupert! Two weeks after leaving the San Juan Islands. :) We left Hartley Bay this morning at 6am. The cruise to Prince Rupert was almost 80 miles, so we had a long day ahead of us... ...a long day in Grenville Channel, that is. (Also known as "the Ditch.") This time
- [Airship | Today in Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/today-in-ketchikan/) - (This is a story about a bus ride.) Here's us today: coffee, work, work, work, breakfast, more work, go to the grocery store, back to the boat, more work, watch cruise ships leave, more work. Later we're going to have dinner over at the Bar Harbor Restaurant (super yum, went both times we were in
- [Airship | Another Day in Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/airship-another-day-in-ketchikan/) - We originally thought we'd leave town today and head around to Misty Fjords and Behm Canal, but we got focused working for quite a few hours this morning here on the boat and decided we'd wait and leave tomorrow morning instead. Around noon we took a break for lunch and a little exploring, and headed
- [Airship | Misty Fjords | Day 1](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/airship-misty-fjords-day-1/) - On Thursday morning we left Ketchikan and headed for Misty Fjords. We didn’t get to Misty Fjords last year and since we were about a week early to Ketchikan…what better to do with that time? We thought we’d check out New Eddystone Rock first, and then decide where to anchor for the night. New Eddystone
- [Airship to Alaska | Misty Fjords | Day 2](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/airship-misty-fjords-day-2/) - This morning we woke up early, made some coffee, and sat out on the bow watching bears. We decided we’d take a dinghy ride further around to the end of Walker Cove before pulling the crab traps this morning. It was early and quiet and the water was glassy still. (So nice to have the
- [Airship - Brace Yourself!](https://slowboat.com/2016/06/airship-brace-yourself/) - The weather in Ketchikan yesterday was pretty dramatic…but not for Ketchikan. It was raining sideways, and the wind was gusting to just over 40kts. Even “protected” between the mountains behind us and the cruise ship in front of us, we were getting gusts t0 40kts right here at city floats. We’d been working all morning here
- [Airship | Le Conte Glacier](https://slowboat.com/2016/06/airship-le-conte-glacier/) - It’s about 20 miles or so (each way) to cruise to Le Conte Glacier from Petersburg (depending on how far you go into Le Conte Bay…we went pretty far in!) We left Petersburg around 7am this morning on what turned out to be another beautiful day. Read more on the Riveted blog.
- [Airship | Le Conte Glacier Aerial Shots](https://slowboat.com/2016/06/airship-le-conte-glacier-aerial-shots/) - We took the Inspire 1 up two separate times while we were navigating around the floating bits (and, well, building-sized chunks) of ice yesterday. (I pared it down from 100 photos to 10!) Read more on the Riveted blog.
- [Airship | Le Conte Glacier](https://slowboat.com/2016/06/airship-le-conte-glacier-2/) - It’s about 20 miles or so (each way) to cruise to Le Conte Glacier from Petersburg (depending on how far you go into Le Conte Bay…we went pretty far in!) We left Petersburg around 7am this morning on what turned out to be another beautiful day. Read more on the Riveted blog.
- [Airship | Pybus Bay to Tracy Arm Cove](https://slowboat.com/2016/06/airship-pybus-bay-to-tracy-arm-cove/) - Today was about crabs, humpbacks, black bears, dolphins, icebergs, and the 70 pound halibut that got away. [google_maps id="1084"] Read more on the Riveted blog.
- [Airship | Kayaking Around Melanie Cove | Desolation Sound, BC](https://slowboat.com/2016/09/airship-kayaking-around-melanie-cove-desolation-sound-bc/) - After our stop at Mitlenatch Island yesterday, we continued on to Melanie Cove, inside of Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park. There are three areas to anchor in Desolation Sound Marine Park: Prideaux Haven, Melanie Cove, and Laura Cove. There are three areas to anchor in Desolation Sound Marine Park: Prideaux Haven, Melanie Cove, and Laura Cove.
- [WiFi in the Wilderness](https://slowboat.com/2016/10/wifi-in-the-wilderness/) - Back in April, we posted an early review of the WiFi in Motion MAX Marine router from SinglePoint Communications. We promised to let you know how the system performed after some extensive testing. Now, after cruising from Puget Sound, WA up the Inside Passage through British Columbia, around Southeast Alaska (and back) on a five-month
- [Yeti Love](https://slowboat.com/2016/10/feature-article-yeti-love/) - When we traveled in our Airstream we had a nice stainless steel Coleman cooler that did a great job for us keeping things cold and looking shiny. But the marine environment does not care about shiny. The hardware started to rust a little, and we decided we needed something tougher that could stand up to salt spray
- [Exploring Yellow Island](https://slowboat.com/2015/12/exploring-yellow-island/) - Sam (in his Nordic Tug 37 "Safe Harbour") and Kevin and I (in our Nordic Tug 34 "Airship") are out exploring the San Juan Islands this week. Today we're both moored in the South Cove of Jones Island. After we got settled, we headed across in Sam's dinghy to explore Yellow Island (about a mile from
- [Hiking to Johnson Point on Sucia Island](https://slowboat.com/2016/01/hiking-to-johnson-point-on-sucia-island/) - This morning's sunrise (taken from our moorage in Fox Cove, looking toward Fossil Bay) was tough to capture in a photo. The glow coming from behind that forested hill was much cooler in person. After breakfast and a bunch of work, we dinghied into shore to do some hiking. Sucia Island is one of our
- [How to Replace a Mooring Ball](https://slowboat.com/2014/12/how-to-replace-a-mooring-ball/) - This morning as we were working and having coffee in Active Cove at Patos Island, I noticed out the back window what looked like a pretty big boat heading toward the cove. This is a pretty small cove (only two mooring balls), and this boat seemed, um, large. It showed up on AIS as a
- [The New Best Mobile Internet](https://slowboat.com/2016/04/the-new-best-mobile-internet/) - A couple years ago on our Riveted blog, we wrote that we had found the best-ever mobile internet solution for our boating and RV adventures - The "Moovbox" from SinglePoint Communications. We have used our Moovbox on both our boat and our RV over the past couple of years, and it has performed brilliantly! But,
- [Our Five Favorite Boat Upgrades](https://slowboat.com/2016/05/feature-article-our-five-favorite-boat-upgrades/) - As we prepared for our summer expedition up the Inside Passage to SE Alaska, we did a number of upgrades to Airship (our 2013 Nordic Tug 34). Now that we've been underway for over two weeks, some early favorites have emerged. Here's what we like and why: #5: Nightstand USB outlets and iPhone/Watch charging stands
- [Power Made Easy](https://slowboat.com/2016/09/feature-article-power-made-easy/) - Airship's Electrical Upgrades Before our 5-month trip up the Inside Passage to Alaska aboard Airship, we did some major upgrades to Airship’s electrical power system. Now, after five solid months on the boat - mostly away from marinas, here is a summary of how the system performed, what we learned, and what our “ideal” power

## Pages

- [Alaska Flotilla Q&A](https://slowboat.com/alaska-flotilla-qa/) - Join us for the trip of a lifetime—a guided flotilla cruise from Washington’s San Juan Islands to Sitka and Juneau Alaska! Along the way, you’ll visit our favorite boat harbors, overnight at the most beautiful anchorages, and navigate through tidal rapids and open ocean. We’ll watch whales feed and waterfalls tumble into the ocean. Q:
- [Contact Us](https://slowboat.com/contact/) - We look forward to hearing from you! Many apologies if you have sent us a note and we have not responded. We have had issues with the forms not reaching us, so for now, please contact us directly by sending email to: laura@slowboat.com kevin@slowboat.com
- [Rounding Cape Caution](https://slowboat.com/rounding-cape-caution/) - Cape Caution is the most significant "gate" along the Inside Passage. It's one of just two places a vessel transiting between Washington State and Southeast Alaska must venture out of protected water and into the exposed Pacific Ocean. Many lifelong Pacific Northwest cruisers first experience ocean swells on the trip around Cape Caution. Compared to
