Wanted-info outside passage Pelican-Sitka

H

Hunkydory

New member
If weather conditions cooperate we are planning sometime during the 1st week in June to go from Pelican out the Lisianski Strait and then south to Sitka with time spent exploring some of the coves on the way. Definitely a stop in Mirror Harbor with a visit to White Sulfur Springs. I've read all the information in the Douglass Hemingway Book. Has anyone else been down or up that way. Would appreciate any input, especially about coves with best chance of wildlife viewing and hazards to avoid. Have already put main routes on software. One on outside of Khaz Breakers and one through Piehle Passage if weather permits.

Our main concern is weather especially heavy fog after we are already committed to the outside.

Jay
 
We went thru the outside area in 1994 (1993 we went down the inside of Chichagof Island and thru Peril Straits to Sitka). We were in our Cal 46--a much slower and far less maneuverable boat than the C Dory. This was before Douglas wrote the book on this area. We did not stop at Mirror Harbor or White Sulfer Hot Springs. Looking at the charts, it seems quite do-able in the C Dory. This also looks like a very interesting area with some possiable hikes. Be aware of the bears in this area however..

We went from Elfin Cove down Lisianski inlet to Pelican, then out Lisianski Straights. We spent several days in the Potlock Harbor area. We anchored in Didrickson Bay and took the RIB around to the different coves. We had some good Grizley sightings in the Black Bay area where the Black River comes in. We went out by South Passage, but could have made it thru Surveyor and Ogden Passage. (This was before inexpensive chart plotters--and although we took the RIB down there, there were just too many rocks for our liking for the 46.) We went up to Kazh Bay and Slocum, Ford and Falcom arm with the RIB. We went back in at Salsbury Sound to Whitstone Narrows and Olga Straight, to Sitka. After Sitka we explored the arms on the outside of Baranoff Island down to Port Alexander.

The only serious fog we had was near Elfin cove--but that can vary so much from day to day--actually we only had a few days of serious fog--and never to the point we stayed in port (but had a good radar and GPS with paper charts). I would certainly be cautious along that stretch of coast with fog present.

I am sorry that I cannot give more information in that specific area--but the entire coast is very interesting and when were there, we didn't see other boats on the outside. It was our impression that the vast majority of boats went down on the inside. Our plans are hopefully to launch at Prince Rupert near the end of May (assuming that my mother in laws health allows Marie to take 6 weeks "off"). It would be great if we could get up that way when you are doing your trip.
 
Thataway--Bob, very fitting username.

Just the information I was wanting. Actually thought if any of the THE C-BRATS had been in this area it would be you. That must have quite a cruise using gps and paper charts. We explored many of the coves & bays on the south end of Admiralty Island the same way after loosing the computer in Terrors Ford Inlet in 2004. But that was in a 22 C-Dory not a 46 footer. The software chart-gps technology allows us to think about and then go in places we probably wouldn't have dared before with our limited experience.

Pleased to hear about the fog conditions. Sounds better actually better than we were hoping for.

The otters, bears and challenges of this area is why we've added it to our cruising plans next year. We will be alert when on shore. Haven't had a bad encounter yet but realize the possibilities. Will diffinately check out the Black Bay area.

Plan on going down Surveyor, Ogden and Smooth passages and out Piehle Passage. Did you check out Elbow Passage to Lake Anna in the RIB. Our software has a good detailed chart of this area.

We are planning to launch out of Skagway, hopefully the day after Memorial weekend. Would be good if we could cross routes and share experiences.

Jay
 
Jay,
We did not go up into Elbow Passage, but that would be a very good trip. I suspect that you will have to watch the current carefully--since there is a lot of water on up in the bays/lakes.

Will you have SSB or ham radio? We will have Ham radio and usually use that to hook up with other boats--VHF is of very limited use up there.
 
Bob

Yes--- I hope we've learned our lesson on currents. Don't need a repeat or worse.

Along with VHF and cell phone only have a sat phone. Had planned to use it for emergency's only. Keep it in our water proof emergency kit. Will see if we can come up with something by May.

Jay
 
We also had been taking about a satellit phone. I suspect in some of the narrow fjords that satellites might be difficult to get--but the majority of the time, that you can get a satellit link up easily. I think the satellite phone is an excellent idea for many of the remote areas. (even to include some of the inland lakes)
 
We purchased ours just before our second trip north exploring rivers and lakes in Norther British Columbia, the Yukon Territory and Northwest Territory in a RIB. I would program the numbers of the nearest RMCP from where we would be going, so in a emergency I could make contact to the nearest help with a one digit number. Never had to use it, but it was worth the price for the peace of mind.
 
