Washington to Alaska, 1100 miles as the crow flies, over 40,000 miles of coastline.
Sailing with a crew of strangers from around the world has its challenges.
On the other hand, the excitement of watching someone that catches their first salmon and
experiences the wonders of Alaska is very gratifying.
We are searching out the old native culture and the natural history of the wildlife along
this rugged northern Pacific coastline.
Turning the boat over to somewhat inexperienced strangers and giving them the opportunity
to pull together and sail the boat through some demanding conditions as a team.
It's rewarding when all goes well, but things can change around very quickly.
My interest is a naturalist, an anthropologist, I'm fascinated with seeking out the seldom
seen 4,000 year old picture glyphs and old village sites scattered along the coastal wilderness.
My next crew I find in Petersburg, young and inexperienced, they jump at the opportunity
to re-quit their day job.
A perfect day for a beach picnic.
They broke out the diving gear and figured they would last all of two minutes in this
frigid water, but to my surprise they were still having a heck of a good time 40 minutes
later.
Now we start our last leg of the 30 mile Tracey-Arm Fjord.
This is the most beautiful place I've ever been.
I'm going really slow so I don't screw it up again.