- [Flotilla Testimonials](https://slowboat.com/flotilla-testimonials/) - It all started when we bought our boat seven years ago with the ultimate plan that we would take her to Alaska. We spent six years cruising locally (Oregon) and dialing in the boat for bigger waters and adventures. Not really having any knowledge of BC and Alaskan waters or what to expect, we decided
- [About](https://slowboat.com/about/) - Slowboat is about putting the journey above the destination. It is about exploration. It is about enjoying independence and self-reliance instead of canned, pre-packaged experiences. It is about encountering adventure where it lives. It is about having the curiosity, confidence, patience and preparedness to strike out into the unknown. It is about making your life extraordinary
- [2022 Flotillas](https://slowboat.com/2022-flotillas/) - We've decided to abbreviate our flotilla schedule this summer while Sam keeps Akeeva in Mexico for one more summer. Our 2022 northbound trip departs at the end of May from the San Juan Islands and ends in Juneau. Slowboat flotillas are designed to be inspiring and empowering! Our goal is to visit the best destinations
- [2019 Slowboat Flotillas](https://slowboat.com/2019-slowboat-flotillas/) - The 2019 Slowboat Flotilla Season was amazing! We left Prevost Harbor, WA in the San Juan Islands on May 5, 2019 and spent the next five weeks traveling up the Inside Passage through British Columbia and Southeast Alaska, arriving in Sitka on June 7, 2019. We traversed rapids, executed open ocean crossings, and outsmarted the
- [Slowboat Webinars](https://slowboat.com/mastering-the-inside-passage/) - Welcome to the Slowboat Webinar Series! These presentations cover a variety of topics—preparing a boat for the Inside Passage, clearing customs by boat, obtaining replacement parts in remote areas, navigating tidal rapids, selecting weather windows, and so much more. Our goal is to demystify cruising in the Pacific Northwest and empower cruisers to explore further
- [2018 Slowboat Flotilla Around Vancouver Island](https://slowboat.com/2018-slowboat-flotilla-around-vancouver-island/) - The 2018 Slowboat Flotilla around Vancouver Island was a blast! Follow along on our day-by-day posts starting at day 1 here. Circumnavigating Vancouver Island is one of the quintessential Pacific Northwest cruises. Our route takes us quickly up the protected inside waters to the north end of Vancouver Island, where we re-provision and prepare for
- [2018 Slowboat Flotilla to Alaska](https://slowboat.com/2018-flotilla-to-alaska/) - The 2018 Slowboat Flotilla to Alaska was amazing! Six boats left Roche Harbor, WA in the San Juan Islands on May 6, 2018 and spent the next five weeks traveling up the Inside Passage through British Columbia and Southeast Alaska, arriving in Juneau on June 9,2018. We traversed rapids, executed open ocean crossings, and outsmarted
- [2017 Slowboat Flotilla](https://slowboat.com/2017-slowboat-flotilla/)
- [2018 Slowboat Flotillas](https://slowboat.com/2018-slowboat-flotillas/)
- [Where are we?](https://slowboat.com/where-are-we/) - Airship -- Laura Domela & Kevin Morris: Safe Harbour -- Sam Landsman:
- [2019 Slowboat Flotilla to Alaska](https://slowboat.com/2019-slowboat-flotilla-to-alaska/) - We are currently accepting deposits for the 2019 Slowboat Flotilla to Alaska! If you're interested in our 2019 Alaska flotilla, please fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page. A $500 fully-refundable deposit will hold you a space until 9/30/18. At that time, we will have full details and dates on 2019
- [2019 Slowboat Flotilla West Coast Vancouver Island](https://slowboat.com/2019-slowboat-flotilla-west-coast-vancouver-island/) - We are currently accepting deposits for the 2019 Slowboat Flotilla down the west cost of Vancouver Island! If you're interested in our 2019 Vancouver Island flotilla, please fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page. A $500 fully-refundable deposit will hold you a space until 9/30/18. At that time, we will have
- [For Sale: Airship – 2013 Nordic Tug 34](https://slowboat.com/airshipforsale/) - [ngg_images source="galleries" container_ids="1" display_type="photocrati-nextgen_basic_slideshow" gallery_width="800" gallery_height="600" cycle_effect="fade" cycle_interval="6" show_thumbnail_link="0" thumbnail_link_text="[Click here for thumbnails]" order_by="sortorder" order_direction="ASC" returns="included" maximum_entity_count="500"] Airship is a meticulously cared for 2013 Nordic Tug 34 with many upgrades and additions, and is as close to turnkey as possible. It's time for us to move to a slightly larger boat (or else we'd keep
- [2017 Slowboat Flotilla to Alaska](https://slowboat.com/2017-flotilla-to-alaska/) - The 2017 Slowboat Flotilla to Alaska was awesome! Six boats left Roche Harbor, WA in the San Juan Islands on May 21, 2017 and spent the next four weeks traveling up the Inside Passage through British Columbia and Southeast Alaska, arriving in Sitka on June 19. We traversed rapids, executed open ocean crossings, and outsmarted the
- [2018 Slowboat Flotilla West Coast Vancouver Island](https://slowboat.com/2018-slowboat-west-coast-vancouver-island/) - The 2018 West Coast of Vancouver Island flotilla was spectacular! Circumnavigating Vancouver Island is one of the quintessential Pacific Northwest cruises. Known for its raw beauty, powerful surf, wildlife and remoteness, the West Coast of Vancouver Island is an exceptional cruising area. Five boats left Port McNeill, BC at the northern end of Vancouver Island
- [Cruising Consultation](https://slowboat.com/private-cruising/) - Can’t participate in our flotilla? We offer private, one-on-one consulting to help you plan your dream trip up the Inside Passage. We’ll help you expertly equip your boat, save you from spending on needless upgrades, and plan an itinerary that makes the most of every day. Here's what we can provide: On-board analysis of your
- [Alaska Audit](https://slowboat.com/alaska-audit/) - Dreaming of taking your boat to Alaska? We're here to help. Our Alaska Audit is a comprehensive look at your boat, its systems, and their suitability for cruising the Inside Passage to Alaska. Leverage our years of experience in these waters to ensure that your boat is well equipped for your trip of a lifetime.
- [Subscribe to Slowboat](https://slowboat.com/subscribe/) - Interested in boating in the Pacific Northwest? Sign up to receive free emails with our latest cruise reports, educational videos, informative articles, and more. We promise not to sell your email address or inundate your inbox, and you can always unsubscribe. Email Address
- [Map](https://slowboat.com/map/) - [mashup query="all"]
- [Advertise With Us](https://slowboat.com/advertise-with-us/) - Interested in advertising on Slowboat? Let us know what you'd like and we'll get right back to you!

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://slowboat.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [San Juan Islands](https://slowboat.com/category/sanjuanislands/)
- [Gulf Islands](https://slowboat.com/category/gulfislands/)
- [Southeast Alaska](https://slowboat.com/category/alaska/)
- [Staying Connected](https://slowboat.com/category/staying-connected/)
- [Anchoring and Mooring](https://slowboat.com/category/anchoring-and-mooring/)
- [British Columbia](https://slowboat.com/category/british-columbia/)
- [Electrical Power](https://slowboat.com/category/electrical-power/)
- [Customs](https://slowboat.com/category/customs/)
- [Slowboat Feature Articles](https://slowboat.com/category/slowboat-feature-articles/)
- [Desolation Sound](https://slowboat.com/category/desolation-sound/)
- [Tidal Rapids](https://slowboat.com/category/tidal-rapids/)
- [Wildlife](https://slowboat.com/category/wildlife/)
- [Gear and Accessories](https://slowboat.com/category/accessories/)
- [Electronics](https://slowboat.com/category/electronics/)
- [Restaurants](https://slowboat.com/category/restaurants/)
- [Marinas](https://slowboat.com/category/marinas/)
- [Fishing](https://slowboat.com/category/fishing/)
- [Solar](https://slowboat.com/category/solar/)
- [Cruise Reports](https://slowboat.com/category/cruise-reports/)
- [Problem Solving](https://slowboat.com/category/problem-solving/)
- [Airship](https://slowboat.com/category/blog-airship/)
- [Akeeva](https://slowboat.com/category/blog-safe-harbour/)
- [Mastering the Inside Passage](https://slowboat.com/category/mastering-the-inside-passage/)
- [Photography](https://slowboat.com/category/photography/)
- [Drones](https://slowboat.com/category/drones/)
