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Discovery
Joined: 08 Dec 2003 Posts: 1240 City/Region: LOA, UTAH
State or Province: UT
C-Dory Year: 2006
C-Dory Model: 255 Tomcat
Vessel Name: Discovery
Photos: Discovery
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Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2015 12:45 am Post subject: Discovery and Hunkydory in South East Alaska 2015 |
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Well C-Brats, it's time for another grand adventure of "Oh the places we go..." featuring Hunky Dory and Discovery on their excursions in south east Alaska-Summer 2015. We'll try to give you the all important statistical data that fellow boaters need, some interesting facts about the places we visit, pointers for those of you that are contemplating this same adventure, and a few behind the scenes stories about the crew--which may or may not be totally true, but hopefully entertaining.
This trip has been done several times by Jay and Jolee on Hunky Dory but this year Jay graciously agreed to be the tour director and let Discovery and crew tag along. Planning began last year with both crews working toward an early summer departure from Skagway. Precipitation amounts and temperatures are projected to be best in June, July, and August for this area of Alaska. Preparations included thorough going over of the boats to deal with any questionable equipment and replacing where necessary. Also the high humidity and rainy cool weather makes condensation in the boats a constant issue. Both boats were fitted with hypervent under the mattresses and Hunky Dory used closed cell foam and flooring to make the cabin floor warmer and drier. Both boats have camper backs and this is almost a necessity with this climate. Living on a boat and traveling in remote areas require that the boat and motors are in good condition. It's not like you can call Boat US SeaTow with any issue. Both boats carry extra propellers, heavy duty anchors with sufficient rode and chain, and all safety gear. This trip was also a 2551 mile road trip each way which requires that the tow vehicle and boat trailer are up to the trip. Discovery had a little issue with this because even after we bought new tires, repacked the wheel bearings, had everything ready to go--we made it 40 miles before the first break down. That is a real "Oh Crap!!!!" moment. One of the Kodiak brakes on the boat trailer started to drag and the wheel got hot. We made it to a tire shop and after 2 hours of fiddling around, the guys there determined they couldn't get parts to fix it for at least 10 days. Not in the plan. After careful consideration we decided that 3 out of 4 was good enough. The tire guy removed the caliper and capped the brake line and off we went--watching the other wheel temperatures carefully.
An extremely important part of planning this type of boat camping trip is deciding what to take along. Water, fuel and wine are heavy and non-negotiable. Everything else requires a conscious decision. This part of Alaska has minimal places for provisioning and things are pricey. Boat camping doesn't mean staying in a marina every night--most nights are on the hook and that is the best part of it. If you have to shower daily, you can't wear the same clothes for two days in a row, and you run to the grocery store every day, this type of trip is probably not for you. There are lots of foods available that are light weight and easy to prepare. Just think about the amount of storage you have, the weight your boat can carry without sinking, and what you really need--not lots of room for frills.
Coming to Alaska requires that you travel through Canada to get here. It's really not a big deal but requires a passport and a few permits. Canada has regulations about what you can bring to the country, even though you are just passing through. Some people try to bring things that are not exactly within Canadian limits and if you do, you have a chance of getting caught and getting in trouble and I don't know exactly what would happen but it must be bad. Those people might act nervous and guilty. However our tour guide(Jay) does not bring anything that is not legal--he is the most honest person I know. But something bad must have happened to him because he gets really nervous. When the border patrol guy ask him where he was from (Cokeville, Wyoming) he couldn't remember. Jolee didn't know if it would be worse or better if she answered for him, or told Jay the answer. Anyway they still let him in and we all figured it must be Jay's age that made him forget lol.
We got to Skagway yesterday and have taken transient slips in the harbor (40 cents per foot for moorage, $10 per night for power, $10 launching fee, trailer storage $50 per month with free truck parking and pay showers) We are waiting on the weather so we can leave and head south on the Taiya inlet to Haines and then down the Lynn Canal.
