June 26, 2013 Wed. Day 15

Wednesday June 26, Day 15
We spent the whole day on the ferry.

At 4:00 am the fog horn was blasting it continued for a while, so I got up out of a deep sleep, looked out on the deck and could only see fog.  Wow, Bob get up, but of course Bob didn't.  So I grabbed my I-phone, ran on deck and started to take pictures.

We were sailing through the Wrangle Straights near St. Petersburg which was our next stop.
This passage was very narrow, at times you felt as if you could touch the trees from the boat.
But early this morning we were in a thick fog, wow was it spooky.

The navigator of the ship had a narrow path to travel between the island ahead.
He had to stay in the center, we were told, because it was only 26 ft deep and only in the center.
We were surprised a ship our size could travel in waters that were that shallow.

Then to my surprise here comes another ferry though the fog.
I was so excited, I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

What a feeling to see two large ships passing in the fog.

Boy, was I glad I got up when I heard the fog horn blowing so I could see and feel the fog.

Bob got up and came out on deck, so he experienced some of the fog.
He took my picture.

We then went to the Cafe and had morning coffee.

The fog was now lifting

It was about 7:00 am now and the sky was changing.

Look how low some of the clouds are near shore

As the day went on the view became clearer.

Service Dog in the cafe relaxing on board.

View from deck
Tub boat pulling a barge loaded with supplies coming from Seattle. 

Bob and Steve enjoying each others stories.
Steve is 70 and has a girlfriend in Anchorage, he lives in Las Vegas and they visit each other.
Steve pulls a Air Stream with an SUV and a kayak on top, you will see it in another picture.
We might get to meet with them during his stay in Alaska.

Look close at dark spot in picture, a pod of whales.
We were now leaving Haines heading to Skagway when everyone was going crazy taking pictures
We were running from front to back on deck
All cameras in hand: I-phone and Bob's Olympus

They finally surfaced 

When anyone on the ferry sees a water spot they shout and everyone runs with cameras.

We were very lucky that day.
Moe the ranger, gave a talk on Whales the day "now you see them, now you don't".
So after that talk everyone on the ferry was whale watching and fortunately someone spotted the pod of whales.

Coming into dock at Skagway I was able to see this eagle.

Nice bike.
At the last minute his girlfriend was uncomfortable to ride on the back.
So he took the trip alone and saw our Raven.
He is now thinking of getting a side car so she will go next time.

Honda Goldwing, this is his 49th state he has been to by bike.
He will be heading our way and we might meet up with him.
Bob talked him out of riding to the Arctic Circle.
He said when he spoke to his wife on phone, she was glad to hear that Bob talked him out of that trip.
We also gave him some fire crackers for bear while he is camping.

Two KLR bikes owned by two ladies who just completed a dual sports class in Washington State.
Now on their way back home to BC and to explore the world.
Neat gals, good for them!

Vehicles parked on the lower car deck nice and cozy

Even large buses are onboard.

Well, it's 3:00 am and we have just landed in Skagway.
We're gonna find a room and get a few hours sleep before we start the next day.
Good night - Talk to you tomorrow.