- [Puget Sound](https://slowboat.com/category/puget-sound/)
- [Gadgets](https://slowboat.com/category/gadgets/)
- [Flotilla to Alaska 2017](https://slowboat.com/category/flotilla-to-alaska-2017/)
- [Food](https://slowboat.com/category/food/)
- [West Coast Vancouver Island](https://slowboat.com/category/west-coast-vancouver-island/)
- [Reviews](https://slowboat.com/category/reviews/)
- [Seminars](https://slowboat.com/category/seminars/)
- [Provisioning](https://slowboat.com/category/provisioning/)
- [General Boating](https://slowboat.com/category/general-boating/)
- [Flotilla to Alaska 2018](https://slowboat.com/category/flotilla-to-alaska-2018/)
- [Broughtons](https://slowboat.com/category/broughtons/)
- [Vancouver Island Flotillas 2018](https://slowboat.com/category/vancouver-island-flotillas-2018/)
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island](https://slowboat.com/category/circumnavigating-vancouver-island/)
- [Weather](https://slowboat.com/category/weather/)
- [Flotilla to Alaska 2019](https://slowboat.com/category/flotilla-to-alaska-2019/)
- [Vancouver Island Flotillas 2019](https://slowboat.com/category/vancouver-island-flotillas-2019/)
- [West Coast](https://slowboat.com/category/west-coast/)
- [Flotilla to Alaska 2021](https://slowboat.com/category/flotilla-to-alaska-2021/)
- [Prince William Sound](https://slowboat.com/category/prince-william-sound/)
- [Glaciers](https://slowboat.com/category/glaciers/)
- [Hiking](https://slowboat.com/category/hiking/)
- [Washington Coast](https://slowboat.com/category/washington-coast/)
- [Oregon Coast](https://slowboat.com/category/oregon-coast/)
- [California Coast](https://slowboat.com/category/california-coast/)
- [Mexico](https://slowboat.com/category/mexico/)
- [Flotilla to Alaska 2022](https://slowboat.com/category/2022-flotilla-to-alaska/)
- [Yukon](https://slowboat.com/category/yukon/)
- [Flotilla to Alaska 2023](https://slowboat.com/category/2023-flotilla-to-alaska/)
- [Flotilla to Alaska 2024](https://slowboat.com/category/flotilla-to-alaska-2024/)
- [Recipes](https://slowboat.com/category/recipes/)
- [Flotilla to Alaska 2025](https://slowboat.com/category/flotilla-to-alaska-2025/)
- [Books](https://slowboat.com/category/books/)
- [Aerial photos](https://slowboat.com/category/aerial-photos/)
- [Flotilla to Alaska 2026](https://slowboat.com/category/flotilla-to-alaska-2026/)
- [Untamed Coast](https://slowboat.com/category/untamed-coast/)

## Tags

- [SE Alaska](https://slowboat.com/tag/se-alaska/)
- [Misty Fjords](https://slowboat.com/tag/misty-fjords/)
- [Inside Passage](https://slowboat.com/tag/inside-passage/)
- [cruise ships](https://slowboat.com/tag/cruise-ships/)
- [Celebrity Infinity](https://slowboat.com/tag/celebrity-infinity/)
- [Glacier Bay National Park](https://slowboat.com/tag/glacier-bay-national-park/)
- [Airship](https://slowboat.com/tag/airship/)
- [Safe Harbour](https://slowboat.com/tag/safe-harbour/)
- [Melanie Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/melanie-cove/)
- [Desolation Sound](https://slowboat.com/tag/desolation-sound/)
- [kayaking](https://slowboat.com/tag/kayaking/)
- [Ford's Terror](https://slowboat.com/tag/fords-terror/)
- [favorite anchorage](https://slowboat.com/tag/favorite-anchorage/)
- [Alaska](https://slowboat.com/tag/alaska/)
- [Electical Power](https://slowboat.com/tag/electical-power/)
- [Solar](https://slowboat.com/tag/solar/)
- [Nordic Tug](https://slowboat.com/tag/nordic-tug/)
- [Lithium Batteries](https://slowboat.com/tag/lithium-batteries/)
- [Yeti](https://slowboat.com/tag/yeti/)
- [coolers](https://slowboat.com/tag/coolers/)
- [ice](https://slowboat.com/tag/ice/)
- [tumblers](https://slowboat.com/tag/tumblers/)
- [Wifi in Motion](https://slowboat.com/tag/wifi-in-motion/)
- [MAX Marine](https://slowboat.com/tag/max-marine/)
- [SinglePoint Communications](https://slowboat.com/tag/singlepoint-communications/)
- [internet](https://slowboat.com/tag/internet/)
- [routers](https://slowboat.com/tag/routers/)
- [Canada](https://slowboat.com/tag/canada/)
- [Canadian Customs](https://slowboat.com/tag/canadian-customs/)
- [Education](https://slowboat.com/tag/education/)
- [Tacoma](https://slowboat.com/tag/tacoma/)
- [Dock Street Marina](https://slowboat.com/tag/dock-street-marina/)
- [Winslow](https://slowboat.com/tag/winslow/)
- [Winslow Wharf](https://slowboat.com/tag/winslow-wharf/)
- [Bainbridge Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/bainbridge-island/)
- [Gig Harbor](https://slowboat.com/tag/gig-harbor/)
- [San Juan Islands](https://slowboat.com/tag/san-juan-islands/)
- [Gulf Islands](https://slowboat.com/tag/gulf-islands/)
- [British Columbia](https://slowboat.com/tag/british-columbia/)
- [Strait of Georgia](https://slowboat.com/tag/strait-of-georgia/)
- [wildlife](https://slowboat.com/tag/wildlife/)
- [Clearing Customs](https://slowboat.com/tag/clearing-customs/)
- [U.S.](https://slowboat.com/tag/u-s/)
- [winter cruising](https://slowboat.com/tag/winter-cruising/)
- [winter](https://slowboat.com/tag/winter/)
- [boating in snow](https://slowboat.com/tag/boating-in-snow/)
- [Winter boating](https://slowboat.com/tag/winter-boating/)
- [Princess Louisa](https://slowboat.com/tag/princess-louisa/)
- [Deception Pass](https://slowboat.com/tag/deception-pass/)
- [Cape Caution](https://slowboat.com/tag/cape-caution/)
- [Dixon Entrance](https://slowboat.com/tag/dixon-entrance/)
- [DJI](https://slowboat.com/tag/dji/)
- [Team Black Sheep](https://slowboat.com/tag/team-black-sheep/)
- [Poulsbo](https://slowboat.com/tag/poulsbo/)
- [Port Madison](https://slowboat.com/tag/port-madison/)
- [Langley](https://slowboat.com/tag/langley/)
- [Coupeville](https://slowboat.com/tag/coupeville/)
- [Whidbey Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/whidbey-island/)
- [anchoring](https://slowboat.com/tag/anchoring/)
- [Lake Washington](https://slowboat.com/tag/lake-washington/)
- [Seattle anchoring](https://slowboat.com/tag/seattle-anchoring/)
- [Andrews Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/andrews-bay/)
- [Seward Park](https://slowboat.com/tag/seward-park/)
- [Juanita Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/juanita-bay/)
- [Cozy Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/cozy-cove/)
- [St. Edwards](https://slowboat.com/tag/st-edwards/)
- [Yarrow Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/yarrow-bay/)
- [Fairweather Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/fairweather-bay/)
- [Airstream](https://slowboat.com/tag/airstream/)
- [RV](https://slowboat.com/tag/rv/)
- [Sucia Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/sucia-island/)
- [Roche Harbor](https://slowboat.com/tag/roche-harbor/)
- [Cypress Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/cypress-island/)
- [living aboard](https://slowboat.com/tag/living-aboard/)
- [moorage](https://slowboat.com/tag/moorage/)
- [cruising](https://slowboat.com/tag/cruising/)
- [heating boat](https://slowboat.com/tag/heating-boat/)
- [internet aboard](https://slowboat.com/tag/internet-aboard/)
- [working remotely](https://slowboat.com/tag/working-remotely/)
- [Silva Bay Resort and Marina](https://slowboat.com/tag/silva-bay-resort-and-marina/)
- [Pender Harbour](https://slowboat.com/tag/pender-harbour/)
- [Grasshopper Pub](https://slowboat.com/tag/grasshopper-pub/)
- [Squirrel Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/squirrel-cove/)
- [Shoal Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/shoal-bay/)
- [Dent Rapids](https://slowboat.com/tag/dent-rapids/)
- [Yuculta Rapids](https://slowboat.com/tag/yuculta-rapids/)
- [Gillard Passage](https://slowboat.com/tag/gillard-passage/)
- [Pierre's Echo Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/pierres-echo-bay/)
- [Ocean Falls](https://slowboat.com/tag/ocean-falls/)
- [Shearwater Resort](https://slowboat.com/tag/shearwater-resort/)
- [Butedale](https://slowboat.com/tag/butedale/)
- [Reid Passage](https://slowboat.com/tag/reid-passage/)
- [Perceval Narrows](https://slowboat.com/tag/perceval-narrows/)
- [Lowe Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/lowe-inlet/)
- [Kelp Passage Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/kelp-passage-cove/)
- [Bottleneck Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/bottleneck-inlet/)
- [Ketchikan](https://slowboat.com/tag/ketchikan/)
- [Foggy Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/foggy-bay/)
- [Meyers Chuck](https://slowboat.com/tag/meyers-chuck/)
- [Le Conte Glacier](https://slowboat.com/tag/le-conte-glacier/)
- [Tracy Arm](https://slowboat.com/tag/tracy-arm/)
- [South Sawyer Glacier](https://slowboat.com/tag/south-sawyer-glacier/)
