Sunday 23 January, departed Bar Harbor, Ketchikan 0730hrs:  after 5 days in Ketchikan, we made an easy departure in dawn light. Departure at the same time yesterday would not have been so easy as we were bow into the berth and there was a very stiff wind up our butt. As the winds eased Saturday, mid-day, we pulled DE out into the fairway and swing her around for an easier departure (if the wind conditions persisted). 

Underway up Tongass Narrowa, greasing the thrust bearing at low revs. Alaska State Ferry Malaspina preparing to depart also; they'll make it to Wrangell this afternoon, while we won't be there til tomorrow afternoon. 

Following wind in Clarance Channel; 1-2 meter wind waves; we did some surfing.

1500hrs we anchored in Santa Anna Inlet at the head of, in 60' of water. A nice place; easy anchorage. 

Watched a DVD of Mark Twain's "Life on the Mississippi" after dinner. 

Monday 24 January, departed Santa Anna Inlet 0830 to catch slack water in narrows of Zimovia Passage, west side of Wrangell Island. Benign weather on departure, becoming glorious in the course of the day. Little wind, sun and blue sky coming thru patchy clouds, outside temp in high 40s F.  We're wearing sunglasses!  Hatches open, airing out the boat.

 The narrows were fun; saw some interesting places to come back to; met the tug Brenda H at the Button Island turn in the narrows.

Very surprising, saw a small humpback whale about one hour south of Wrangell.  It should be in Hawaii now, singing whale songs and entertaining the customers of our friends at Ocean Sports Waikaloa (north of Kona, Big Island) Hawaii. 

At the long wharf, Wrangell AK, engine shut down 1400 local time (one hour earlier than Pacific Std Time). We did it! I'd figured 20 days plus wiggle room for weather. We managed it in 13 underway days; one day holed-up for weather and five days doing chores in Ketchikan. Winter passage to AK -- definitely had it's moments, but ultimately enjoyable and affirming. Great job by the uncomplaining crew -- Dorothy and Ben; valuable advice from Ron in Ladysmirh BC; stout service by our Seahorse Diesel Duck and of course, good wishes from all of you, kept us safe during our voyage.

We're in Wrangell at least 3 weeks. Maybe will have the time / weather to bring DE to Sitka before we have to button-up and fly south in time for 2 March shoulder surgery in Sebastopol. 

As soon as I have a connection other than phone, I'll add some photos to the blog.