Well, we should have been out of here a week ago, the weather is changing, Autumn is manifesting itself and a series of low-pressure depressions have been rolling across the North Pacific into the Gulf of Alaska. There are about 4 days between each one, so, the law of averages tells you that we’re going to catch one at some stage of our 7-day itinerary.
This week it was the day before Ketchikan and in Ketchikan itself, we had 60-kt winds last night and that’s in the Inside Passage; 45 kts as we came down Tongass Narrows and 30 kts as we docked. Fortunately, the wind was virtually up and down the channel, so we were directly heading into it. Nevertheless, the conditions warranted an unconventional approach to the dock. Keeping well off the pier and then ‘walking’ her across, head to that wind on, you guessed it, Joystick! 😯
‘Normal’ approach is to head straight for the berth. In this case, I passed the shoal patch and then ‘walked’ her across. (Track is the dotted purple)
South section of Tongass Narrows in the rain
The Zaandam approaching her berth as she comes through the wind and rain
Anyway, we are here now, however it is a short call, 6 hours, before we go like a bat out of hell for our (short) Victoria call.
Earlier in the week, Tuesday and part of Wednesday was reasonably pleasant, although we have seen rain most of the week. One look at Tracy Arm entrance and I decided to go into Endicott Arm. Tracy had massive blocks of ice near the entrance and several small bergs had managed their way into the Frederick Sound as well.
Endicott was very successful and we made it to Dawes glacier, guests and crew alike getting close enough for some lovely photos.
Sum Dum hanging glacier with almost ethereal wisps of cloud
Wending our way up the fjord.
Dawes glacier
The mornings are darker now and Juneau, where I could take photos during daylight a few weeks ago, now requires ‘night’ adjustments. As it is the end of the season, work is commencing on new floating docks for Cruise ships. Those of you that are familiar with Juneau, there will be new docks at the Cruise terminal and Alaska Steam. The first section will be started, at the CT and the barges, loaded with construction paraphernalia, followed us up the Gastineau Channel and berthed behind us. Next week’s arrival might be unorthodox too, for they are moving barges and buoys into the harbour.
Up the Gastineau Channel, Juneau ahead
Construction barges at the Cruise Terminal
When these new berths are complete, it will be so much better for us. As it is, we continually have change the deck on which our gangway leads to, this because of the large rise and fall of the tide. When these new docks are complete, they ‘float’, so no more adjustments to our gangway. I can’t wait.
So, soon on our way to Victoria and thence to Seattle. Our final week starts on Sunday, we finish our Alaska itinerary on the 27th, at least for this year as we’re back again in 2016. I disembark on that day too. 😀
As many of you know, my final week is full of paperwork, (not that it isn’t always full), however this time it is Handover reports and others to corporate. I will try to write, however can’t promise. I’m sure you’d find my time on leave rather boring, so won’t bother you with the mundane. I have some photos of the grandchildren though and will do my best to post those. You’ll ‘see’ me again in January, the 2016 Grand World voyage begineth!
I am so happy to hear that you will be our Captain on the Grand World Cruise again. You are always invited to our place if you get up our way or we could meet you at the Downwind. We miss you and your lovely wife. Mary & Dick
See you in January! I have friends boarding for the Tales of the South Pacific voyage – I know they will be sorry to miss you!
Thank you so much for sharing your journeys in Alaska. Have a wonderful time off. We will join you on the Amsterdam in Hong Kong for the 2nd half of the 2016 Grand World voyage. We did the 1st half in 2014. We will enjoy follow you in January.
Thank you Captain, it’s been fascinating sailing along with you..Enjoy your time at home and look forward to hearing more in January.
Thank you very much
Jonathon – guests onboard ex Seattle Sept 6 – looking forward to the Amsterdam arriving in Sydney early next year – let me know the dates and I will head down to the terminal – Allan Gibson OAM
Dear Capt.:
Well, I will return to Alaska again, but need to find a balance between good flyfishing and decent weather…Your posts are so helpful and entertaining as to the nautical elements and photos too.
probably beginning of August?
Once Had the beginning of June trip on Westerdam and was enjoyable with the dog sledding up on the Mendenhall Glacier..
I think your World Voyage will be a fabulous itinerary and wish I could have joined you.
I have to say that you are running the ultimate video game with your joystick into these harbors under windy conditions….It has been quite enjoyable to keep in touch with your activities and I do expect to travel with you on HAL again…All best, Charlotte Van Horne S.
Just that this last year has been so full of Dutch heritage activities..Went to Hoorn to enjoy the festivities of the 400th year of discovery by Le Maire of Kaap Hoorn, sailing from Hoorn…the pageant at night as he took the rowboat to de Halve Maen that stood in for his and Schouten’s ships was unforgettable because they were my people….Hi to Henk for me please….
Enjoy your break….
Thanks, Captain Jonathon, for all the great reports. As someone who usually does an Alaska cruise in the last week of the season, I do feel that the season has become one week too long, and tempts the weather gods. Looking forward to your World Cruise reports – enjoy your time off with your beautiful grandchildren!~
Thanks for “Alaska”, and looking forward to the 2016 World Cruise. Have a relaxing break.
Sorry to see the end of your postings for a little while. We have thoroughly enjoyed everyone of them and look forward to more in January. We are looking forward to our upcoming cruise on the Oosterdam in October. The last time that we had the pleasure of meeting you was on the Oosterdam out of San Diego in 2006. Have a wonderful “furlough” and a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year.
Thank you again for your posts, you have given me an insight on cruising from a different point of view. I have to say I enjoy your posts the most…enjoy your time home with family, I look forward to being with you again as you begin your world tour..
Thanks for all your E mails enjoyed every one. Maybe another Alaska trip in 2016
I was on W.C. In 2015 Melbourne to Dubai
Surely don’t know if the cruises to Alaska were Good or bad this season. I guess it is like we say the luck of the draw. You have to take the good with the bad. Don’t know what the passengers thought..
I’m sure those 3 months will fly by,but enjoy and for me the world cruise postings is like reading a good book, I’m not a book reader but enjoy what you write and it is good winter pass time
Thank you for all you put into it for us.
Captain Jonathan,
Thanks for all your Alaska postings and look forward to your World Cruise ones starting in January. Cheers!
I’m using your archived blogs to find information for our upcoming circumnavigation of Australia on the Volendam. I wonder if going anticlockwise and at a different time of year will make for very different sailing conditions than you had last February. Thanks for doing this!
Thank you for all you do here, can’t wait for the Grand World. Enjoy your time off.