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Florida, Bahamas, Jamaica, Panama, Mexico, US Pacific Coast, British Columbia, Alaska

     

I was asked to deliver a single engine (230 HP) 1985 steel hull,55 ton trawler style, 60' motor vessel from Florida to Alaska. My first thoughts were that this is a very long trip for an older boat that has not been used in many years. Fortunately, the owner agreed to have it checked out and repaired very thoroughly before we left Florida and we had only a limited number of mechanical issues. My second thought was that I really want to go to Alaska, especially since I go through British Columbia to get there! We left the West Palm Beach area in June and arrived in Homer, Alaska in September. We averaged 6.5 knots, survived some heavy weather, one free tow, and made it to Alaska. We began in hot, humid weather through the Panama Canal, enjoyed the Mexican Pacific Coast with absolutely no tourists anywhere, pounded our way against wind and current up the US Pacific coast and were thrilled every day throughout Canada and Alaska. We saw more wildlife, whales, seals, otters, dolphins, porpoise, eagles, marlin, mahi-mahi, tuna, etc than I have ever seen and caught on any previous trip. We experienced currents of 12 knots, 20' tides, opposing wind and currents and numerous other navigational challenges. We spent a few fun evenings in some small fishing camps eating fresh salmon, halibut and other local delicacies. However, the really fun part was the scenery and the many wonderful people we met. I cannot tell you how many times we were told that we would never make it to Alaska due to weather, etc. but in spite of all the naysayers we made it. I want to especially thank Joanne, my First Mate who went the entire trip with me from Florida to Alaska. I simply could not have made it without her daily help and encouragement. We ate well, laughed a lot, listened to some great music on our ipods and had a wonderful time for 3 months, 7200 nm.When we arriived in Alaska the tourists had left and the weather was still pretty good. We took about two weeks driving through Anchorage, Fairbanks, Arctic Circle, Seward, Denali National Park and many other scenic spots. Link to Free Delivery Price Estimate

 
Waterfall in Jamaica near Port Antonio   Okoboji 60' 55 tons 1800 gallons fuel 6.5 knots        Jamaica, Panama, Joanne, Kathleen, Bahamas, Captain Pete  
 
 

Acapululco Divers                                                          

 Joanne caught this 8' 400 lb Marlin all by Herself

 Victoria, Canada Great Place

  Typical Incredible Scenery NW British Columbia

  This Huge Whale Surfaced Next to the Boat Mouth Open

 Same Whale Chasing Food Along the Shore

 We Made It Glacier Bay Worst Weather of the Trip

 We Leave Glacier Bay for the 4 Day Crossing Gulf of Alaska

 Seldovia, AK Cook Inlet Fiord Type Inlet

  Dan Owner of the Boat, Bill the Builder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             Towed by Mexican Navy very helpful                             Joanne my First Mate

 I Caught This all by Myself Also                                                 Dave and Joanne

 Desolation Sound British Columbia                                      Marina Just Before Johnstone Straight 12 Knot Currents

 Kechikan, Alaska southernmost major city in AK                         Seal Rock

  Scared Me to Death Lucky Photo                                                He is Breaching Here about a mile away

  Dahl's Porpoise Fast Look Like Small Orca                                  Joanne and Sara too Stubborn to Use the Motor

 We went to Marjorie Glacier in Fog, Rain, ETC Dodged two Cruise Ships   Incredible Mountains Everywhere You Look

 Kenai Peninsula We Arrive Only Hours Before a Storm Make The Turn Into Cook Inlet and See Redoubt Volcano

 Homer, AK At Last, Okoboji Fits in Real Well Here                                      Glaciers near Homer Cook Inlet

 Joanne, After Finishing Epic Adventure We Decided to See Anchorage, Fairbanks, Arctic Circle, Seward, Exit Glacier