Unexpected Summer

We were sure summer had pasted us by while we waited and waited and waited for engine parts to arrive but we were wrong. We are enjoying an unexpected hot spell that is giving us sunburns and sailing winds. Perfect Timing!!!

September 9
Red Bluff Bay is perhaps the most spectacular combination of mountains, waterfalls, ice fields and brown bears. The view of the steely gray high peaks of Barnof Island is breathtaking. During our 3 day stay we sighted 28 brown bears (fishing, wrestling with each other, mom with cubs and big males.)Of course the pinks were running so it was a free for all.

September 13
From Red Bluff we headed to Kake, a Tlingit community of 497 and boasts Alaska's tallest totem pole (132.5 feet.) The community stretches along the waterfront of Kupreanof Island and each building has an unbelievable view of the mountains of Baranof Island. The marina is a 3 mile walk into the heart of town, which is the only location our cells phone would work from. Moose season opened the day we left.

September 15-17
Chapin Bay was our next destination on Admiralty Island. This quick hop from Kake provided whale watching and to our great surprise ice burgs!!! Here we have recuperated from the "Big City", fishing, (more halibut for dinner) exploring and more bear watching. I'm happy to report it has been nothing but hot sunny days since we arrived.
At some point we leave here and head to Barnof Warm Springs- natural hot springs.

September 18
This morning Jim decided to go on deck and enjoy his coffee in the unseasonably warm weather, with the sun beating down on deck he called for me to join him. Focusing on visual cues I immediately asked if I should bring my binos. When I reached his side, he simply said "listen", the whales were signing in Frederick Sound outside Chapin Bay, their voices echoed through the tall trees surrounding our anchorage. It was simply a treat, one that makes you stop to think about all we miss on a daily bases.