One last observation for this first post--my old eyes are loving this country. It is more beautiful than I remember. We have already seen buffalo, fox, moose, beaver, otter, deer, antelope, and bear. It is an incredible place. Jolee told me a quote that was written on her granddaughters graduation program held the day before they left. It went something like this "Boats are the safest when they are tied to the dock, but that's not what a boat is for..." This is going to be an incredible journey--hope you enjoy reading about it. _________________
Brent and Dixie,
1984 22' Classic sold 2003
2003 24' TomCat sold 2005
2006 TC255 Discovery Sold 2020
2006 CD 22' Angler Sold 2014
https://share.delorme.com/FBrentBetenson
"Free men do not ask permission to bear arms." ~ Thomas Jefferson |
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jkidd
Joined: 23 Oct 2006 Posts: 1628 City/Region: Northern, Utah
State or Province: UT
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Voyager
Photos: Voyager (JK)
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Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2015 1:40 am Post subject: |
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Can't wait to hear all the stories. Have a good time and be safe up there. _________________ Jody Kidd
KE7WNG
Northern, Utah
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JamesTXSD
Joined: 01 Mar 2005 Posts: 7449 City/Region: from island boy to desert dweller
State or Province: AZ
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: "Wild Blue" (sold 9/14)
Photos: Wild Blue
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Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2015 8:48 am Post subject: |
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Looking forward to the tales of this adventure! You four are all seasoned travelers, resourceful, and adventurous - what a great mix!
Have fun, travel safe, watch out for the bears, and keep us posted.
Best wishes,
Jim & Joan |
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thataway
Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 20875 City/Region: Pensacola
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: thataway
Photos: Thataway
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Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2015 3:01 pm Post subject: |
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We are all ears, and eyes. Have a great time! Thank you for taking the time and effort to write.
As I recollect that you have electric over hydraulic brakes on the trailer. _________________ Bob Austin
Thataway
Thataway (Ex Seaweed) 2007 25 C Dory May 2018 to Oct. 2021
Thisaway 2006 22' CDory November 2011 to May 2018
Caracal 18 140 Suzuki 2007 to present
Thataway TomCat 255 150 Suzukis June 2006 thru August 2011
C Pelican; 1992, 22 Cruiser, 2002 thru 2006
Frequent Sea; 2003 C D 25, 2007 thru 2009
KA6PKB
Home port: Pensacola FL |
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hardee
Joined: 30 Oct 2006 Posts: 12633 City/Region: Sequim
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 2005
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Sleepy-C
Photos: SleepyC
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Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2015 3:56 pm Post subject: |
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I am in total drool mode just thinking about where you are and what you are going to see and do. What an awesome trip. All the adventure and super scenery, incredible wildlife and uncrowded waters. Waiting with baited breath for the updates. I really enjoy your writings, pictures, preparedness, and will be checking in here frequently for new news.
Be safe, and enjoy.
Harvey
SleepyC _________________ Though in our sleep we are not conscious of our activity or surroundings, we should not, in our wakefulness, be unconscious of our sleep. |
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Water Bill
Joined: 31 Mar 2007 Posts: 131 City/Region: Lake Keowee, SC
State or Province: SC
C-Dory Year: 2018
Vessel Name: Mystery Girl (Ranger Tug R-23)
Photos: Mystery Girl and C-Swell
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Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2015 4:06 pm Post subject: |
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Glad you made it to Skagway without to much difficulty. Can't wait to read your next post and view some of the photos you take on your adventure. Have a great time and a safe trip.
Bill |
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amy and karl
Joined: 18 Aug 2006 Posts: 228 City/Region: Graham
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: C-DAISY
Photos: C-DAISY
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Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2015 6:17 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks so much for sharing. Looking forward to following along. Safe travels.
