Brad and Laie arrived with the sunshine, and clear skies allowed us a view of distant snow covered peaks. Petersburg looked postcard pretty. The fair weather was not going to last, so we took advantage of it and walked to Hungry Point, then came back to have halibut tacos on the patio at Inga’s before returning to prep the boat for Sunday’s departure to Thomas Bay.

Before every passage, Bob disappears into the engine room. The engine room is a loud, intimidating cavern in the belly of the boat housing two huge Caterpillar diesel engines and two generators; it’s a critical spot to monitor. He checks for water in the bilge, assesses radiator fluid level, looks for leaks, sniffs for new odors, and examines all gauges and the stabilizers. Fuel is closely tracked. We subscribe to the “1/3” fuel rule: use 1/3 on the way out, 1/3 on the way back and save 1/3 for emergencies. An engine room check is never missed.

Sunday morning was warm, bright and sunny, and it was a short cruise to Thomas Bay. The cloudless day allowed for a spectacular view of Le Conte Glacier, and we found new hazards on the water to add to our watch list: ice floes! We passed more than a few. A humpback surfaced off our starboard side and we watched her slowly pass us as we made way into Thomas Bay.

We tucked into a quiet anchorage behind Ruth Island, then let the anchor settle a few hours before heading out in the dinghy to see Baird Glacier, encountering more ice floes on our way. Temperatures dropped the closer we got to the glacier and the water became turquoise with the glacial silt.

Monday dawned cold and cloudy. It was 48 degrees when we got up; thank goodness for the diesel heater, which takes the edge off the damp chill. Originally planning a long cruise north to Tracy Arm, we changed our minds and diverted to Sandborn Canal, on the recommendation from a Petersburg native. Right now the crock pot is slowly making dinner and we are content at anchor on this drizzly, overcast day.