Alaska 2016 | Day 50 | Tracy Arm Cove to Ford's Terror

Yesterday's rain gave way to better conditions today. You know, conditions where we can actually see. Good thing, too, since we're heading back to Ford's Terror.

The trip in was easy, with very little ice and not much boat traffic. We arrived about 45 minutes early, so I flew the drone to get some pictures at high water.

Safe Harbour waiting in front of the waterfall

Ford's Terror entrance at high water. Where are the shoals?

Ford's Terror delighted again. The weather wasn't quite as sunny and warm as it had been last week, but we still saw lots of blue sky. We toured the entire inlet by dinghy, marveling at the waterfalls and snowfields. A group of porpoises came by the boat and circled for 15 minutes.

This view doesn't get old.

iPhone panorama from the islet in the east arm

Unfortunately we didn't see any bears. Oh well, hopefully tomorrow morning before we take off...

Last light on the peaks

25.73 nm today
1374.94 nm total

Alaska 2016 | Day 49 | Juneau to Tracy Arm Cove

Maddie and Brendan, friends from college, arrived late last night. This morning we did some shopping, then took off around 10:00 a.m. for Tracy Arm Cove.

The first half of the trip down was pleasant. Overcast, but calm water and decent visibility. We saw a few whales, one up close.

Mountains in Stephens Passage, pre rain

Half way to Tracy Arm, the rain showed up. And I don't mean a drizzle. Think a radar-blocking downpour. Oh well, the boat needs a fresh water washdown!

Entering Tracy Arm the weather briefly cleared and we got a peak at the surrounding mountains.

Entering Tracy Arm

The rain continued all afternoon and evening, but it didn't deter us from exploring. We donned rain gear and set off in the dinghy, only to turn back after a few minutes. The rain was so heavy I couldn't keep my eyes open without glasses, and I couldn't keep my glasses clear of water.

Later, the rain abated for a few minutes and an amazing rainbow appeared. For a few minutes we glimpsed only a tiny piece of it above a fog bank and below the low clouds. Cool!

A tiny piece of the rainbow

43.48 nm today
1349.21 nm total

Alaska 2016 | Day 48 | Juneau

Work day. Dad and family headed home last night. I spent the day cleaning, doing laundry, fixing a few things. Generally catching up. Friends arrive tonight, and we'll repeat Ford's Terror and Dawes Glacier.