- [North Sawyer Glacier](https://slowboat.com/tag/north-sawyer-glacier/)
- [Taku Harbor](https://slowboat.com/tag/taku-harbor/)
- [Juneau](https://slowboat.com/tag/juneau/)
- [Southeast Alaska](https://slowboat.com/tag/southeast-alaska/)
- [Singlehanding](https://slowboat.com/tag/singlehanding/)
- [Port Snettisham](https://slowboat.com/tag/port-snettisham/)
- [Pack Creek](https://slowboat.com/tag/pack-creek/)
- [Admiralty Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/admiralty-island/)
- [Kuiu Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/kuiu-island/)
- [Bay of Pillars](https://slowboat.com/tag/bay-of-pillars/)
- [Explorer Basin](https://slowboat.com/tag/explorer-basin/)
- [Halleck Harbor](https://slowboat.com/tag/halleck-harbor/)
- [Coronation Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/coronation-island/)
- [Egg Harbor](https://slowboat.com/tag/egg-harbor/)
- [Howkan](https://slowboat.com/tag/howkan/)
- [Haida](https://slowboat.com/tag/haida/)
- [American Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/american-bay/)
- [Nina Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/nina-cove/)
- [Long Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/long-island/)
- [Dall Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/dall-island/)
- [Klawock](https://slowboat.com/tag/klawock/)
- [totem park](https://slowboat.com/tag/totem-park/)
- [Point Baker](https://slowboat.com/tag/point-baker/)
- [Port Protection](https://slowboat.com/tag/port-protection/)
- [Sarkar Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/sarkar-cove/)
- [El Capitan Pass](https://slowboat.com/tag/el-capitan-pass/)
- [Coffman Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/coffman-cove/)
- [Thorne Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/thorne-bay/)
- [Kassa Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/kassa-inlet/)
- [Hunter Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/hunter-bay/)
- [Craig](https://slowboat.com/tag/craig/)
- [Hydaburg](https://slowboat.com/tag/hydaburg/)
- [totems](https://slowboat.com/tag/totems/)
- [Hole in the Wall](https://slowboat.com/tag/hole-in-the-wall/)
- [Totem Bight State Park](https://slowboat.com/tag/totem-bight-state-park/)
- [Behm Canal](https://slowboat.com/tag/behm-canal/)
- [Vancouver Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/vancouver-island/)
- [Ghost town](https://slowboat.com/tag/ghost-town/)
- [Namu](https://slowboat.com/tag/namu/)
- [Quatsino Sound](https://slowboat.com/tag/quatsino-sound/)
- [Varney Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/varney-bay/)
- [Marble River](https://slowboat.com/tag/marble-river/)
- [Columbia Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/columbia-cove/)
- [Friendly Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/friendly-cove/)
- [Yuquot](https://slowboat.com/tag/yuquot/)
- [West Coast Vancouver Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/west-coast-vancouver-island/)
- [Circumnavigating Vancouver Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/circumnavigating-vancouver-island/)
- [Bunsby Islands](https://slowboat.com/tag/bunsby-islands/)
- [Hot Springs Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/hot-springs-cove/)
- [Walters Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/walters-cove/)
- [Rugged Point](https://slowboat.com/tag/rugged-point/)
- [Nuchatlitz](https://slowboat.com/tag/nuchatlitz/)
- [Clayoquot Sound](https://slowboat.com/tag/clayoquot-sound/)
- [Bottleneck Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/bottleneck-bay/)
- [Sydney Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/sydney-inlet/)
- [Bacchante Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/bacchante-bay/)
- [Tofino](https://slowboat.com/tag/tofino/)
- [Boating to Tofino](https://slowboat.com/tag/boating-to-tofino/)
- [Barkley Sound](https://slowboat.com/tag/barkley-sound/)
- [West Coast of Vancouver Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/west-coast-of-vancouver-island/)
- [Bamfield](https://slowboat.com/tag/bamfield/)
- [Strait of Juan de Fuca](https://slowboat.com/tag/strait-of-juan-de-fuca/)
- [boat maintenance](https://slowboat.com/tag/boat-maintenance/)
- [Northern Lights](https://slowboat.com/tag/northern-lights/)
- [Generator](https://slowboat.com/tag/generator/)
- [Troubleshooting](https://slowboat.com/tag/troubleshooting/)
- [Electrical](https://slowboat.com/tag/electrical/)
- [Northern Lights 673](https://slowboat.com/tag/northern-lights-673/)
- [M673K](https://slowboat.com/tag/m673k/)
- [Cooling system](https://slowboat.com/tag/cooling-system/)
- [Maintenance](https://slowboat.com/tag/maintenance/)
- [Blake Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/blake-island/)
- [Mexico](https://slowboat.com/tag/mexico/)
- [CUBAR](https://slowboat.com/tag/cubar/)
- [Baja](https://slowboat.com/tag/baja/)
- [Sea of Cortez](https://slowboat.com/tag/sea-of-cortez/)
- [Nordhavn](https://slowboat.com/tag/nordhavn/)
- [Nordhavn 40](https://slowboat.com/tag/nordhavn-40/)
- [Ensenada](https://slowboat.com/tag/ensenada/)
- [San Quintin](https://slowboat.com/tag/san-quintin/)
- [Magdalena Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/magdalena-bay/)
- [Mag Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/mag-bay/)
- [Man of War Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/man-of-war-cove/)
- [Nordhvan 40](https://slowboat.com/tag/nordhvan-40/)
- [Cabo](https://slowboat.com/tag/cabo/)
- [Towing](https://slowboat.com/tag/towing/)
- [La Paz](https://slowboat.com/tag/la-paz/)
- [Hood Canal](https://slowboat.com/tag/hood-canal/)
- [Alderbrook](https://slowboat.com/tag/alderbrook/)
- [Hama Hama Oysters](https://slowboat.com/tag/hama-hama-oysters/)
- [Shelton](https://slowboat.com/tag/shelton/)
- [American Tugs](https://slowboat.com/tag/american-tugs/)
- [Waypoint 36](https://slowboat.com/tag/waypoint-36/)
- [off grid](https://slowboat.com/tag/off-grid/)
- [solar power](https://slowboat.com/tag/solar-power/)
- [solar panels](https://slowboat.com/tag/solar-panels/)
- [flotilla](https://slowboat.com/tag/flotilla/)
- [gates of the inside passage](https://slowboat.com/tag/gates-of-the-inside-passage/)
- [alaska cruising](https://slowboat.com/tag/alaska-cruising/)
- [sunshine coast](https://slowboat.com/tag/sunshine-coast/)
- [garden bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/garden-bay/)
- [Silva Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/silva-bay/)
- [Fury Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/fury-cove/)
- [Pruth Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/pruth-bay/)
- [Codville Lagoon](https://slowboat.com/tag/codville-lagoon/)
- [Rescue Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/rescue-bay/)
- [Windy Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/windy-bay/)
- [Fiordland](https://slowboat.com/tag/fiordland/)
- [Grenville Channel](https://slowboat.com/tag/grenville-channel/)
- [Kelp Passage](https://slowboat.com/tag/kelp-passage/)
- [Princess Royal Channel](https://slowboat.com/tag/princess-royal-channel/)
- [Princess Royal Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/princess-royal-island/)
- [Kasaan](https://slowboat.com/tag/kasaan/)
- [longhouse](https://slowboat.com/tag/longhouse/)
- [Chief Son-i-Hat](https://slowboat.com/tag/chief-son-i-hat/)
- [Wrangell](https://slowboat.com/tag/wrangell/)
- [Thoms Place](https://slowboat.com/tag/thoms-place/)
- [Petersburg](https://slowboat.com/tag/petersburg/)
- [Wrangell Narrows](https://slowboat.com/tag/wrangell-narrows/)
- [icebergs](https://slowboat.com/tag/icebergs/)
- [Portage Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/portage-bay/)
- [Pybus Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/pybus-bay/)
- [Frederick Sound](https://slowboat.com/tag/frederick-sound/)
- [Funter Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/funter-bay/)
- [Pavlof Harbor](https://slowboat.com/tag/pavlof-harbor/)
- [Marble Grotto](https://slowboat.com/tag/marble-grotto/)
- [Basket Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/basket-bay/)
- [Trap Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/trap-bay/)
- [Tenakee Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/tenakee-inlet/)
- [Flynn Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/flynn-cove/)
- [Hoonah](https://slowboat.com/tag/hoonah/)
- [halibut fishing](https://slowboat.com/tag/halibut-fishing/)
- [Excursion Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/excursion-inlet/)
- [Couverden Island Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/couverden-island-cove/)
