Alaska Expedition 2003

22ndhead

August 22 - 23

8/22 Arrived late in Prince Rupert. Customs office arranged to be open late for us, and all admitted to Canada after providing answers to these questions three: What is your name, etc. etc. The late evening was spent visiting a very closed-up downtown, sharing a 10 year old bottle of Port with Captain Mike, and a few more takers of the Spruce Beer. Late night to bed, very early to rise.

8/23 On the dock at 7am and wide awake for the bus ride and flight travel adventure to come. See the 'Air Travel Etiquette' section to learn what to do, and not do, when traveling by air.

Some Trip Highlights:

  • Mendenhall Glacier, Page 76: Bring a brightly colored costume for display under the ice sheet. This is a must.
  • Bears and salmon, Page 77: This is the time of the year to go visit Sweetheart Falls.
  • Stellar Sealions, Page 67: Yes, pay Yasha a visit. Be ever watchful of Orca that come around to Yasha for a meal. No swimming with the Orca.
  • Spruce Beer, Page 64 (Hootchenoo Indians, Page72): For a 5 gallon container, use only 1lb of molasses. Use more Spruce, and do a better job crushing it. The Spruce must boil for longer than 50 minutes, it takes at least 3 hours so do not skimp. This boiling is supposed to produce the main flavor. Lengthen the brew time - give it at least 5 days. Our recipe on this trip resulted in a drink with a taste akin to sparkling apple butter rum. Not bad, but not Spruce Beer either. Do not declare the Hootch with Canadian Customs. In fact, it is a good idea to dump the leftovers before arriving anywhere near civilization. Of course Customs missed the big blue container of our elixir during their thorough two hour ship inspection, so it may not matter.
  • Wreck of the California, Page 73: This is a must-dive wreck. Spend a day here. Do three dives. Plan for vertical dives of 160, 130, and 120 feet.
  • 6 Fathom Pinnacle, Page 68: Just because it looks to be a really nice dive, if you judge the slack correctly.
  • Baranof, Page 67: Worth the visit for the lake, waterfall, and hot springs.
  • St. Lazaria Is, Page 66: Visit for the Puffins, footballs with wings.
  • Dave&Daves Dive Adventures, Sitka, Page 66: Look them up if you are in the area.
  • What is with these page numbers: This is the Evergreen Pacific Exploring Alaska & British Columbia reprinted edition marine atlas, ISBN: 0-945256-59-X. A must have volume containing marine maps and stories of Captain Cook and other famous explorers.
  • Other Items: Bring soap, shampoo, and Woolite for body, head, and clothes since they are not provided on the boat. Do not skimp on the quality of the after-dinner Port you bring on board. The bad stuff is really really bad. Do not skimp on the quality of the rum. Same reason.
  • Casualties: One busted small toe during rough seas, 5 cameras, 2 cylinder lights, one bottle of rum.
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