Impressions of Alaska

Jason and I arrived back home this weekend and the last few days have been busy with catching up with all the ‘real’ life items we had left behind. Now that I have a few minutes to reflect on our trip I’m a bit at a loss on how to share all the incredible sights, sounds and experiences we were fortunate enough to undergo. I want to avoid the day-by-day monologue that I find to be a bit boring, so I think I’ll write about the impressions I’m carrying away from this trip; what worked well, or not so well, gear that excelled or not so much, the people we met, goals met or not, etc.

With all that said, the aspect I enjoyed the most was the forced slow pace. May sound weird in today’s world, but I found that it required me to contemplate the scale of what we where attempting to do and where we where paddling. This was no jump a plane, paddle out, and if we had bit off more then we where comfortable with, race back home.

I’ll start with our mode of transportation to and from Alaska which in this case was wheeling our kayaks onto one of the Alaska Marine Highway Systems’ ferry. I absolutely loved this form of travel, although it might not be for a good fit for everyone, especially those with limited time. It did take away 4 days which could have been spent paddling on the water, but for me, I got more then I gave.

Sunset under the solarium while traveling the Inside Passage. (Photograph by Steve Weileman)

The recommended time for arriving before loading with kayaks is the same as with vehicles, but this seemed to be unnecessary as we loaded with the walk-on passengers. While waiting to board, the Bosun Mate had us stay with our kayaks just at the ticket both; next time I’ll just arrive 90 minutes prior to sailing. There is a rack provided for storing kayaks near the bow, but we had been told we could load our kayaks. The span on the rack was just large enough that I didn’t trust that it would place undue stress on the hull, and we ended up wheeling our boats under a refrigerated trailer rig which worked well.

Steve securing the tent beforing enterin Dixon Entrance. (Photograph by Jason Goldstein)

The afternoon we boarded the ferry in Bellingham it was a beautiful, calm, sunny day and the novelty of pitching a tent on the rear fantail seemed oh so enticing. However, during the night the rains started and more importantly the winds. We had been warned to tie off to the railing, apparently passengers had lost their tent overboard which I can believe, but the real issue was being unable to tighten the tent it made quite the racket making it difficult to get any rest.

For our trip back, we elected to try the lounge chairs in the heated solarium. By far the most comfortable way to go. There is some noise from the intake vents, but that quickly becomes an unnoticeable white noise in the background and actually filters out any noise your fellow travelers are making. We had an incredible view and an added bonus of the heat lamps keeping our gear dry. Lockers are available for stowing any valuables you might be uncomfortable leaving out, although we didn’t feel the need. As it was early in the season, we were traveling with a small group and quickly got to know everyone.

Steve taking a bit of the easy way out with his photography. (Photograph by Jason Goldstein)

The ferry has full amenities; laundry mat, showers, café, dining room, lounge, observation decks, and even a theater. We tried both the dining room and café which both served good meals. For our return trip we did bring our own snacks and coffee. Both hot water and microwave our available for passengers. US Forest Rangers also hold lectures on the Tongass National Forest throughout the day and are available to answer any questions.

With all that said, the aspect I enjoyed the most was the forced slow pace. May sound weird in today’s world, but I found that it required me to contemplate the scale of what we where attempting to do and where we where paddling. This was no jump a plane, paddle out, and if we had bit off more then we where comfortable with, race back home. Also it gives a great buffer to either get focused for the coming trip, or unwinding for the return.

Jason relaxing during sunset under the covered solarium. (Photograph by Steve Weileman)

Finally, and I’m sure the biggest reason I loved this form of travel, was the romance of it. It was easy to imagine oneself on board the Terra Nova, or the Endurance sailing to parts and dangers unknown.

For me I can’t imagine going to Alaska any other way.