- [Round Islet](https://slowboat.com/tag/round-islet/)
- [Harbor Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/harbor-island/)
- [Hobart Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/hobart-bay/)
- [Farragut Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/farragut-bay/)
- [Thomas Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/thomas-bay/)
- [Scenery Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/scenery-cove/)
- [LeConte Glacier](https://slowboat.com/tag/leconte-glacier/)
- [Muddy River](https://slowboat.com/tag/muddy-river/)
- [Brown Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/brown-cove/)
- [Angoon](https://slowboat.com/tag/angoon/)
- [Takatz Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/takatz-bay/)
- [brown bears](https://slowboat.com/tag/brown-bears/)
- [Hidden Falls Hatchery](https://slowboat.com/tag/hidden-falls-hatchery/)
- [Red Bluff Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/red-bluff-bay/)
- [Chapin Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/chapin-bay/)
- [Sokolof Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/sokolof-island/)
- [St. John Harbor](https://slowboat.com/tag/st-john-harbor/)
- [McHenry Anchorage](https://slowboat.com/tag/mchenry-anchorage/)
- [Shrubby Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/shrubby-island/)
- [Orcas](https://slowboat.com/tag/orcas/)
- [Whales](https://slowboat.com/tag/whales/)
- [Berg Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/berg-bay/)
- [Anan Bear Observatory](https://slowboat.com/tag/anan-bear-observatory/)
- [Black Bears](https://slowboat.com/tag/black-bears/)
- [grizzly bears](https://slowboat.com/tag/grizzly-bears/)
- [Vixen Harbor](https://slowboat.com/tag/vixen-harbor/)
- [Sources](https://slowboat.com/tag/sources/)
- [Douglass guide](https://slowboat.com/tag/douglass-guide/)
- [Exploring Southeast Alaska](https://slowboat.com/tag/exploring-southeast-alaska/)
- [ActiveCaptain](https://slowboat.com/tag/activecaptain/)
- [NOAA charts](https://slowboat.com/tag/noaa-charts/)
- [anchorages](https://slowboat.com/tag/anchorages/)
- [cruising remote areas](https://slowboat.com/tag/cruising-remote-areas/)
- [Pillsbury Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/pillsbury-cove/)
- [Prince Rupert](https://slowboat.com/tag/prince-rupert/)
- [Baker Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/baker-inlet/)
- [Khutze Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/khutze-inlet/)
- [Tolstoi Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/tolstoi-bay/)
- [Skull Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/skull-cove/)
- [Miles Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/miles-inlet/)
- [Allison Harbour](https://slowboat.com/tag/allison-harbour/)
- [Big Fry Pan Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/big-fry-pan-bay/)
- [Kakushdish Harbour](https://slowboat.com/tag/kakushdish-harbour/)
- [Big Frypan Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/big-frypan-bay/)
- [Skull Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/skull-island/)
- [Nakwakto Rapids](https://slowboat.com/tag/nakwakto-rapids/)
- [kayak camp](https://slowboat.com/tag/kayak-camp/)
- [tidal rapids](https://slowboat.com/tag/tidal-rapids/)
- [Sointula](https://slowboat.com/tag/sointula/)
- [Tidal Zone Studio](https://slowboat.com/tag/tidal-zone-studio/)
- [North Harbour](https://slowboat.com/tag/north-harbour/)
- [Winter Harbour](https://slowboat.com/tag/winter-harbour/)
- [Nahwitti Bar](https://slowboat.com/tag/nahwitti-bar/)
- [Cape Scott](https://slowboat.com/tag/cape-scott/)
- [Klashkish Basin](https://slowboat.com/tag/klashkish-basin/)
- [Kyuquot](https://slowboat.com/tag/kyuquot/)
- [Uchuck III](https://slowboat.com/tag/uchuck-iii/)
- [Tahsis](https://slowboat.com/tag/tahsis/)
- [Salmon Enhancement Program](https://slowboat.com/tag/salmon-enhancement-program/)
- [lightstation](https://slowboat.com/tag/lightstation/)
- [Sanford Williams](https://slowboat.com/tag/sanford-williams/)
- [Nootka](https://slowboat.com/tag/nootka/)
- [Estevan Point](https://slowboat.com/tag/estevan-point/)
- [Wolf in the Fog](https://slowboat.com/tag/wolf-in-the-fog/)
- [Ucluelet](https://slowboat.com/tag/ucluelet/)
- [Ravenlady Oyster Forte](https://slowboat.com/tag/ravenlady-oyster-forte/)
- [Hank's Untraditional BBQ](https://slowboat.com/tag/hanks-untraditional-bbq/)
- [Joe's Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/joes-bay/)
- [Effingham Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/effingham-bay/)
- [Broken Group](https://slowboat.com/tag/broken-group/)
- [Victoria](https://slowboat.com/tag/victoria/)
- [Sooke Harbour](https://slowboat.com/tag/sooke-harbour/)
- [Victoria Harbour](https://slowboat.com/tag/victoria-harbour/)
- [Dragon boat festival](https://slowboat.com/tag/dragon-boat-festival/)
- [J Pod](https://slowboat.com/tag/j-pod/)
- [Nanaimo](https://slowboat.com/tag/nanaimo/)
- [Campbell River](https://slowboat.com/tag/campbell-river/)
- [Cameleon Harbour](https://slowboat.com/tag/cameleon-harbour/)
- [Forward Harbour](https://slowboat.com/tag/forward-harbour/)
- [Johnstone Strait](https://slowboat.com/tag/johnstone-strait/)
- [Port McNeill](https://slowboat.com/tag/port-mcneill/)
- [Port Alexander](https://slowboat.com/tag/port-alexander/)
- [Bull Harbour](https://slowboat.com/tag/bull-harbour/)
- [Sea Otter Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/sea-otter-cove/)
- [Brooks Peninsula](https://slowboat.com/tag/brooks-peninsula/)
- [Nootka Sound](https://slowboat.com/tag/nootka-sound/)
- [Hisnit](https://slowboat.com/tag/hisnit/)
- [Hisnit Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/hisnit-inlet/)
- [fishing](https://slowboat.com/tag/fishing/)
- [charter fishing](https://slowboat.com/tag/charter-fishing/)
- [Port Renfrew](https://slowboat.com/tag/port-renfrew/)
- [sea caves](https://slowboat.com/tag/sea-caves/)
- [Robbers Passage](https://slowboat.com/tag/robbers-passage/)
- [Nettle Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/nettle-island/)
- [Customs](https://slowboat.com/tag/customs/)
- [App](https://slowboat.com/tag/app/)
- [US Customs](https://slowboat.com/tag/us-customs/)
- [CBP](https://slowboat.com/tag/cbp/)
- [CBP ROAM](https://slowboat.com/tag/cbp-roam/)
- [Butchart Gardens](https://slowboat.com/tag/butchart-gardens/)
- [Sidney Spit](https://slowboat.com/tag/sidney-spit/)
- [Seattle Yachts](https://slowboat.com/tag/seattle-yachts/)
- [Yelapa](https://slowboat.com/tag/yelapa/)
- [NovaKool](https://slowboat.com/tag/novakool/)
- [refrigerator](https://slowboat.com/tag/refrigerator/)
- [refrigeration](https://slowboat.com/tag/refrigeration/)
- [boat refrigerator](https://slowboat.com/tag/boat-refrigerator/)
- [Stainless Lobster](https://slowboat.com/tag/stainless-lobster/)
- [fridge optimizer](https://slowboat.com/tag/fridge-optimizer/)
- [scooter](https://slowboat.com/tag/scooter/)
- [bike](https://slowboat.com/tag/bike/)
- [folding bike](https://slowboat.com/tag/folding-bike/)
- [Seattle Boat Show](https://slowboat.com/tag/seattle-boat-show/)
- [seminars](https://slowboat.com/tag/seminars/)
- [Nordic Tug 42](https://slowboat.com/tag/nordic-tug-42/)
- [Windy.com](https://slowboat.com/tag/windy-com/)
- [weather](https://slowboat.com/tag/weather/)
- [forecasts](https://slowboat.com/tag/forecasts/)
- [snow](https://slowboat.com/tag/snow/)
- [Environment Canada](https://slowboat.com/tag/environment-canada/)
- [Queen Charlotte Sound](https://slowboat.com/tag/queen-charlotte-sound/)
- [marine weather](https://slowboat.com/tag/marine-weather/)
- [forecast](https://slowboat.com/tag/forecast/)
- [NOAA](https://slowboat.com/tag/noaa/)
- [Trawlerfest](https://slowboat.com/tag/trawlerfest/)
- [Elfin Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/elfin-cove/)
- [Pelican](https://slowboat.com/tag/pelican/)
- [Lynn Canal](https://slowboat.com/tag/lynn-canal/)
- [Skagway](https://slowboat.com/tag/skagway/)
- [Haines](https://slowboat.com/tag/haines/)
- [Margerie Glacier](https://slowboat.com/tag/margerie-glacier/)
- [Johns Hopkins Glacier](https://slowboat.com/tag/johns-hopkins-glacier/)
- [Klag Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/klag-bay/)
- [Baker Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/baker-cove/)
- [Radioville](https://slowboat.com/tag/radioville/)
- [Panama Canal](https://slowboat.com/tag/panama-canal/)
- [world cruising](https://slowboat.com/tag/world-cruising/)
- [Miraflores](https://slowboat.com/tag/miraflores/)
- [Gatun](https://slowboat.com/tag/gatun/)
