Rain and Sun in Sitka

After leaving Tenakee Springs, we headed south into Peril Strait. There were a number of whale sightings including a bubble feed about 1 mile ahead as we entered Peril Strait. The whales had dispersed by the time we got close enough for pictures. We anchored in Appleton cove in brisk winds, gusting to 25 knots. After making sure the hook was set in the relatively soft mud bottom (it took 2 tries), we set two crab pots and called it a day after watching the dvd's "No Reservations" followed by "Year One". After those two shows, we felt we had destroyed enough brain cells for one evening.

We arrived in Sitka on Friday afternoon after an uneventful trip via Peril Strait, Kakul Narrows, Neva Strait and Olga Strait from Appleton Cove. We did catch some crab which was converted into crab cakes for Friday's dinner. We moored in Eliason Harbor which was called North Thomsen Harbor the last time we were here.

Things have changed. The "eagle tree" is no longer the venue for dozens of bald eagles since the city has stopped letting fish scraps be put on the beach and does not allow fish cleaning in the harbor. There are still some birds, including ravens, ospreys, crows and bald eagles, but not in the numbers we had seen before. The people on the dock were as friendly as ever, and we ran into "Augenblick", "Panta Rhei" and "Dilligaf" in just a few minutes. We exchanged route info and good harbors we had experienced. Augenblick is nursing a sick dog, and the two sailboats are heading out the outside of Chichagof Island on the way to their reservation in Glacier Bay.

The rain and sun alternated all evening, with shirtsleeves in the sun. No one here seems concerned and most do not even wear rain gear. We had both the crab cakes and grilled burgers (of course it rained while BBQing) for dinner.

The Sitka music festival started Friday evening, and there were even a few fireworks late. They were part of the festival and it was fun to watch.

Saturday we reserved for maintenance while the ladies went up into Sitka. The rain and sun continued to alternate all day. Patrick changed main engine oil and filter, cleaned watermaker filters, installed additional support struts on the TV covers in the staterooms, and began the rod holder installation. Still more work on the rod holders since Patrick broke the drill bit trying to drill the holes. Tough fiberglass.

Saturday night we went to the Channel Club for dinner, courtesy of Julie and her contacts in the wine, beer and spirits distribution industry. The dinner was great, with champagne, king crab, white king salmon, halibut, steak, great drinks, and great desserts. The courtesy van to and from the Channel Club made the entire round trip enjoyable.

The weather is clearing to the west!

We now show 1489 nautical miles on the log on day 36.

Sunday dawned clear as Julie and Kathy packed to leave and we prepared for Jim and Sarah Alvey and Bob and Diane Tucker to arrive. Our guests arrived about 1330 and after unpacking we headed to the store for fishing licenses and final provisions, as well as searching for a possible place to eat. The restaurant choices on Sunday are limited and after looking at several, finding others closed, stopped at the Pioneer Bar. The consensus was to cook steaks on board. The weather was nice, so we opened up the canvas on the flybridge and had our meal there. A trip back to the Pioneer Bar capped off the evening.

Monday morning is again clear as we prepare to leave, and the weather report looks fair for the next few days. We will be out of internet contact for several days, but the plan includes Goddard Hot Springs, Kalinin Bay for a few days for fishing. Our plans do not go any further.