Towards Victoria, BC

My thanks to John Prins, one of our Security officers, at present on leave, who pointed out to me today that you were unable to post any comments.  After what seemed like hours, my conversation with the Tech guy which ‘hosts’ the site came to naught, in frustration I have disabled a plug-in whch seemed to be causing the problem; do let me know, (hopefully 😉 ) if all is well again.  If I do not see comments (and I know you write frequently), then I will assume the worst and try another solution, (at time of writing, unknown).

As the subject-line suggests, we are on our way from Ketchikan towards Victoria, always a mad dash to make this part of the schedule and make a call in this  port. The purpose of doing so, (apart from the fact that it is the most beautiful city and a superb port-of-call), is to adhere to the ‘Jones Act’  This is actually called the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 and is one of several coastwise laws  which prohibits the transportation of cargo between points in the U.S., either directly or via a foreign port, or for any part of the transportation, in any vessel other than a vessel that has a coastwise endorsement, i.e. a vessel that is built in and owned by persons who are citizens of the United States.  The Passenger Vessels Services Act places the same restrictuions on the coastwise movement of people (us). It is this act that prohibits commercial vessels such as cruise ships from allowing passengers to board at one US port and debark at another US port.

Thus we call in Canada, and enter the U.S. from a ‘foreign’ port.  If one cruises From San Diego to say, Hawaii and then back, this would be a contravention of the Act; therefore ships call at a call in Mexico, (Ensenada usually) before docking again in San Diego…..

OK, that’s the educational lesson for today  😆

Tracy Arm, our assigned assignation, was blocked this week. Large bergs were plentiful and ice reports further into the Arm, (from smaller tour boats), indicated it would be impassable for us.  I therefore decided to go into Endicott Arm, equally scenic, though with less ice.  On our way there, in the Frederick Sound, we were treated to numerous sightings of humpback whales, having migrtaed from Hawaii they are now making the most of the bountiful ‘feed’

A Grey, dull day

A Grey, dull day as we approach the entrance to the Arm

 

Dawes from 3 miles distance

Dawes from 3 miles distance

Dawes Glacier and the terminus of the Arm

Dawes Glacier and the terminus of the Arm

Thence onwards towards Juneau, a short stay; having docked at 6 a.m. we stayed until 2 p.m.

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Approaching the ‘city’ in the early-morning light

Passing the cargo area. Goods coming to Alaska either have to come by air or sea. The majority comes by sea, on barges, towed bt tugs from Seattle. The work area is built on the 'Rock dump', thousands of tionnes of 'tailing' from the gold mine.

Passing the cargo area. Goods coming to Alaska either have to come by air or sea. The majority comes by sea, on barges, towed by tugs from Seattle. The work area is built on the ‘Rock dump’, thousands of tionnes of ‘tailing’ from the gold mine.

A closer view

A closer view

Approaching the berth

Approaching the berth, the large building is the library and a car park.

The new dock, built during the winter months, where the Cruise Terminal dock once was

The new dock, built during the winter months, adjacent to the old the Cruise Terminal dock.

On departure, looking south, down the Gastineau Channel

On departure, looking south, down the Gastineau Channel

 

Air traffic abounds in Alaska; here a float-plane passes below the bridge wing on its landing approach

Air traffic abounds in Alaska; here a float-plane passes below the bridge wing on its landing approach in Juneau harbour

An overrnight dash to Ketchikan, (one becomes nocturnal in Alaska, going back into my coffin at daybreak  🙄 ).  Retracing our route of the day before, we pass through the same ‘whale’ area, this time on a lovely evening, the sun low on the horizon giving a glow to the westward mountains.

My first 'whale tail' photo of 2016

My first ‘whale tail’ photo of 2016

Our route takes down Chatham Strait, into Sumner Strait having passed Cape Decison; thence into Clarence Strait and finally, Tongass Narrows, on which Ketchikan lies.

Early-morning, docked in Ketchikan, looking south, down the Tongass Narrows

Early-morning, docked in Ketchikan, looking south, down the Tongass Narrows

Now we’re in the Hecate Straits, with the intention of being off Victoria BC at 5:15 tomorrow evening; thence Seattle again and up north once more.  It’s good to be back…………..

5 thoughts on “Towards Victoria, BC”

  1. Welcome back to sea and our beautiful corner of the world!
    I hope you realize just how much we enjoy your posts—we have been following you from the beginning and have had the good fortune to sail with you a couple of times. Hopefully again, one day. Wishing you smooth seas and lots of whales!

  2. Welcome back, Captain!
    As a “4-Star Mariner” who has been to Alaska many times, and has done three cruises on the Amsterdam [although in recent years we have been sailing primarily in Europe on the Rotterdam], reading your blog makes me feel like I am back at sea on Holland America Line cruise!
    Looking forward to more of your delightful stories and photos.

  3. Happy to see you back, and loved the photos of the grandchildren! You must really miss them when you are away on the Amsterdam.

  4. Good to see you back. We are looking forward to our repositioning cruise on the Volendam on 28th September from Vancouver.

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