- [Echo Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/echo-bay/)
- [Rosario Resort](https://slowboat.com/tag/rosario-resort/)
- [Orcas Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/orcas-island/)
- [Gorge Waterway](https://slowboat.com/tag/gorge-waterway/)
- [Clam Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/clam-bay/)
- [Newcastle Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/newcastle-island/)
- [Thetis Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/thetis-island/)
- [Montague Harbour](https://slowboat.com/tag/montague-harbour/)
- [Boughey Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/boughey-bay/)
- [Broughtons](https://slowboat.com/tag/broughtons/)
- [Pierre's](https://slowboat.com/tag/pierres/)
- [Blunden Harbour](https://slowboat.com/tag/blunden-harbour/)
- [Bradley Lagoon](https://slowboat.com/tag/bradley-lagoon/)
- [Sagar Lake](https://slowboat.com/tag/sagar-lake/)
- [Khutze Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/khutze-bay/)
- [Jackson Narrows](https://slowboat.com/tag/jackson-narrows/)
- [Kynoch Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/kynoch-inlet/)
- [Hartley Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/hartley-bay/)
- [Verney Falls](https://slowboat.com/tag/verney-falls/)
- [Very Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/very-inlet/)
- [Cape Fox Lodge](https://slowboat.com/tag/cape-fox-lodge/)
- [Bar Harbor](https://slowboat.com/tag/bar-harbor/)
- [Thomas Basin](https://slowboat.com/tag/thomas-basin/)
- [Heritage Harbor](https://slowboat.com/tag/heritage-harbor/)
- [Stikine Inn](https://slowboat.com/tag/stikine-inn/)
- [Reliance Harbor](https://slowboat.com/tag/reliance-harbor/)
- [Warm Springs Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/warm-springs-bay/)
- [Cannery Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/cannery-cove/)
- [Deep Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/deep-bay/)
- [Sitka](https://slowboat.com/tag/sitka/)
- [Chatham Strait](https://slowboat.com/tag/chatham-strait/)
- [Dall's porpoises](https://slowboat.com/tag/dalls-porpoises/)
- [Kimshan Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/kimshan-cove/)
- [Kimshan Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/kimshan-bay/)
- [Stag Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/stag-bay/)
- [Chicagof Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/chicagof-island/)
- [Rose's Bar](https://slowboat.com/tag/roses-bar/)
- [Lisianski Strait](https://slowboat.com/tag/lisianski-strait/)
- [Icy Strait](https://slowboat.com/tag/icy-strait/)
- [Cross Sound](https://slowboat.com/tag/cross-sound/)
- [Neka Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/neka-bay/)
- [Port Frederick](https://slowboat.com/tag/port-frederick/)
- [Swanson Harbor](https://slowboat.com/tag/swanson-harbor/)
- [Chilkat mountains](https://slowboat.com/tag/chilkat-mountains/)
- [Admiralty Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/admiralty-cove/)
- [Couverdon Islands](https://slowboat.com/tag/couverdon-islands/)
- [Chikat Mountains](https://slowboat.com/tag/chikat-mountains/)
- [Endicott Arm](https://slowboat.com/tag/endicott-arm/)
- [Dawes Glacier](https://slowboat.com/tag/dawes-glacier/)
- [humpbacks](https://slowboat.com/tag/humpbacks/)
- [Gambier Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/gambier-bay/)
- [Kake](https://slowboat.com/tag/kake/)
- [El Capitan Passage](https://slowboat.com/tag/el-capitan-passage/)
- [Devilfish Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/devilfish-bay/)
- [Exchange Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/exchange-cove/)
- [Clarence Strait](https://slowboat.com/tag/clarence-strait/)
- [Marguerite Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/marguerite-bay/)
- [Margaret Creek](https://slowboat.com/tag/margaret-creek/)
- [Walker Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/walker-bay/)
- [Walker Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/walker-cove/)
- [Punchbowl Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/punchbowl-cove/)
- [Punchbowl Lake](https://slowboat.com/tag/punchbowl-lake/)
- [Traitors Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/traitors-cove/)
- [New Eddystone Rock](https://slowboat.com/tag/new-eddystone-rock/)
- [Cow Bay Marina](https://slowboat.com/tag/cow-bay-marina/)
- [Surf Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/surf-inlet/)
- [Penn Harbour](https://slowboat.com/tag/penn-harbour/)
- [Captain Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/captain-cove/)
- [Patterson Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/patterson-inlet/)
- [Meyers Narrows Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/meyers-narrows-cove/)
- [Meyers Passage](https://slowboat.com/tag/meyers-passage/)
- [Klemtu](https://slowboat.com/tag/klemtu/)
- [Lambard Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/lambard-inlet/)
- [Meyers Narrows](https://slowboat.com/tag/meyers-narrows/)
- [rapids](https://slowboat.com/tag/rapids/)
- [lagoon](https://slowboat.com/tag/lagoon/)
- [Belmont Gold Mine](https://slowboat.com/tag/belmont-gold-mine/)
- [Shearwater](https://slowboat.com/tag/shearwater/)
- [Hakai Institute](https://slowboat.com/tag/hakai-institute/)
- [Deloraine Islands](https://slowboat.com/tag/deloraine-islands/)
- [Queen Charlotte Strait](https://slowboat.com/tag/queen-charlotte-strait/)
- [Alert Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/alert-bay/)
- [Port Neville](https://slowboat.com/tag/port-neville/)
- [petroglyphs](https://slowboat.com/tag/petroglyphs/)
- [Frederick Arm](https://slowboat.com/tag/frederick-arm/)
- [Cordero Lodge](https://slowboat.com/tag/cordero-lodge/)
- [Whirlpool Rapids](https://slowboat.com/tag/whirlpool-rapids/)
- [Greene Point Rapids](https://slowboat.com/tag/greene-point-rapids/)
- [Von Donop Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/von-donop-inlet/)
- [Kokwina Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/kokwina-cove/)
- [Quastsino Sound](https://slowboat.com/tag/quastsino-sound/)
- [Bunsbys](https://slowboat.com/tag/bunsbys/)
- [Esperanza Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/esperanza-inlet/)
- [Clear Passage](https://slowboat.com/tag/clear-passage/)
- [Tatchu Point](https://slowboat.com/tag/tatchu-point/)
- [Kyuquot Sound](https://slowboat.com/tag/kyuquot-sound/)
- [Solander Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/solander-island/)
- [wolves](https://slowboat.com/tag/wolves/)
- [Westview Marina](https://slowboat.com/tag/westview-marina/)
- [Kyuquot Inn](https://slowboat.com/tag/kyuquot-inn/)
- [Nootka Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/nootka-island/)
- [Resolution Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/resolution-cove/)
- [Bligh Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/bligh-cove/)
- [Frankie's Resto-Bar](https://slowboat.com/tag/frankies-resto-bar/)
- [Amphitrite lighthouse](https://slowboat.com/tag/amphitrite-lighthouse/)
- [Ucluelet Small Craft Harbour](https://slowboat.com/tag/ucluelet-small-craft-harbour/)
- [Turtle Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/turtle-island/)
- [Trevor Channel](https://slowboat.com/tag/trevor-channel/)
- [Port Alberni Yacht Club](https://slowboat.com/tag/port-alberni-yacht-club/)
- [Deer Group](https://slowboat.com/tag/deer-group/)
- [humpback rescue](https://slowboat.com/tag/humpback-rescue/)
- [Imperial Eagle Channel](https://slowboat.com/tag/imperial-eagle-channel/)
- [Port of San Juan](https://slowboat.com/tag/port-of-san-juan/)
- [Pacific Gateway Marina](https://slowboat.com/tag/pacific-gateway-marina/)
- [Neah Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/neah-bay/)
- [Port Angeles](https://slowboat.com/tag/port-angeles/)
- [Cape Flattery](https://slowboat.com/tag/cape-flattery/)
- [Tattoosh Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/tattoosh-island/)
- [west coast](https://slowboat.com/tag/west-coast/)
- [Westport](https://slowboat.com/tag/westport/)
- [Grays Harbor](https://slowboat.com/tag/grays-harbor/)
- [Crescent City](https://slowboat.com/tag/crescent-city/)
- [offshore cruising](https://slowboat.com/tag/offshore-cruising/)
- [Jedediah State Park](https://slowboat.com/tag/jedediah-state-park/)
- [redwoods](https://slowboat.com/tag/redwoods/)
- [Trees of Mystery](https://slowboat.com/tag/trees-of-mystery/)
- [Pacific Shores](https://slowboat.com/tag/pacific-shores/)
- [California](https://slowboat.com/tag/california/)
- [Jedediah Smith Redwoods](https://slowboat.com/tag/jedediah-smith-redwoods/)
- [Monterey](https://slowboat.com/tag/monterey/)
