Sunday, May 28, 2006: Meyers Chuck to Wrangell

After two beautiful, warm, cloudless days, rain and clouds descended upon us as we made our way to Wrangell thru Zimovia Strait. The scenery was lovely, but I guess we were lamenting our rum punch day. Wrangell appeared to be just fishing boats and had very little space for cruisers because the season hadn’t yet opened. The harbormaster found a spot where we could squeeze in together, but it was very shallow. Everyone who came in behind us had to raft to one of the fishing boats, which made it difficult to get off your boat. We chatted with "Uncle Buck," a native Tlingket, who gave us fishing advice for the area. Another guy who was just coming into port on his small fishing boat told us he had broken his back and could no longer fish, but that his daughter just turned 16 and for her birthday he bought her a “permit” (I of course assumed it was a driving permit) and a skiff. It was a commercial fishing “permit” and a small boat. Her first month out she made $2,000. What a great entry into the business world! I immediately thought what a difference there is in the lower 48 when kids turn 16.

We walked thru town looking for a place for dinner and there was very little open. We opted for the hotel restaurant, only to discover after being seated that they didn’t serve wine or beer. We stayed and had an adequate dinner, but wished we had just ordered pizza at the bar above the marina. Everyone had said that it was great pizza. Wrangell didn’t impress us too much, but they did have a clan house and totems right above the marina.

Friday- Saturday, May 26-27, 2006: Yes Bay – Meyers Chuck

Left Yes Bay around 11am to take advantage of the tides. It is one of those beautiful days where the sun makes the light chop on the water sparkle. We had been enjoying the scenery and I was on watch—dodging logs again when a Huge Orca Whale surfaced in front of “Kasekuchen”. The dorsal fin had to be about 6 feet high. He gave us a photo op for about five dives then disappeared. What a sight.!!! Bob made one of his great sandwich creations. Here is the recipe:

Bob’s Salami Snack

2 slices heavy whole grain bread – TOASTED
Spread one slice with cream cheese – butter other
Thinly sliced hard salami (about 6 slices)
Thinly sliced vine ripe tomatoes
Lightly dab with 1000 island dressing
Dust with fresh ground black pepper
Cover all with fresh basil
ENJOY!!!

The world intruded into our little paradise with a beep – signaling cell phone service. Of course we both had lots of messages, mostly about friends who are flying in to visit. Our schedule for visitors is heavy starting in June. We really didn’t know about travel times, weather and the vastness of this land when we left, so we were in the dark about how to schedule visits from family and friends.

A humpback whale made a brief appearance as did two dolphins crisscrossing across our bow.

Made the cut into Meyers Chuck about 4pm right behind a large sailboat. The sailboat took the last place on the public dock so we anchored in the bay with “Amavi” rafted to us. At first glance Meyers Chuck looked very run down with many building falling apart. As we settled into our anchorage and began to look around more, we noticed the newer well kept homes and cabins. Our cruising guide had said that the school was closed as was the art gallery. In this harsh climate buildings do fall apart if not constantly maintained. We had a lovely veal rack dinner with the Hollister’s and watched the sun set. The sunsets are amazing at Meyer’s Chuck and we couldn’t stop taking photo’s.

The next morning the large sailboat left and we moved over to the public dock. These docks are called the Alaskan Marine Highway and the docks are maintained by the state in lieu of roads. “Sonata” came in and tied up in front of us. There is a story about “Sonata” which is really interesting.

Bob and I were in San Francisco in February attending a wedding. We were at the Buena Vista for Irish Coffees. My friend Mallory and I were in the ladies room when two gals came in and we were all commenting on the great weather. We mentioned where we were all from and I said we lived on a boat and were wintering in Friday Harbor. One of the gals said that her sister Diane and her husband Lee lived on a boat in Friday Harbor that Lee had built. They were in the city to celebrate her sister’s 60th birthday and mother’s 80th birthday.. Unfortunately Diane was in the hotel not feeling well so we didn’t meet her. Bob knew the boat they lived on and we meet Diane’s sister, mother and daughter and got the scoop on their boat and cruising plans. Actually, we did not meet them until they tied up at the dock in Meyer’s Chuck. We had e-mailed several times but had never connected in person. So it was fun to tour their beautiful boat and yes I did have “boat envy” of their larger spaces, nice fireplace and especially the “his and hers” set up in the pilot house. But our “Kasekuchen is a great boat and once we are out cruising I am perfectly satisfied with our lovely craft.

The day proved to be the most beautiful weather we had yet encountered. It was sunny and “hot”, about 75 degrees. Several other boats came in and we all started taking tours of each other’s boats The guys ended up sitting in our cockpit drinking rum punches and listening to Jimmy Buffet music. The girls toured all the boats, went for a hike to the beach and visited the little gift gallery. The Maizel’s had invited us and the Hollister’s over to Annaruth for a BBQ. Becky made her famous southern style ribs, Susanna made wonderful salads, Boston Baked Beans (of course), watermelon margaritas, supplied more ribs and a Swedish Ham, and Bob and I supplied Cole slaw (mom’s recipe) and Bob’s famous Berry Tart. Becky and Bob had been listening to Vic on the converted fishing trawler playing the guitar and singing and invited him over for dinner on the condition that he play for us. He was extremely talented and entertained the whole dock. Our new friends Ron and Diane on Rhapsody joined us for dessert. It was truly a day to remember.

We reluctantly left the next morning with the Maizel’s to head for Sitka. The Hollister’s stayed at Meyers Chuck for a few more days and headed to other locations. We will most likely meet up with them toward Juneau. Meyers Chuck was a memorable two days.