Today with Noel and Steve we hiked along the north side of Turnagain Arm. The tide was low, just beginning to flood. We were able to see where there was still deep water. It was also blowing good out of the East, as it usually does there. The mountains are spectacular, rising out of the water. We could also see the head of Chickaloon Bay and Burnt Island on the east side of the entrance to the bay. Chickaloon is a very shallow bay, filled with mud at low tide. The crossing of the bay is about 10 miles, and of course will require a higher or medium tide range to make.
The whole journey through Turnagain Arm is somewhat tricky because of the huge tidal range and all the mud, which in places when the water begins to flood in becomes quicksand. However, if we are conservative and be sure to get off the water before the tide gets too low, we should be okay. That east wind is also nice, pushing us to the west towards Point Possession.
Noel and Steve had picked up a copy of Exploring Alaska's Kenai Fjords by David Wm. Miller. It was recommended by Jon Walpole, and is a great resource of information about the Port Bainbridge to Port Dick section (Gulf of Alaska) of the coastline. As we wait here in Anchorage, anticipating our departure the preface to this book gives a useful reminder:
"Flexible trip planning is essential. An isolated seacoast like the Kenai Fjords presents a host of logistic and weather related issues. Rigid time scheduling may be impossible to follow safely."
When we were sailing our engineless sailboat we were so often faced with this reality- we had no ultimate control over our schedule and could never say for sure where we would be that evening. The same holds true for any adventure in nature and one must adopt this mindset for safety and sanity.
Last night Dave Johnston came over. He was one of three people to summit Denali in the wintertime
(read -148: the First Winter Ascent of Mount McKinley). As we told him about waiting for our boats to arrive and our need for flexibility in planning this trip he remarked:
"Nature bats last."
18 May 2008
"Nature Bats Last"
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I began paddling in the waters of Cook Inlet, working as a guide in Kachemak Bay. Since then, my husband Matt and I have moved to Orcas Island Washington and work with Body Boat Blade. We are passionate about paddling in dynamic waters and living adventurous lives. The Kenai is so diverse and wild, it’s a place I love to know exists on this planet.
1 comment:
great post great photos, so excited for all of you. seems this journey is already underway, despite that it's not following the well laid out plan. such great insights and well wishes you've had from other journeymen. "nature bats last" seems like the right mantra indeed.
-b
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