- [Red Rover](https://slowboat.com/tag/red-rover/)
- [Akeeva](https://slowboat.com/tag/akeeva/)
- [Nordhavn 50](https://slowboat.com/tag/nordhavn-50/)
- [Jones Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/jones-island/)
- [Westcott Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/westcott-bay/)
- [Saddlebag Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/saddlebag-island/)
- [Prevost Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/prevost-bay/)
- [Stuart Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/stuart-island/)
- [Prevost Harbor](https://slowboat.com/tag/prevost-harbor/)
- [False Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/false-bay/)
- [Seymour Narrows](https://slowboat.com/tag/seymour-narrows/)
- [Kanish Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/kanish-bay/)
- [Fitz Hugh Sound](https://slowboat.com/tag/fitz-hugh-sound/)
- [Bottleneck Inlet Klewnuggit Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/bottleneck-inlet-klewnuggit-inlet/)
- [Ivory Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/ivory-island/)
- [Milbanke Sound](https://slowboat.com/tag/milbanke-sound/)
- [Klewnuggit Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/klewnuggit-inlet/)
- [Santa Anna Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/santa-anna-inlet/)
- [Shakes Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/shakes-island/)
- [Salty Pantry](https://slowboat.com/tag/salty-pantry/)
- [arctic terns](https://slowboat.com/tag/arctic-terns/)
- [Baranof Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/baranof-island/)
- [Peril Strait](https://slowboat.com/tag/peril-strait/)
- [Beak Restaurant](https://slowboat.com/tag/beak-restaurant/)
- [Mangiare Restaurant](https://slowboat.com/tag/mangiare-restaurant/)
- [Eliason Harbor](https://slowboat.com/tag/eliason-harbor/)
- [Appleton Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/appleton-cove/)
- [Couverden Islands](https://slowboat.com/tag/couverden-islands/)
- [Stevens Passage](https://slowboat.com/tag/stevens-passage/)
- [Tracy Arm Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/tracy-arm-cove/)
- [In Bocca Al Lupo](https://slowboat.com/tag/in-bocca-al-lupo/)
- [Devil's Club Brewing](https://slowboat.com/tag/devils-club-brewing/)
- [Sand Bar & Grill](https://slowboat.com/tag/sand-bar-grill/)
- [Mendenhall Glacier](https://slowboat.com/tag/mendenhall-glacier/)
- [Shrine of St. Terese](https://slowboat.com/tag/shrine-of-st-terese/)
- [Treadwell Mine](https://slowboat.com/tag/treadwell-mine/)
- [Sawmill Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/sawmill-bay/)
- [Funter Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/funter-cove/)
- [William Henry Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/william-henry-bay/)
- [Kochu Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/kochu-island/)
- [Sullivan West Bight](https://slowboat.com/tag/sullivan-west-bight/)
- [Gulf of Alaska](https://slowboat.com/tag/gulf-of-alaska/)
- [Prince William Sound](https://slowboat.com/tag/prince-william-sound/)
- [Lituya Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/lituya-bay/)
- [Ell Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/ell-cove/)
- [Baird Glacier](https://slowboat.com/tag/baird-glacier/)
- [Cascade Creek](https://slowboat.com/tag/cascade-creek/)
- [Icy Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/icy-bay/)
- [Yakutat](https://slowboat.com/tag/yakutat/)
- [Drier Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/drier-bay/)
- [Barnes Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/barnes-cove/)
- [Deep Water Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/deep-water-bay/)
- [Blackstone Glacier](https://slowboat.com/tag/blackstone-glacier/)
- [Whittier](https://slowboat.com/tag/whittier/)
- [West Twin Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/west-twin-bay/)
- [Olsen Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/olsen-bay/)
- [Cordova](https://slowboat.com/tag/cordova/)
- [Beartrap Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/beartrap-bay/)
- [Jackson Hole](https://slowboat.com/tag/jackson-hole/)
- [Heather Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/heather-bay/)
- [Valdez](https://slowboat.com/tag/valdez/)
- [Granite Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/granite-bay/)
- [Cascade Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/cascade-bay/)
- [Quillian Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/quillian-bay/)
- [Unakwik Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/unakwik-inlet/)
- [Meares Glacier](https://slowboat.com/tag/meares-glacier/)
- [College Fiord](https://slowboat.com/tag/college-fiord/)
- [Harvard Glacier](https://slowboat.com/tag/harvard-glacier/)
- [Yale Glacier](https://slowboat.com/tag/yale-glacier/)
- [Tsunami](https://slowboat.com/tag/tsunami/)
- [Barry Arm](https://slowboat.com/tag/barry-arm/)
- [Columbia Glacier](https://slowboat.com/tag/columbia-glacier/)
- [Red Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/red-bay/)
- [Prince of Wales Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/prince-of-wales-island/)
- [Port Beauclerc](https://slowboat.com/tag/port-beauclerc/)
- [Helm Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/helm-bay/)
- [Kumealon](https://slowboat.com/tag/kumealon/)
- [Khutze](https://slowboat.com/tag/khutze/)
- [Rait Narrows](https://slowboat.com/tag/rait-narrows/)
- [Prideaux Haven](https://slowboat.com/tag/prideaux-haven/)
- [Hornby Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/hornby-island/)
- [Tribune Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/tribune-bay/)
- [James Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/james-bay/)
- [Prevost Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/prevost-island/)
- [Tumbo Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/tumbo-island/)
- [San Francisco](https://slowboat.com/tag/san-francisco/)
- [Pacific Coast](https://slowboat.com/tag/pacific-coast/)
- [Bar Crossings](https://slowboat.com/tag/bar-crossings/)
- [Overnight cruising](https://slowboat.com/tag/overnight-cruising/)
- [Santa Barbara](https://slowboat.com/tag/santa-barbara/)
- [Ventura](https://slowboat.com/tag/ventura/)
- [Catalina Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/catalina-island/)
- [Catalina](https://slowboat.com/tag/catalina/)
- [Two Harbors](https://slowboat.com/tag/two-harbors/)
- [Catalina Harbor](https://slowboat.com/tag/catalina-harbor/)
- [Avalon](https://slowboat.com/tag/avalon/)
- [San Diego](https://slowboat.com/tag/san-diego/)
- [Turtle Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/turtle-bay/)
- [Santa Maria](https://slowboat.com/tag/santa-maria/)
- [Los Cabos](https://slowboat.com/tag/los-cabos/)
- [San Jose del Cabo](https://slowboat.com/tag/san-jose-del-cabo/)
- [Puerto Los Cabos](https://slowboat.com/tag/puerto-los-cabos/)
- [Cabo San Lucas](https://slowboat.com/tag/cabo-san-lucas/)
- [Salt](https://slowboat.com/tag/salt/)
- [Bridget Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/bridget-cove/)
- [Carcross](https://slowboat.com/tag/carcross/)
- [Whitehorse](https://slowboat.com/tag/whitehorse/)
- [Dyea](https://slowboat.com/tag/dyea/)
- [Inian Islands](https://slowboat.com/tag/inian-islands/)
- [George Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/george-island/)
- [bubble net feeding](https://slowboat.com/tag/bubble-net-feeding/)
- [Rocky Pass](https://slowboat.com/tag/rocky-pass/)
- [Stedman Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/stedman-cove/)
- [Anita Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/anita-bay/)
- [Kitkun Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/kitkun-bay/)
- [Duke Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/duke-island/)
- [Judd Harbour](https://slowboat.com/tag/judd-harbour/)
- [Sandy Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/sandy-island/)
- [Ganges](https://slowboat.com/tag/ganges/)
- [Saltspring Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/saltspring-island/)
- [Saturna Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/saturna-island/)
- [Mound Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/mound-island/)
- [Green Island Anchorage](https://slowboat.com/tag/green-island-anchorage/)
- [Seaforth Channel](https://slowboat.com/tag/seaforth-channel/)
- [Jackson Passage](https://slowboat.com/tag/jackson-passage/)
- [Quiet Harbor](https://slowboat.com/tag/quiet-harbor/)
- [Pavlof Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/pavlof-bay/)
- [Scow Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/scow-bay/)
