03/07/07 8:34 pm by TreksterSea Ice

The concept of ice forming on a ships superstructure is generally cause for great alarm and consternation.  We all had vivid memories of Bering Sea crab boats pounding their way through angry seas with freezing spray creating top heavy structures encased in ever thickening coats of ice.  Ice and boats generally don't mix well.  Today was different.  Today, the ice forming on our vessels superstructure was part of the magic of the day.  Loren was the only one wearing a ball cap.  With the gently falling snow melting on his cap and running down the bill only to refreeze as it dripped off, he was becoming part of the day’s artwork.  Despite the ice and the wetness of the snow, we remained warm in our drysuits and comfortable, knowing that we were properly prepared for exposure to the elements.


Posted In : November Kayak - Comments 3

03/07/07 8:34 pm by TreksterWhat a day!

What a day for a winter paddle!  It goes to show that "weather matters".   Prince William Sound is a gem of God's creation no matter what time of the year you are there.  Not many people take the time to visit the Sound in the dead of winter and that helps make this season special.  The stillness and solitude allow one to see creation in it's raw form and beauty.  The temps on this lovely day were in the mid 20's (Fahrenheit of course).  The snow fell softly and settled on the decks of our kayaks but melted into the waters of Passage Canal.  We were visited by a sea lion and a couple of curious sea otters.  The sea lion enjoyed our company and followed us for over an hour with an occasional blast of air as he surfaced mere feet from our kayaks.  The snow and a light fog reduced visibility to a half mile or less, sharpening the contrast of the snow covered rock walls to our right and the empty vastness that disappeared to forever on our left.  

It was mystical.



Posted In : November Kayak - Comments 267