Safely back in Wrangell, Alaska

This has been such an incredible trip that I find myself at a lost of words to describe the magnitude of our trip. I do know that it’s going to take multiple entries to cover all we’ve seen and experienced. It’s absolutely stunning. We’ve seen Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), had Black Bear (Ursus americanus) visit us during the night and heard Brown Bears (Ursus arctos) fighting in the distance.

Steve making one of many crossing with the majestic mountains of Alaska in the background. Photograph by Jason Goldstein

For the majority of the trip we’ve been blessed with fair weather, but on our last day paddling back into Wrangell our luck with the weather finally changed and by far the hardest paddling was trying to cross the 6 miles open water boarding the charming coastal town. We were exhausted by the time we reached the city dock.

Getting Ready to Board the M/V Columbia to Alaska. Photograph by Steve Weileman

Tonight finds us in the Stikine Inn, and I’m sure I speak for both us when I say that never has a hot shower felt so wonderful! After 10 days living in a boat and tent, I hardly recognized myself in the mirror, but luckily it was nothing hot water and soap couldn’t remedy.

One of the many Totem's at Chief Shakes Island. Photograph by Steve Weileman

Tomorrow morning we’ll go check out Petroglyph Beach and local museum, then in the afternoon we’ll meet with Alice Rooney to talk about The Star of Bengal. She was kind enough to meet us when we debarked from the ferry when we first arrived in town and agreed to an interview.

Afterwards we’ll have some time to kill while we await the 1 AM southbound ferry to Bellingham. During the two-day trip south we’ll be working on future entries chronicling our adventure and get them posted as soon as we can.

Stay tuned…