We have been without cell service for the past week, and I have been anxious to share our fun times. Last I wrote our friends Russ and Marie Boleen and Audie and Sandy Rhodes were on board and we were enjoying the big town of Craig, so much has happened since then. We took off from Craig on Sunday July 18th, and we enjoyed the warm cruise to Dall Island, on the southern tip of Prince of Whales Island. Warm weather is rare, we have had more than our share of rainy 50 degree days. We encountered several whales on our trip south. We ate lunch on deck with a whale that jung out for over an hour, just about 150 feet starboard of the boat. That was a thrill. Many, many pictures were snapped at our guest. I am still waiting to capture the elusive whale breach on my camera. Hopefully I will be able to focus in on that in the near future...

The next few days we spent at the fish camp, the guys enjoyed fishing. Audie hooked a 120 lb halibut that Bill wrestled into the boat while wearing his slippers. Russ caught a big king, among numerous other silvers, kings, halibut etc. Luckily none of us hooked a deer. Although that was a real possibility. I looked in the distance while out in the ocean fishing. At the time I thought I was seeing birds sitting on a log taking a rest, but as they got closer I discovered to my surprise that two deer were out taking a swim. They most likely had fled one island for another to get away from wolves. They both made it safely to shore, and went on there way.

A storm blew through and we had the excitement of 60 knot wind gusts throughout the night. Our anchor held tight and we waited out the storm in American Bay. The next morning we had 8 inches of rain in our dingy, the rain was relentless...

We did some exploring at Hidden Bay and filled a 5 gallon bucket with steamer clams, that was a feast, some enjoyed them more than others

Our friends flew out on a float plane Saturday morning, we will miss them, we had a great time. I can guarantee that we will not be eating as well as we did when Marie and Sandy were in the galley, they kept us all feed very well. At present we are headed through the Dixon Entrance on our way to Prince Ruppert. The seas are about 4-5 feet with little to now wind chop, just the way I like it. We will hang out in PR a couple days before we travel south.

Still enjoying the waves, Atta-Boy Audie, Bake and shake girls. Blue steel Russ

Bill and Kay