Sitka and beyond

We haven't posted a blog for a while, so here goes - trying to catch up. More pictures to follow.

We arrived in Sitka on Monday, July 14th. We LOVE Sitka, and we had such a wonderful time there; it is a beautiful city, the first 'capital' of the state of Alaska, and where the transaction took place for the US purchase of the state from Russia, for $7,200,000. There are many interesting historical sites that tell the story of the Russian occupation, the native indian presence, and the transition to american society.

While there we reconnected with dear YWAM friends, Gary and Coke Oines who showered us with true Alaskan hospitality. Coke gave us the use of her VW van, so we could see the extent of the city as well as get some of our errands done; she also introduced us to their son Cleve who was our chef on board one evening, and we had such a wonderful meal together. Prior to this, Dan's brother Hugh and our sister-in-law Barbara flew in from Seattle, so we have been able to share this experience with them as they are travelling with us this week.

When departed from Sitka on Friday morning and are now working our way south - that means we are heading home! it is a great feeling, and especially to be moving closer to 'summer' weather. This must be a year of record rainfall and cold temperatures for Alaska. Need I say more.

Along the route from Sitka, we have retraced some of our journey, particularly through Peril Strait (appropriately named for the tricky narrow winding passage); we got to a beautiful inlet called Baranof Warm Springs Inlet, so named because of the hot sulphur springs that are available for travellers to enjoy. The little village has constructed a nice bathhouse with piped in sulphur water into nice clean tubs, where you can relax in your own private chalet overlooking the waterfalls and the ocean. Very spectacular, and therapeutic. We had a wonderful hike to the actual natural hot springs pools, about a half mile up the mountain and right at the side of the rushing river. Of course, Dan had to experience those pools as well.

Today, as we travelled toward Petersburg, we acquired the help of a young native fellow, named Chevy, to come on board and show us where the best halibut fishing grounds are. True to his word, he led us to the very spot, and in a short time, Dan and Hugh had landed four lovely (read ugly) halibut, the largest about 26 pounds. We enjoyed a large fillet on the barbecue as we cruised away from that spot.

As we cruised on, we had the excitement of watching spectacular whale shows for miles in Frederick Sound. One huge humpback would not get out of our way, and was so close under our bow that the captain had to put engines in reverse to keep off him.

So amazing. We have also seen many playful sea lions, and look closely at the green marker buoy where 5 sea lions are snoozing...

And now we are in Petersburg, for the second time, having been here exactly one month ago on our way north! All is well; we are enjoying having company along, and have had to eat seafood every day for the past week, there has been such an abundance. Can't eat too much seafood!