Northern Mac Roundup

[yukonbob]

Shot in the dark but...Calling all Northern Mac owners! I know there are a bunch of you hiding up here in the Yukon and Alaska and of course anyone else who might be interested in joining my annual cruise south (south i know) Looking at leaving near the end of June for two to three weeks leaving from Skagway Alaska heading south to Icy Straights / Glacier Bay area. I have also been contemplating circumnavigating admirility island which would include a stops in Juneau, Taku Arm and Tennekee Springs on the way back north to the Icy Straights area. Pm or post here

[reastmure]

I'm going to seriously think about making this happen. Better start thinking about what I need to do with the boat to comply with all the rules I don't have to worry too much about while sailing on the secluded lakes of the southern Yukon.

[Flightfollowing]

Very interested in your potential excursion in se Alaska. I'm based out of homer Alaska, but want to trailer the boat and explore se Alaska, although end of June timing might be difficult. I'll pm you

[yukonbob]

Right on! That's a bit of a drive, maybe check and see what rates are on the ferry from Whittier over to Juneau or Honnah? It might cut down the travel time but increase the cost. Bonus to that is also not spending 2 days traveling south down the upper Lynn and another 2 back up, just pull off the ferry and launch. From Honnah it's around 30nm to Bartlett cove and the entrance to Glacier Bay vs the 120nm from Skagway. Wonder if there's a way to just drop the trailer and boat on the ferry and have someone in Juneau or hoonah meet you to offload and launch? Would save a bunch of $$ on ferry cost.

[Flightfollowing]

Brilliant idea about the ferry! I had forgotten about that option. It actually runs from homer all the way to Juneau, but I only checked prices from Whittier to Juneau which were around $1600 to $1900 one way sailboat only. Getting a buddy or hiring someone to launch the boat on the other end is a great idea. I tried to call reservations and ask them about a trailer only but will have to try during the week.

[yukonbob]

I know shipping just a boat and trailer were an option when we looking for our boat but that was from Washington up to Skagway and was around the prices you mentioned. If driving maybe plan to launch in Haines. It would cut off about 3 hours driving each way and only 16nm difference on the water and on the way from Skagway.

[Flightfollowing]

Google Maps yields about 980 miles or 19 hours driving from Homer to Haines, at 10 mpg and $2.50 a gallon the cost is $245 one way, which is much more reasonable than the ferry. Consequently, I am very interested, but timing will be the main issue. I am interested in Prince of Whales Island, which is a fair bit south, but might save that for a later trip in the summer if your plans don't go that far south. If I did this, I might want to store the boat in Southeast somewhere for a few weeks, if you have any advice please let me know.

[yukonbob]

It is a little further south than I had planned but open to options. Everything in SE depends on weather. If it's nice, Elfin Cove and sailing the gulf on outside waters is hard to beat and so's the fishing. I've been trying for years to get to white sulphur hot springs on the outter coast via Pelican but it can be tricky even when it's nice. Icy straights has lots of room to sail and Glacier Bay entrance is right in the middle with the option to go into the park if permits are available (or booked). I was also throwing around the idea of circumnavigating admirility island, which includes Juneau, Taku arm, and Stevens passage which would put us close to PWI; and warm bay springs and Tennekee springs are along the way (there is a theme and a very good reason for this) if it's wet and miserable a dip in some natural hot springs makes it all go away. Google warm bay springs not Tennekee Either route I have to stop in Icy straights on the way back north to pick up some Halibut to bring home. Storage is available in Haines but not secure storage (not that it's an issue there) I would feel more comfortable leaving it in the water no problem; in the lot I doubt anything would happen either. It's out of the way (2hours each way) but I can also offer storage in Whitehorse. Skagway also has fenced secure storage but even further out of the way.

[yukonbob]

I'm also flexible on the dates as well. Earlier in June can also be done. Reastmure can't go into July and I think a little earlier might work better for him as well?

[Flightfollowing]

Sounds like things may be firming up, with dates of June 18- July 3rd and starting Haines/Skagway, with 2 and hopefully 3 macs so far. I spoke with Haines Harbormaster and things sounded pretty straightforward, with either mast up dry storage on the trailer at 20 cents per square foot per month, or moorage at $5.5 per foot per month

[yukonbob]

Little more expensive for in water storage than Skagway but still reasonable (Don't tell those southern folk they'll all be up here in a jiffy ) Just sent you an email with maps and rough itinerary as well.

[Flightfollowing]

I just towed an x 1000 miles from homer Ak to Haines Alaska with what seemed about 100 miles of frost heaved road and lots of gravel on a otherwise stock dual axle trailer. Blew out one hub about 200 miles from destination with tire running a bit wobbly but staying on and apparently still supporting some load. Their were absolutely no repair services to help, so I simply drove on with a frequent eye on the tire in the mirror, and made the destination where I could finally get a replacement hub. Anyway, it made me a firm believer in dual axles. Also, consider adding a roller up near the front so that the boat bow much more easily loads on the trailer with steep ramps.
Also, from now on I will not only keep a spare tire and wheel, but also a hub.

[yukonbob]

Glad you made it! Final week of prep. Spoken with Bartlett cove for entrance to Glacier Bay should we choose too. Weather and tides are looking good for next weeks departure but the weather forecast a week out is as reliable as a politician
We will firm up our route on the water Sunday night once we have an accurate forecast (that should be the definition of an oxymoron). Should be a good trip

[yukonbob]

Two weeks and 350+\- nm went by quick. Rain, sun, limited wind and good company made for a great trip. The entire Lynn canal, icy straights, Glacier Bay, whales, birds, sea lions and porpoises. Pictures will probably take a little bit but Flightfollowing's friend DJ Hall has offered his Facebook content until more video get processed, pictures are uploaded and shared. Great trip everyone!

Completed Video:
https://www.facebook.com/rangerdj.hall/ ... 5597660917

DJ's FB page
https://m.facebook.com/rangerdj.hall?fref=nf

[Flightfollowing]

Spectacular trip, can't recommend it enough. Even though we were out 2 weeks, still looks we just scratched the surface for the northern SE Alaska. I thought I had a really beautiful cruising area out of resurrection bay near homer AK, but this area was much larger and more spectacular.