(Bandwidth does not allow pictures will update later)
Sitka Ferry Harbour to North Neva island, 26 km.
We took advantage of the jet lag to get an early start to the day. Coffee ready at 0545 and then John came and made us some more…
It is always interesting to pack the kayaks on day one. Will everything fit in? Well, with the kayak trolleys we knew there would be some deck cargo.
We also plan to carry tent and tarp as deck cargo instead of stuffing soaking wet stuff in the hatches.
As always we just made it work. Three days in as we figure out better how to pack (and eat a bit of the provisions) kayak cargo capacity usually increases by 25%.
We set off about 0930 in perfect conditions, paddled for about three hours and found a perfect place for a long lunch.
Had a long lunch. Mikko served chili con carne, the sun came out, no wind. Just the way we prefer.
We then paddled for another couple of hours to where we knew there would be an “emergency shelter”; that is a three wall construction with an open front. (Gapahuk). This one even came with a wood fired oven.
Along the way we saw many tens of bald eagles and just one lonely seagull.
We also saw a dozen or so fishing boats, most appeared to be recreational. Some had made some catch and the system was that a table was erected at the back to cleanse the fish while speeding home.
Offal went overboard, which is probably why bald eagles were perched on trees alongside the shipping lane and often took a trip out to inspect (for offal?) each time a boat passed.
The weather forecast for Thursday is such that we plan to stay here and wait it out. Or maybe paddle just 10 km further to another shelter to be well positioned to cross some exposed stretches on Friday.
But anyway no point in trying to go outside of Chicchagof island in gale force winds and torrential rain.
That is tomorrow’s problems. Tonight it is just light clouds no rain even the occasional glimpse of the sun. An it is pancakes for dinner!
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