Waking up in Meyers Chuck, we arranged for a breakfast of cinnamon rolls for our fleet and neighboring vessels along the dock from the local postmaster, Cassie. She has been known for her cinnamon rolls for quite some time, as her and her husband have lived in Meyers Chuck since the early 1960s. They are a few of the longest known residents of the small town, raising two boys and donating their artistic talents to the community over the years. After handing out some of her most delicious works of art, the fleet readied their lines and we all set off on an early start, taking advantage of the incredibly low slack tide and back into Clarence Strait we went.

As we left Meyers Chuck the fleet was able to navigate with confidence and communicate with questions that helped alleviate any concerns that would arise regarding vessel maneuverings and operations during such a unique environmental state. As we followed a single file orientation, crew on the decks were getting the hang of things with keeping the vessel in ship shape while we transitioned into getting underway: stowing lines, fenders, and making sure all was secure before we reentered open waterways.

Cruising North we exited Clarence Strait and entered into Ernest Sound, making a stop by the small, Easterly Island. This island is known by frequent boaters to be a haulout spot for Stellar Sea Lions. Haulouts are known as places for rest and reproductions while rookeries are places of pupping. Both haulout locations and rookeries are often returned to by colonies of stellar sea lions during different seasonal behavior. As we cruised by the congregation, the largest male had the highest shoreline rock territory and was intent on holding his ground. However, as our vessels rounded the island and kept a respectable distance, the male hobbled to the tidal line to make sure he was ready to defend the community if need be.

After spending a fair amount of time among the entertainingly interesting marine mammals, we continued making way towards Santa Anna Inlet and arrived around noon. Rafting up a few vessels and supporting others in their desire to anchor out, everyone quickly settled into home base. The sun welcomed us to continue our explorations for the day we dropped kayaks in the water and launched dinghies for an afternoon of adventuring.

Santa Anna Inlet is a popular boating destination with protected waters and expansive scenery. As we embarked on our recreations for the rest of the day we couldn’t help but keep a smile across our faces while we explored the remote shorelines, rushing waterfalls, and intriguing remnants of what appeared to be an old cannery, all under the sweet rays of a warm late spring sun.

Climbing into the forest the soft mosses had grown around scattered old equipment with grace, reclaiming their grounds as the cannery operation was abandoned and materials left behind. Exploring the open ground coverage throughout the forest floor the vivid plant life was vibrant with resilience and perseverance at every turn.

Checking out the different species that covered the old cannery relics, we were able to identify an organism that I had never seen in a flowering like state before, Fan Moss. The shiny green leaves take on a flower like appearance, yet the glassy characteristics of the plant immediately caught my eye as a fan moss, it was quite a beautiful sight to see.

Back at the raft there was a knot tying course taking place, with some of our crew running through our most used knots in securing lines: clove hitches, bowlines, larks head and the gasket hitch. ­­It’s one of our favorite parts about cruising alongside a community of people who love being on the water because we all get to share our knowledge about what we’ve experienced, and share how we’ve learned best to retain the skills we have.

Settling into our evening the stunning golden glow of the sunset tucked us into our evenings softly. It can be quite disorienting to fall asleep when the sun is still in the sky, but to be lulled by a sun that sets in golden hues shifting to pinks and blues is always quite comforting.

P.S. Is Alaska on your bucket list? We can take you there! Email us to reserve your spot on our 2023 Mother Goose AK Flotilla. charters@nwexplorations.com