July 4-5, 2008 -- Ferry Ride North

We sailed from Bellingham, WA and there were 8 other motorcycles.  Three were on BMWs from Floida with 3 men and 1 lady, one younger fellow from Wisconsin who was headed to Alaska to fish, a couple from Macon, Georgia who were returning after having lived in Alaska several years ago, a couple from California on another Goldwing like ours, and a gentleman (age 67) who was traveling from Arizona.  We ended up standing in line for 3 hours before we were allowed to board, so everyone got acquainted talking about the different types and styles of motorcycles.

They finally got everyone on board, and by the time we unloaded, we got the last tent spot on the solarium deck.  I would say there were about 10 tents on our level, and maybe the same on the floor below us.  We were the only ones from the motorcycle group that ventured out with a tent.  The other Honda could got a stateroom, and the remainder blew up their air matresses and slept in the outside solarium. 

We had a nice start from Bellingham with sunny skies, but the wind proved to be an adventure in keeping the tent in place.  The following day the rain began and it rained most of the way to Ketchikan.  When we boarded, the captain said to consider it as Alaskan soil, so all of our time was set to Alaskan time.  It was interesting as we traveled through the Canadian portion of the waters, because watches were off an hour because they were picking up Canadian time.

Let's just say, when it rains in Alaska, IT RAINS.  We had storms throughout the night and then the wind to stir it around even more.  The kids in the tent next to us didn't have a rain fly on their tent, so had to move the tent in the middle of the night.  We had to tape the tents down with duct tape, and the next day two tents came loose and were rolling around the deck.  We had bought a lightweight tent for this trip (because we were carrying it on the motorcycle; and although being brand "new", it leaked.  Then when the wind was blowing, we both almost had to be in the tent at all times to keep it in place.  Needless to say, the next night we slept in the Theatre Room and used the recliners.

Although cloudy, the scenery was awesome.  We were what they called "out to sea" 3 different times for about an hour.  The rest of the time we were wandering through the many islands of the Inland Passage -- waterfalls, lush forests, and God's magnificent beauty.  Did see some dolphis and two whales along side, but wasn't fast enough with the camera to be able to get pictures.