Today we embarked on a three-week long adventure from Ketchikan, AK to Bellingham, WA!  Excitement was in the air as we cast off our lines and headed out of the harbor.  For some of our skippers it was their first time driving their boats and for others it felt like being reacquainted with an old friend.

Our guests have traveled from all over the US to be here.  We have folks from Washington, California, Texas, and North Carolina.  We’ve spent a few days in Ketchikan preparing for our journey.  We’ve been busy gathering provisions and settling in to life onboard.  Each skipper and crew have been working with Captains Rich and Jordan in order to get to know their boat systems and learn to operate their vessels.  After all of this preparation, we were ready to get out on the water!

We waved goodbye to the city of Ketchikan and the busy cruise ship terminals and headed out into the wilderness of the Inside Passage.  After only about an hour underway, we spotted a solitary humpback foraging close to shore!  We watched it take a couple of breaths and dives and marveled at the height of the misty air created with every exhale.

Our route today took us along small forested islands and through areas with many rocky reefs.  Before reaching Foggy Bay, Captain Rich had us stop and practice man overboard drills.  Each boat had a turn practicing their maneuvering skills as they attempted to retrieve life rings from the water.  Foggy Bay anchorage is tucked in behind a small island, a narrow winding entrance takes you back to the secluded and quiet bay.  Upon arrival, Patos and Discovery decided to anchor out on their own and the rest of us rafted together.

We spent a lovely afternoon exploring the nearby tidal rapids.  It’s amazing to see the force of these tides and the rapids they create.  Back at the boats, David and his daughters Ava and Lila even went for a swim!  Afterward, everyone came over to Deception for a happy hour.  We enjoyed an evening full of great food and company.  It was a wonderful start to a great trip!