Foggy Bay to Prince Rupert

The alarm sounded and we awoke to dim morning light with light rain and mist. The goal was to try to beat the worst of the forecast winds by leaving as early as feasible.

A quick shower and I was on deck retrieving the stern line and moving the dinghy to the port side of Alaskan Dream so we could maneuver. Karen followed shortly and we cast off our lines from Grand Adventure. The anchor rode pulled us away from the raft of six Grand Banks as we proceeded to haul anchor.

After the anchor was secured onboard, we quickly took the dinghy aboard and secured it for the forecast three to four foot waves.

We departed Foggy Bay at 5am, leaving the rest of the fleet to finish dismantling the raft. Our early departure was based on our plan to run a bit slower than Mother Goose typically goes, about 7 knots instead of eight. This conserves about 20% more fuel during the passage. Also, our plan was to run down the eastern shore while the fleet is planning to cross over to Dundas Island, travel behind the protection of the small islands off of Dundas, and then make a crossing at the point of shortest distance.

My take on the weather was different than the forecast on the radio, so my plan was to expose myself to any beam seas early before they had an opportunity to build.

This northern and eastern route (see Douglass and Douglass) also has a few options to run on the inside of some islands, such as Tongass Passage, if the sea state dictates.

As we departed Foggy Bay, the bay itself was full of swells approaching 3 feet with a very short period. It was not a great ride, but as we got into open water and proceeded southeast, the ride improved substantially.

Overall, my forecast of 15 knots winds and seas less than 2 feet was spot on and we were able to take the most direct route to Prince Rupert.

Alaskan Dream was the first to arrive on the docks with Patos tying up shortly thereafter. Clearing Canadian Customs was the usual quick and efficient phone call at the pay phone in front of the Prince Rupert Yacht Club. (There is a toll free number pasted to the inside of the phone booth, so no Loonies required)

The colors change every year, but you'll find these visible at low tide

Dollys Resturant

Karen takes advantage of the WIFI at the market

A late lunch was at Dolly’s, a fish monger who also serves great food. The atmosphere is simple with a slight smell of fresh fish, but the food is fresh and very good. They are a short two block walk from the Yacht Club, and they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

We accomplished our mission of getting wine, a fishing license, some Canadian money from the ATM, and finished provisioning at the Safeway for those items we could not bring in to Canada from the U.S.

Dinner was with Lance & Kathy at the Breakers pub - a place for a decent burger and fries.

The night was pretty calm, though Karen noted that about 2am, there was some rocking and rolling despite being tied to the dock.

Ketchikan to Foggy Bay

Breakfast on the boat in Ketchikan - Must eat the fresh fruit early in the trip

Well no surprises here, it’s raining in Ketchikan. The Mother Goose fleet is planning an 8am departure. The wind is forecast to be 15-20 knots and we expect a nice but bumpy ride. Three of the six boats are stabilized (including ours!), but the other three will experience some rolling motion today.

As we worked our way south, we saw very little traffic once we left the Ketchikan area. No pleasure boats were to be found, and only the occasional fisherman was spotted. We saw a couple of tugs with their tows, but all in all it was a trip devoid of ships and wildlife.

Cruise Ships and Float Planes? It must be Ketchikan!

The rain was on and off again all day. Not really a factor in our travels. Once we arrived at Foggy Bay, Deception made fast a stern tie and then called each boat in turn until all were rafted. The two outside 49’s were each rigged with a stern tie to shore and their anchors were carried out and dropped by Captain Rich and Jordan using the dinghy.

Deception crew sets her stern line

Building the raft

The little dinghy that could

While successful, it became difficult for the little 9.9 hp Honda outboard to pull it’s load as more and more chain was paid out. The target was 200 feet of rode, but at about 150 feet Rich and the Honda both decided that it was time to set the 100lb. anchor.

Five of Six boats rafted in Foggy Bay

Shortly thereafter, we launched the dinghy for an excursion up Very Inlet in hopes of seeing some black bear and anything else that caught our fancy. The rain would come and go, and with it our interest in staying out too long. We did manage to travel a few miles up to the first rapids. They were running too strong on our bow to warrant an attempt at running them. So a quick about face, and we returned to Alaskan Dream with the cold mist in our faces.

Karen in her favorite spot in the dinghy

After shedding the foul weather gear, I finished up making some dip for a little planned socialization onboard Deception. Every boat brought a little snack or appetizer and whatever was their pleasure to drink. We spent a nice time getting to know one another. Rich and Emmelina briefed us on the next day’s travels and also what we can expect in the Haida Gwaii, two days out.

Where we are going, called Gwaii Haanas (The Beautiful Islands) is an Indian reservation and protected area, so they have their rules and regulations designed to protect the lands, seas and wildlife. Not a problem and understandable, we just need to clarify what is expected from us in our travels. More on this as we get closer to the islands.

The fleet has a 5:30am departure time tomorrow so by 8:30 I was asleep.