Cruised at 29 knots up Lyn Channel to Skagway.   Passed awesome glaciers, stunning shorelines and enjoyed the short journey.   Wandered the town after docking.

Webmaster note: The above satelite image of Alaska with the red points, and others like it in this trip presentation, represent the tide data gathering sites of NOAA, to whom we are grateful for making them available as many of the sites coinside with the "ports of call" of "The Great Alaskan Adventure" of our crews, their exceptional Glacier Bay "cats" and the unbelievable engines from SUZUKI.

Day 2-- Returned to Juneau from Skagway and dropped off some of the folks.   We are now three persons on each boat and headed for Elfin Cove, a beautiful area with lots of wild life.

58° 11' N Latitude, 136° 20' W Longitude The tiny seacoast village of Elfin Cove lies on the northern shore of Chichagof Island, 90 miles west of Juneau. The area's maritime climate is characterized by cool summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures range from 52 to 63; winter temperatures are 26 to 39. The village has appeared on maps since 1930. A post office was established in 1935. The economy consists of commercial fishing, sport fishing and tourism-related services such as fishing charters. A State-owned seaplane base is available, and skiffs are the primary means of local transportation. The State Ferry lands at nearby Pelican.

Day 3-- Elfin Cove to Yakutat. Mostly open water running fast and smooth. We stayed at Eagle Charters (1-888-828-1970) in Elfin Cove. Eagle Charters is a new operation catering to anglers, wildlife watchers or those who want to create their own adventure.

One of the few refuges for vessels along this area of the coast, Yakutat Bay was the principle winter village site of the local Tlingit Indian Tribe. Russian's came to the area in search of sea otter pelts. They in turn were followed by the gold seekers working the black sand beaches. The first salmon cannery was built here in 1904. Today salmon, black cod, halibut and crab fisheries make up the main economy. Yakutat gained national attention in 1986 when Hubbard Glacier surged and sealed off the mouth of Russell Fiord. The Malaspina Glacier, the largest on the North American Continent, is located Northwest of town. There is daily jet service and charter aircraft, 3 lodges, 4 bed & breakfasts, 1 inn, 2 gift shops, a bank, 2 grocery stores, 2 hardware stores, a café, clinic, post office and gas station in town. Boat rental, car rental and taxi service are available also.

Day 4 -- Yakutat to Cordova. More open, really rough water, getting closer.  While in Cordova we stayed at the Reluctant Fishermen. (907) 424-3274

Cordova occupies a hilly site on the eastern shore of Prince William Sound at the head of Orca Inlet. Awesome mountains, greenery, water and sky make Cordova one of Alaska's most scenic spots. Cordova's climate is similar to that of Washington State. The mean yearly temperature is 38 degrees. Summer temperatures average 55 to 70 degrees; and winter, 20 to 35 degrees above zero. Cordova can be reached by air and ocean transportation. Alaska Airlines serves Cordova on their Juneau to Anchorage flight. Cordova-bound passengers may board at either Juneau or Anchorage. The town is served by two auto-passenger ferryliners (see Southwest Ferry System in the index). Alaska's road system does not yet extend to Cordova but plans are being made to extend the highway from McCarthy at some point.

Day 5 -- Cordova to Whittier, Prince William Sound. Exciting day, neat to look back on from hotel room. Expecting great hot dinner tonight. Beautiful glaciers and icebergs everywhere. The Suzuki engines are as great as the Suzuki Rep we have on board. While in Whittier we stayed at the Anchor Inn...Yikes, a pit!

The city itself is a historical landmark, established by the U.S. Army during World War II. The Whittier railroad to Portage was completed in 1943 and became the primary debarkation point for cargo, troops, and dependents of the Alaska Command. In 1948 the military began construction of the first of two buildings for their military personnel as the Port of Whittier was then recognized as an ice-free, deep water port strategically located to Anchorage and Interior Alaska. This remained active until 1960 at which time the total population was 1,200. The city of Whittier, incorporated in 1969, purchased the town site from the federal government in 1973. Today, less than 300 people reside in the town supporting the Alaska State Ferry, the Alaska Railroad, the Alaska Hydra Train, the military tank farm for aviation fuel, the Small Boat Harbor and tourism in general.

Day 6 -- Whittier to Seward. Long breathtaking day.

Situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is one of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic communities. Known as the "Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park" Seward is a picturesque town located 126 miles south of Anchorage. Visitors can easily reach us via the Seward Highway Scenic Byway, the Alaska Railroad, bus, air, or cruise ship. Or by Glacier Bay "Cat’s" powered by SUZUKI.

At 3,022 feet, towering Mt. Marathon provides a breathtaking backdrop for the town. Behind Mt. Marathon and extending down the coast lies the Harding Icefield, measuring 35 by 20 miles. Flowing from the Harding Icefield are many glaciers, eight of which are tidewater glaciers, calving icebergs into the sea, reaching the coastline between Seward and Homer.

Day 7 -- Halibut fishing in Seward. Details on catch to follow.

Day 8 -- Seward to Seldovia. Heavy fog smooth seas.

Day 9 -- Seldovia to Homer!!!!!!!!

The last day has been a short,17 mile,leg from Seldovia to Homer, a short flight to Ankorage and a LONG flight to Seattle. I will land in Seattle, do my radio show on KVI 570 at 5:00 A.M. PDT (you can listen on the WEB through the KVI link on our page) and go home to bed!!! Listen in and call or join our chat room in this site. We have a lot to get caught up on. Thanks for following our "Adventure", I know a lot of you have been checking in... John