Karl |
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Discovery
Joined: 08 Dec 2003 Posts: 1240 City/Region: LOA, UTAH
State or Province: UT
C-Dory Year: 2006
C-Dory Model: 255 Tomcat
Vessel Name: Discovery
Photos: Discovery
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Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2015 12:29 am Post subject: |
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The WX has been small craft advisories almost 24/7. We are trying for a window to get to Haines at 4 AM tomorrow 6/12. If all goes well we can get out of the Taiya Inlet and toward better weather. I'll post from Haines when we get there. |
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jkidd
Joined: 23 Oct 2006 Posts: 1628 City/Region: Northern, Utah
State or Province: UT
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Voyager
Photos: Voyager (JK)
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Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2015 12:32 am Post subject: |
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Brent did your Mokai show up? |
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Pat Anderson
Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 8555 City/Region: Birch Bay, WA
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 2005
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Daydream
Photos: Daydream and Crabby Lou
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Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2015 12:41 am Post subject: |
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We'll be anxous for all your future posts, Brent! _________________
DAYDREAM - CD25 Cruiser
CRABBY LOU - CD16 Angler (sold 2020)
Pat & Patty Anderson, C-Brat #62!
http://daydreamsloop.blogspot.com
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Casey
Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 1094 City/Region: The Villages(FL)
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2006
C-Dory Model: 23 Venture
Vessel Name: "Dessert 1st"
Photos: Dessert 1st
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Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2015 7:14 am Post subject: |
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Great write-up to what is going to be a Fantastic Adventure! We look forward to ALL the stories and pictures.
It's just after 7AM (EDT), so we're hoping the wx report is ok and you're preparing to get underway shortly.
When you get to Haines, find a copy of "If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name." Local author and a fun read about a great little town.
I'm SURE Discovery has plenty of fishing tackle! ... Going to be some GOOD eating!
Looking forward to the next episode!
Best,
Casey&Mary _________________ 2013 CC23 "Katmai" renamed "Dessert 1st"
2006 CC23 "Katmai" (purchased August 2009)
2003 CD22 "Naknek" (sold May 2008) |
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Gilbertsons
Joined: 21 Sep 2011 Posts: 59 City/Region: Denver
State or Province: CO
C-Dory Year: 2008
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Little Bit
Photos: Little Bit
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Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2015 11:52 pm Post subject: |
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Way to go guys!
Jay, I remember your eyes lighting up about Alaska when we met for coffee in Centennial, CO!
Have fun,
Scott |
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Hunkydory
Joined: 28 Mar 2005 Posts: 2684 City/Region: Cokeville, Wyoming
State or Province: WY
C-Dory Year: 2000
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Hunkydory
Photos: Hunkydory-Jay-and-Jolee
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Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 10:18 am Post subject: |
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Thanks Scott & the well wishes of all others, we finally were able to leave Skagway about 4 am & are now cruising by Haines heading south down the Lynn Canal with hopes of staying ahead of the wind that's supposed to increase from our sterns this afternoon. We would like to make Swanson Harbor at the junction of the Lynn Canal & Icy Strait today. It is wonderful to again be cruising the waters of SE Alaska & especially so in the company of Brent & Dixie.
Jay _________________ Jay and Jolee 2000 22 CD cruiser Hunkydory
I will not waste my days in trying to prolong them------Jack London
https://share.delorme.com/JuliusByers |
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doc
Joined: 03 Jul 2005 Posts: 270 City/Region: Auke Bay
State or Province: AK
C-Dory Year: 2017
Vessel Name: Bella Rey
Photos: C-Alaska
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Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2015 10:49 pm Post subject: |
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Bon voyage. Guessing you made Swanson Harbor ok since it looks pretty calm out there from here at the cove anyway. Can be two different seascapes between here and there though. Hope all goes well but remember to let us know if you need anything at all. _________________ Steve and Colleen Torrence
Juneau, Alaska |
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Salmon Fisher
Joined: 07 Aug 2009 Posts: 815 City/Region: Arlington
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 2004
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Kim Christine
Photos: Kim Christine
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2015 12:11 am Post subject: |
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Thank you so much for posting. I will live vicariously through your adventures until it's time and we have time to do them, too.
Be safe! _________________ Patrick and Kim Walker
2004 25 Cruiser-Present
2000 22 Cruiser 2009-2014 (Sold)
2006 25 Cruiser 2014-2019 (Sold)
1985 22 Classic -2019 (Sold)
1991 19 Arima Sea Ranger-2019-2021 (Sold)
2015 27 Ranger Tug-2019-2023 (Sold)
1987 22 Cruiser -2021-2023 (Sold)
Honey, this REALLY will be my last boat, honest! |
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