Keku Strait

July 22
We left Kake and after much deliberation decide to try a very tricky pass, Keku Strait. Many of our books said it was "dooable" and others said we should get some local knowledge. Kake's harbor didn't seem too full of local knowledge, so we decided to try it and we did it! Mike was busy at the wheel going in and out of shallow areas and kelp beds. We heard a new sound come from the boat - the sound of kelp being pulverized by the propeller. We were happy to come out the other side! I was able to work on my radio skills and call in a Securite call. Before transiting through a narrow channel boats call and let other boaters know of your whereabouts. As always, give a microphone, telephone or a radio and I become a wanta be karaoke character! **Just today, I read a story about a sailboat that tried Rocky Pass and got stuck high and dry on a rock for 12 hours - thank you, Mike for getting us through safely!!



Another big decision...do we go outside and down the west side of Prince of Wales Island or go down the east side which would lead us back to the "traditional" Inside Passage? We both wanted to go outside and see something different, but what about the weather? We could get stuck somewhere and not make progress south...oh, well - who wants to go home anyway? We took a left (outside) and found calm, beautiful water and some whales - all signs that we chose the right route. We then entered a narrow strait - Shakan strait, to Dry Strait to El Capitan, We are now tucked in to Devilfish Cove and the rain is trickling down the boat and we are relaxing and enjoying the daily life of traveling and living on a boat. It is peaceful, relaxing and a wonderful place to be spending our summer.


We find moorage at the tip of Prince of Wales Island in Wooden Wheel Cove. A sweet little settlement that has no roads that go to the town. Everything is built on a boardwalk and the best way to get around is in your dingy. We meet the "colorful" Alaskan fishermen on the dock and have a quiet evening.