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Published: July 19th 2008
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Ft. Seward, Haines, AK
Fort Seward was carved out of this wilderness 104 years ago in September 1904. Hello again everyone,
Many thought that I went missing on my sea voyage from Haines, AK to Bellingham, WA. Unfortunately, WiFi was not available on the boats so had to wait until I reached the lower 48.
I know some of you have cruised the Inside Passage and enjoyed it...if you have not, I would encourage you to consider taking a cruise or a ferry north to Alaska.
On Monday, July 14, we boarded the Marine Vessel (MV Kennicott) at Haines, AK. This was my first experience putting my Gold Wing on the deck of a ship. I had heard many stories from other riders so needless to say, I was nervous. It went great, but you had to be extra careful on the deck as it was steel and with deposits of oil from other vehicles, tended to be a little slick. There were about 40 cycles on this ferry. After we had them secured with tie down straps, we all made a mad rush to the solarium to get a space to pitch our tent. Now that was an experience to say the least. I always though the first time I would be on a cruise
Totem Pole-Haines, AK
Totem poles are very common in this area and throughout Canada and Alaska. They are very detailed as well. Note the cruise ship in the background. I would have a (berth) cabin. Since I had been camping most of my trip, why not carry it through on the ferry.
Oh, I had my doctor prescribe some dramamine and I did not get motion sickness at all. I know I looked pretty stupid with no hair and this big patch behind my left ear 😊
Here's a little bit about the Kennicott. It is the newest vessel of the Alaska Marine Highway fleet. Cost was $80 million and she began service in the summer of 1998. Her speed is about 17 knots. This particular vessel has computer-controlled stabilizers to ensure a smooth ride in open water. There are about 100 crew members on board and they work one week and have one week off.
It can carry 748 passengers, provide 300 cabins and has space for 100 automobiles. Now, I will attest that there were some huge tractor-trailer rigs on board as well.
The ports we stopped in were Juneau, Sitka, Petersburg, Wrangell and Ketchikan. It was usually at night so I did not get to see the small villages we stopped at.
At Ketchikan, we had to change ships and board
Fort. Seward Parade Field
Here's another view of the parade field. It was also used for sledding, sports games and the officers had a golf course around the perimeter! the MV Columbia which is a much larger boat. On the Columbia we did not stop at any ports but sailed straight to Bellingham. We arrived right on time at 8:00 am on Friday, July 18.
Aside from the experience of tenting on the deck of both ships, I saw many eagles, a humpback whale, an orca or two..might have been a pod. But the best was just sitting and relaxing on the deck and watching the forests, fjords, and peaceful communities that mesmerized me. We even had a Forest Service interpretor on board that brought the history alive and we passed through certain sections. There were some fjords that you could throw a baseball to the shore on both sides. That's how narrow the channel was.
Several times a day, the ship had "car deck" time which was 15 minutes to go check on your vehicle and/or walk the pets. I checked on my bike once and felt comfortable it was not going to fall over.
On night on board the Columbia a wind came up and several campers almost list their tents...I remember what Sid Hardt told me...pack the duct tape and Sid, it worked
Ft. Seward Parade Field
How would you like to conduct drill and ceremony on this parade field...on a hill? and held my tent to the deck floor. Never leave home without duct tape.
All in all, I would do this trip again, with one exception, JoLynn comes with me next time...of course, it won't be on the motorcycle!
Hey, (I've been in Canada too long!) here are some facts about the Alaska Maritime Highway:
1. There are nine ships in the fleet
2. The system began with one ship in 1960 to serve all the small communities that were unreachable by conventional road.
3. The fleet serves a 3,500 mile route to 34 ports
4. An estimated 400,000 passengers and 100,000 vehicles travel the AMHS annually.
Enjoy the pictures as they can tell a better story than I can.
Rob
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kk deans
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That is not a Holland America Cruise Ship!
That is not a Holland America Cruise Ship!