Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Sitka, first snow

Our first snow is upon us.

Jim is now dressing to match his truck. 

 The day began with a slow but steady sprinkling of snow and picked up during the day. This morning we woke up to about 6 inches. It's great fun as long as the wind dies down.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

A day of flying over Sitka.



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We are at last settled back in Sitka. In fact we are on the same dock and within 2 slips of where we were before heading to Kodiak. It's good to be back, however both of us had forgotten how much it rains here. Rain coats, hat, pants and even rain shoes are worn daily, but the walking is fantastic, as you can walk anywhere in this town.
Jim has been able to get a few days of flying in. The weather has cleared enough for some quick trips. He's also done some hunting. Thanks to friends their freezer is full and we are all enjoying fantastic venison.

To our friends still out on the high seas we are watching your travels.

 Wishing you all fair winds.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Water Maker

It has been over 16 years since we have had to think   about getting water. However that has now changed, the alternator on the gen set bit the dust in our last anchorage. We now are into collecting water and pulling into spots that have water available.

I didn't really realize how much freedom having a water maker gives you. The actual water maker is still going strong.

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Saturday, July 13, 2013

When a cruise ship drops anchor what do you do?

Having been on a cruise ship I am very familiar with the great food and especially the fantastic sweets. Today when the Ms Bremen dropped anchor in Elfin Cove and brought their guest ashore, I being the shy person I am sought out the man in charge to request chocolate cake.
It wasn't long before the captain himself brought treats aboard Cape St James. No chocolate cake available but sweets that were fantastic.
Fun surprise to actually receive the goodies but better yet a long visit with a fellow sailor and the captain.
Thanks Roaman!

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Friday, July 12, 2013

Across the Gulf!

We are back in Cross Sound, Elfin Cove. Both of us are tired but  ready for some inside sailing.

The gulf was pretty easy on us, some wind, some motoring, some rain, some sunshine and a lot of gray clouds.

Many nights one separate watches we we accompanied by Dahl porpoises, at any time day or night those guys are a welcome treat. We saw numerous Killer whales. I even got a record photo of 7 dorsal fins at once. We saw Fin whales and Humpbacks.

We has a quick two night stay in Prince William sound, then a four or five night stay in Yakutat (it's all a blur now.)

We'll rest a bit in Elfin Cove, do some laundry and head out for some summer fun.
Cheers

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Thursday, July 11, 2013

Yakutat



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To Yakutat



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Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Sail covers come off


The sail cover is off, the jibs are on deck, looks like we are getting close to departing.

We have had the great privilege to call Kodiak home for the last two years. It is with heavy  hearts  we set sail again.

There is not enough room to thank everyone publicly that deserves praise. From businesses to private folks, from the harbor master to  receptionists. We were welcomed with open arms. 

Wishing all of you the best in the years to come.
We hope to be back soon.

With many thanks to everyone in this town!
Fran and Jim Hartman 


Sunday, June 23, 2013

Checking weather

Ham radio check this morning, weather gathering. Back to primitive technology.

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Monday, June 17, 2013

Old friends

While sailing around the world in the 90's we met Lynn and Bill. Of all places to see them again, Sitka. So nice to touch bases even if it was brief. Smooth sailing.

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Flying Into Sitka!!


Thank you Jen Price for the wonderful job catching us in your lens.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Bering glacier



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Glacier bay



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In the air again.

Yakutat next stop.

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Thursday, June 13, 2013

Good Morning

Cordova, looks like we will be spending another day with you -watching the fog on the coast.

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Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Be sure and check this out
I'm sure these guys were very surprised by their big catch.
http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/20130610/ak-beat-ultimate-fish-story

Random acts of kindness

The random acts of kindness have been the cherry on top of this adventure in every  town, village  and city.

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Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Monday, June 10, 2013

Columbia Glacier

From 7500'

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Anchorage

Where we anchored for two weeks two summers ago on our way to Kodiak. Watched momma bear and cubs for days. Wow!

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Sunday, June 9, 2013

New Friends

Not our usual mode of transportation, but definitely a keeper! This adventure has been stunningly beautiful, however the real beauty like our circumnavigation is the people who touch your heart and make your journey one you'll never forget. Jay and Judy Jespersen @Brooks Range Aviation, Betty & Allen Maness (and Gene) Old Sourdough Lodge in Bettles, Doc Peter Marshal from North Pole and Bill Starr from Birchwood. Our adventure would not have been nearly as spectacular with out meeting each of you.
Hope our paths cross again soon.

On the way to Cordova



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Flying over glaciers



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On the way to Cordova



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Talkeetna



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Saturday, June 8, 2013

Friday, June 7, 2013

FW: Best of Bettles



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From: Fran Hartman
Sent: 6/7/2013 1:40 PM
To: Fran Hartman
Subject: Best of Bettles

This is the place to eat at- in Bettles! Great food, super service, don't let the closed sign fool you they will welcome you with open arms.

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Thursday, June 6, 2013

Wonderful evening

The entire town turns out for the opening of the Ranger Station. The highlight of the evening was when the village elder showed up. Life is very different here. We think we understand others but until you walk in their shoes, you really have No idea. What an experience.

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Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Midnight



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Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Hiking in Bettles



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Rain



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The best kept secret in the Arctic!

Jay and Judy saved  our wallets by opening their cabin and their hearts to us in Bettles, Alaska while we wait for weather to clear.
Visiting Bettles, this is the best spot to be.

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Monday, June 3, 2013

Arctic Circle

Lower right corner shows the division line for the arctic.

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From Fairbanks

The pipe line next to the Haul Rd.

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Friday, May 31, 2013

North Pole



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