Chignik. Our first stop on the mainland of Alaska. We had not refueled in Sandpoint since the weather was, well, ugly. Then, as soon as the gale passed and we headed off on our way to Kodiak, wind, then no wind. Quite frankly, Let's Go!'s bottom is foul. Most are, but in this case it's marine growth that I am convinced is slowing us down and hurting our fuel consumption. So, I began to worry. Do I have enough fuel if I have to motor all the way. Of course we did but I needed to relieve the itch so we "diverted" to Chignik that had a fishing harbor where there was bound to be fuel. And while in Sandpoint, a fisherman I met on the dock had said we should go there. "It is a really pretty place". That settled it and we sailed, yes sailed, on in with plenty of wind. Curious sea otters poked their heads out of the water to look at us. A nice welcome. When we finally arrived in the harbor, which is surrounded by high and still snowy mountains, we called VHF 6 and asked if anyone was listening. We got a response from Trident, the salmon processor, and then the fuel guy came on line and directed us to the place where we were to tie up to get the fuel. The usual piled fuel dock about 15 ft above your deck. The huge hose is lowered and off you go. Always a mess. Once we had satisfied the itch we headed for the small boat harbor, called the harbor master, no response. So we just motored on in and found an empty harbor since all the fishing boats are out trying to net salmon. So we picked our spot and settled in. The harbor master belatedly told John we were fine and that the first night was free!! More empty of fishing boats than Sandpoint, there was no one to chat with other than the family of a salmon fisherman, here for the summer from Anchorage. They asked about the weather we had encountered on the trip from Japan and I told them that compared to what they are used to, pretty good! Walking the dirt road after dinner to get a smell of the place, I felt right at home. The west. And truly frontier. (Cruiser Notes: Fuel available from the Trident fuel dock in the southeast corner of the bay (VHF 6). Very friendly and tolerant. Small boat harbor is new and has berths and pontoons for transients (Call VHF6). Trident has a store with basic provisions within walking distance of the small boat harbor. The village is quite a distance from the small boat harbor. I did not walk it. I was cleaning weed off the waterline of the boat). Good vibe here. xxx

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