Entering and Leaving Swanson Harbor

Posted on May 21, 2016 by Fred Cooper

Swanson Harbor, where Icy Strait, Lynn Canal, and Chatham Strait all meet up, is a popular anchorage. But a word of caution for boaters who are not local: stay clear of the reef, known as Sharp Ledge, on the southwest side of the entrance. Stay on a course for Rocky Island until well past the kelp. When leaving the harbor it can be tempting to turn west into Icy Strait towards Glacier Bay too soon. Also be aware of a drying spit at the NW tip of Couverden Island just outside the State float.

Posted in Alaska, Anchorages, Harbor Notes | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Resting on the Buoy

Posted on May 20, 2016 by Andrew Cooper
Resting on the Buoy

Sealions rest on the Wrangell Channel entrance buoy

Posted in Photo of the Week | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Sealion Beach Trail, Kruzof Island

Posted on May 15, 2016 by Fred Cooper

For the adventurous hikers, there is a very interesting trail on Kruzof Island north of Sitka. It starts on the west of side of the meadow at the south end of Kalinin Bay and ends at a pristine sand beach on the west side of the island. The trail goes through muskeg country over board walks and along the shore of a small lake before dropping down to marsh meadows. It is about 3.5 miles one way. The start of the trail can be precarious as you pass through active brown bear habitat. One time we counted over 40 piles of bear scat from the shoreline to the trail marker at the tree line. Go in a group and make lots of noise. Also, be careful on some of the board walks as they can be slippery. This is a lovely, moderate hike and a welcome relief from perhaps days of being boat bound.

images_trails_sealioncove_map1
Map Credit: SitkaTrailworks.org

Posted in Alaska, Travel Hints | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Special Limited Offer

Posted on May 12, 2016 by Fred Cooper

There are only a few weeks of remaining availability for the Nordic Quest for bareboat charter in 2016 and for a limited time, a $300 per day refund is being offered directly by the owner. But you have to make your booking and full payment by June 25th. Charter must be for a minimum of seven days. Dates still available are July 21-30 and August 14-31. Use the link to Nordic Tug Charters to make your booking and submitting your skipper qualifications. Once payment clears, you’ll receive your refund. This is a fantastic offer so make your plans now.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Splash Day

Posted on May 9, 2016 by Fred Cooper

The weather had been bad for several days with winds up to 40 knots and five footers in Auke Bay, but today it laid down. It was a long awaited moment. The shrinkwrap was removed and at high tide this afternoon the Nordic Quest was splashed after five months on the dry at Juneau, Alaska. De-winterizing steps along with pre-season maintenance are now underway.

NQ Splash_050816

I have received some pretty good fishing reports for the Juneau area involving great catches of Kings, halibut and Dungeness crag. So I am looking forward to the first cruise which will be from Juneau to Sitka. The 2016 summer will be a busy time.

 

Posted in Alaska, Cruising, Fishing, News | Leave a comment

It is May and Time to Travel North to Alaska

Posted on May 3, 2016 by Fred Cooper

The geese and ducks are flying north by the thousands. The spring flowers are blooming. The humpback whales migrating from Hawaiian waters are nearing their destination. It is time to plan and make reservations for Alaska. Whether it is a visit to Southeast Alaska or an extended trip that includes Alaska’s interior, 2016 is going to be a great year to visit. I have posted a video from TravelAlaska.com.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Photo of the Week – Warrior Pole at Shearwater, BC

Posted on January 6, 2016 by Fred Cooper

Warrior's Pole

Posted in BC Places, British Columbia, Harbor Notes, Photo of the Week | Tagged | Leave a comment

Photo of the Week – Sentinels of the Past

Posted on December 30, 2015 by Fred Cooper

Sentinels of a Past Era

Posted in Alaskan History, Photo of the Week | Leave a comment

Happy Holidays

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Fred Cooper
Iceberg and Snowfields in Endicott Arm; photo by Larry Westerman

Iceberg and Snowfields in Endicott Arm; photo by Larry Westerman

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

On the Hard in Juneau

Posted on November 8, 2015 by Fred Cooper

Under Wraps for the WinterI think I have mentioned this before that winters in SE Alaska are hard on boats. Most remain moored at a slip in a harbor such as Harris, Aurora or Auke Bay in the Juneau area or at marinas in communities such as Hoonah, Kake, Wrangell, Petersburg, or Ketchikan. You double your dock ties, drain your water systems and leave your boat connected to shore power with interior heaters.  That is about all you can do except worry. Come spring you lift your boat out, pressure wash the bottom and change the zincs and de-winterize.

In 2014, Juneau Docks and Harbors completed a $10 million commercial boat loading facility that included a haul out ramp and dry land storage for about 13 vessels. There is a Sea Lift capable of handling up to 35 tons. The dry slips are available on a first come basis and shore power is available. I was lucky enough to rent a slot and went the extra mile to have the Nordic Quest shrink wrapped to avoid problems from ice and snow build up.

Posted in Alaska, Cruising, Harbor Notes | Tagged , , | Leave a comment