Hello,

I spent a couple weeks in Pelican and made a trip down to the White Sulfur Springs. First, leave Pelican and hug the shore of Chichagof there are some massive brown bears on the beaches across there, they like mornings and evenings but seem to be around most of the time. The second large beach on Yacobi heading down Lisanski Strait seemed to always have bears when we went by. We saw several individuals and got into the habit of throwing a fish on the beach when returning from our fish. There is another massive brown up in Stag Bay that is often spotted, he is known to locals for his ill temper during hunting season. Before Stag the forest service has a lean to with a landing that faces the Strait - great for a fire and a break, you can tie up and spend a night - nice. There is an old road leading to an abandon mining operation (we were too intimadiated by the bears to go).

I think that Douglas has a map on how to short cut south out of Lisanski Strait, tricky but doable in our boats, I think you have a 22 like ours. I remember that once you take the chute south - keep everything to your starboard side heading south. Only do this if the swell is manageable but wow! it's worth it. Take the Porcupine Islands Outside or Inside, the fishing here is incredible - scary big fish and lots of them - rock, uneven bottom so keep your eyes out while you fish. I took my chart into Rose's world famous bar for local knowledge and thats worth buying a round. It gets tricky going into the anchorage again and the local's pencil marks made it OK. No need to anchor in Mirror - there is a great spot right at the head of the trail. Rather than go right to Mirror go left the one big rock that is scary can be taken either way. To port is recommended but I circled it at low (slowly). The trail to the Springs is longer than you think although easily done in 40 minutes. The Springs need no hype, getting there is an adventure but you are rewarded! Pack plenty of drinking water, you may not want to leave. Many say its the prettiest place in all of Southeast. Going back toward Mirror there is an old gold mine and I also saw an old hut near the place I anchored.

We mostly fished going further down Chichagof but you could easily go to Stika. It could be done in a day as your going down the hill. Plenty of hide outs if the weather comes up. We fished down along the 'Sisters" and went into Khaz Bay but were headquartered in Pelican and had a later date in Bartlett Cove. We did take a couple beatings coming back but that was because we couldn't stop fishing and the afternnon winds came up (our fault). All of Yacobi is splendid and the Salmon Trolling off Deer Harbor quite impressive. I think that you have a great plan and our shallow drafts make it easier. Pelican to White sulphur was 20 NM. I'll try to post some pics we saw incredible Orca shows in Cross Sound.

Shawn
 
Shawn

Great information. #1 interest is bears. Iam going to print this and take it with us. Youve provided more of what we were hoping for when we posted the wanted message.

I have the short cut route from the Douglass map already installed on my navigation software. Was hoping for and glad to get the eyes on experience from you and Bob.

George and Penny in there slide show have a good picture of your boat. Ours is similar except for all your fishing gear. Nice looking boat well set up for fishing. At least in my limited knowledge it looked like it was.

Looking forward to you posting the Orca pictures.

What month did you spend the two weeks around Pelican?

Where did you launch from to get to Pelican? We have trailered both from Prince Rupert and Skagway.

Thanks again,

Jay
 
Hello Jay,

We were in Pelican the first two weeks of July, the commercial King season. I do not think that you will be disappointed in seeing bears. We saw bears every run through Lisanski Strait and were able to get pretty close. Lots of sea otters all over the area as well. I've got one very interesting Orca picture and some bears. I'm having problems trying to add the photos but I'm working on it.

We launched out of Prince Rupert last summer. I plan to be up there again but I'll probably be mid June to get across the Dixon as I'm leaning toward going from Port Hardy.

Shawn
 
Shawn

We should be in the Frederick Sound area by mid June. Will keep an eye out for you and the Tonie O.

Looking forward to you photos.

Jay
 
thataway":250j6cx0 said:
Where did you leave the truck and trailer in Prince Rupert?

Thanks,
Click to expand...

Bob

Maybe I can help. Before our trip out of there in 2004, we had called ahead and got reservations to store truck and trailer. It fell through when we arrived so had to find another. The place we finally used is located on the right just before the quarter mile long access road going into Rushmore boat harbor and launch. On the right side of this access road is temporary vehicle and trailer storage. The place is fenced and there was a building in front where they sold appliances Can't remember the places name. They charged a fair rate.

Jay
 
Thanks Jay--I think I know where you mean, I picked up some fittings at that store. I know that security is an issue in Prince Rupert. I had heard of a enclosed warehouse which was available--but forgot where I heard of it. Incidently we never did have room at the PRYC--so always tied up to the fishing boats--one night before an opening, we had to raft up to a large log (with spikes and all--some challanges with fendering)--by 11 PM all but two of the fishing boats had left the dock. Another time we rafted on the outside, and they didn't even awake us when they left early in the AM--I have always gotting along well with the fisherman--part of my heritage of growing up on the docks of San Pedro....
 
Hello,

I can't find my reciept or remember the name but coming into town there is an industrial area (about a mile out of town). There is a gas station called "Fast Gas" the locals call it the "Native Station" and it is. Directly across the street is a fenced yard. The Natives in the store gave me the guy's name and phone number. I had no problems and reservations were not an issue, I retrieved the rig on a Sunday with no reservation or prior call. Its a father son operation.

A prior year I stored at the propane/appliance shop up the same street as Rushmore floats, about the same cost.

Shawn
 
Back
Top