- [Redfish Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/redfish-bay/)
- [Puffin Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/puffin-bay/)
- [Cape Ommaney](https://slowboat.com/tag/cape-ommaney/)
- [Toledo Harbor](https://slowboat.com/tag/toledo-harbor/)
- [Gut Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/gut-bay/)
- [Mavic](https://slowboat.com/tag/mavic/)
- [Aerials](https://slowboat.com/tag/aerials/)
- [Honeydew Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/honeydew-cove/)
- [Kah Shakes Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/kah-shakes-cove/)
- [Spicer Islands](https://slowboat.com/tag/spicer-islands/)
- [Anger Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/anger-inlet/)
- [McMicking Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/mcmicking-inlet/)
- [Campania Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/campania-island/)
- [Kent Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/kent-inlet/)
- [Mary Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/mary-cove/)
- [Alexander Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/alexander-inlet/)
- [Kisameet Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/kisameet-bay/)
- [Secure Anchorage](https://slowboat.com/tag/secure-anchorage/)
- [Sunfish](https://slowboat.com/tag/sunfish/)
- [Mola mola](https://slowboat.com/tag/mola-mola/)
- [Race Passage](https://slowboat.com/tag/race-passage/)
- [Cape Mudge](https://slowboat.com/tag/cape-mudge/)
- [Dodd Narrows](https://slowboat.com/tag/dodd-narrows/)
- [Long Harbour](https://slowboat.com/tag/long-harbour/)
- [Aurora](https://slowboat.com/tag/aurora/)
- [Discovery Passage](https://slowboat.com/tag/discovery-passage/)
- [Phillips Arm](https://slowboat.com/tag/phillips-arm/)
- [Finlayson Channel](https://slowboat.com/tag/finlayson-channel/)
- [Baby Bear Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/baby-bear-bay/)
- [Stephens Passage](https://slowboat.com/tag/stephens-passage/)
- [South Sawyer Glacker](https://slowboat.com/tag/south-sawyer-glacker/)
- [Fisherman's Daughter](https://slowboat.com/tag/fishermans-daughter/)
- [Point Adolphus](https://slowboat.com/tag/point-adolphus/)
- [Mosquito Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/mosquito-cove/)
- [sea lions](https://slowboat.com/tag/sea-lions/)
- [Mosquito Pass](https://slowboat.com/tag/mosquito-pass/)
- [Lisianski Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/lisianski-inlet/)
- [Pinta Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/pinta-bay/)
- [Imperial Passage](https://slowboat.com/tag/imperial-passage/)
- [Leesoffskaia Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/leesoffskaia-bay/)
- [Redoubt Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/redoubt-bay/)
- [Three Entrance Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/three-entrance-bay/)
- [Sitka Sound](https://slowboat.com/tag/sitka-sound/)
- [Morris Reef](https://slowboat.com/tag/morris-reef/)
- [bubblenet feeding](https://slowboat.com/tag/bubblenet-feeding/)
- [Cape Fanshaw](https://slowboat.com/tag/cape-fanshaw/)
- [humpback whales](https://slowboat.com/tag/humpback-whales/)
- [Windham Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/windham-bay/)
- [Bradfield Canal](https://slowboat.com/tag/bradfield-canal/)
- [Harding River](https://slowboat.com/tag/harding-river/)
- [Saycuritay Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/saycuritay-cove/)
- [Principe Channel](https://slowboat.com/tag/principe-channel/)
- [Pitt Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/pitt-island/)
- [Racey Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/racey-inlet/)
- [Otter Passage](https://slowboat.com/tag/otter-passage/)
- [Bone Anchorage](https://slowboat.com/tag/bone-anchorage/)
- [Bone Ache](https://slowboat.com/tag/bone-ache/)
- [Roscoe Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/roscoe-inlet/)
- [Quartcha Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/quartcha-bay/)
- [Oyster Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/oyster-cove/)
- [Blenkinsop Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/blenkinsop-bay/)
- [Pacific white-sided dolphins](https://slowboat.com/tag/pacific-white-sided-dolphins/)
- [Gowlland Harbour](https://slowboat.com/tag/gowlland-harbour/)
- [Lund](https://slowboat.com/tag/lund/)
- [Smuggler Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/smuggler-cove/)
- [Irish Cove](https://slowboat.com/tag/irish-cove/)
- [LaConner](https://slowboat.com/tag/laconner/)
- [Telegraph Harbour](https://slowboat.com/tag/telegraph-harbour/)
- [Comox](https://slowboat.com/tag/comox/)
- [Comox Bar](https://slowboat.com/tag/comox-bar/)
- [Small Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/small-inlet/)
- [Van Isle 360](https://slowboat.com/tag/van-isle-360/)
- [Dall's Porposes](https://slowboat.com/tag/dalls-porposes/)
- [Kwakume Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/kwakume-inlet/)
- [Dryad Point Lighthouse](https://slowboat.com/tag/dryad-point-lighthouse/)
- [Wright Sound](https://slowboat.com/tag/wright-sound/)
- [Watts Narrows](https://slowboat.com/tag/watts-narrows/)
- [Venn Passage](https://slowboat.com/tag/venn-passage/)
- [Pond Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/pond-bay/)
- [Green Island Lighthouse](https://slowboat.com/tag/green-island-lighthouse/)
- [Oceanview Restaurant](https://slowboat.com/tag/oceanview-restaurant/)
- [totem poles](https://slowboat.com/tag/totem-poles/)
- [Creek Street](https://slowboat.com/tag/creek-street/)
- [Bush Pilots' Lounge](https://slowboat.com/tag/bush-pilots-lounge/)
- [Kasaan Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/kasaan-bay/)
- [tree grapple](https://slowboat.com/tag/tree-grapple/)
- [The Claw](https://slowboat.com/tag/the-claw/)
- [glacial lake](https://slowboat.com/tag/glacial-lake/)
- [Tebenkoff Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/tebenkoff-bay/)
- [Tebenkof Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/tebenkof-bay/)
- [Northern Chatham Strait](https://slowboat.com/tag/northern-chatham-strait/)
- [Sitka's Hidden Wonders](https://slowboat.com/tag/sitkas-hidden-wonders/)
- [Freshwater Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/freshwater-bay/)
- [Point Retreat](https://slowboat.com/tag/point-retreat/)
- [Sumdum Glacier](https://slowboat.com/tag/sumdum-glacier/)
- [Wood Spit](https://slowboat.com/tag/wood-spit/)
- [Holkham Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/holkham-bay/)
- [En Bocca al Lupo](https://slowboat.com/tag/en-bocca-al-lupo/)
- [Pel'meni](https://slowboat.com/tag/pelmeni/)
- [Inian Pass](https://slowboat.com/tag/inian-pass/)
- [Chichagof Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/chichagof-island/)
- [gold mining](https://slowboat.com/tag/gold-mining/)
- [Hirst-Chichagof Mine](https://slowboat.com/tag/hirst-chichagof-mine/)
- [Kalinin Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/kalinin-bay/)
- [Hanus Bay](https://slowboat.com/tag/hanus-bay/)
- [Salisbury Sound](https://slowboat.com/tag/salisbury-sound/)
- [Honeydew](https://slowboat.com/tag/honeydew/)
- [Keku Strait](https://slowboat.com/tag/keku-strait/)
- [Snug Harbor](https://slowboat.com/tag/snug-harbor/)
- [Untamed Coast](https://slowboat.com/tag/untamed-coast/)
- [Nepean Sound](https://slowboat.com/tag/nepean-sound/)
- [salmon fishing](https://slowboat.com/tag/salmon-fishing/)
- [Dunn Passage](https://slowboat.com/tag/dunn-passage/)
- [Laredo Channel](https://slowboat.com/tag/laredo-channel/)
- [Pointer Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/pointer-island/)
- [Lama Passage](https://slowboat.com/tag/lama-passage/)
- [Sunday Harbour](https://slowboat.com/tag/sunday-harbour/)
- [Crib Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/crib-island/)
- [Angular Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/angular-island/)
- [Nanaimo Port Authority](https://slowboat.com/tag/nanaimo-port-authority/)
- [Troller's Fish & Chips](https://slowboat.com/tag/trollers-fish-chips/)
- [Penny's Palapa](https://slowboat.com/tag/pennys-palapa/)
- [Stuart Channel](https://slowboat.com/tag/stuart-channel/)
- [Matia Island](https://slowboat.com/tag/matia-island/)
- [Bella Bella](https://slowboat.com/tag/bella-bella/)
- [Vixen Inlet](https://slowboat.com/tag/vixen-inlet/)
- [Sons of Norway](https://slowboat.com/tag/sons-of-norway/)
- [Bingo](https://slowboat.com/tag/bingo/)
- [Sergius Narrows](https://slowboat.com/tag/sergius-narrows/)
- [Icy Strait Point](https://slowboat.com/tag/icy-strait-point/)
- [Skyglider Gondola](https://slowboat.com/tag/skyglider-gondola/)