We spent two full months exploring Alaska and are weary travelers. Boating looks relaxing, but when cruising in new territory there are few relaxing moments and no lazy days. Whether underway or at anchor, safe boating demands focused attention on systems that make the boat function. That gets tiring! Fatigue can lead to carelessness and mistakes, and we are ready to begin the journey back to home port, though were taken by surprise by the bittersweetness of leaving.

We’ve known boaters from Southern California to Northern Washington and most prefer the comfort of their immediate environment because it’s less complicated. Going to unknown waters requires effort, planning, coordination and luck. Maybe that’s what it feels like to run a marathon. Runners invest months of training and preparation, but the event is over quickly. The realization this chapter was coming to a close tugged at our heart strings and prompted much reflection.

We’re grateful for our health and circumstances that allow us to do this, and for those hearty souls that were able to join us. Laie’s doctor granted her a “chemo vacation” to make the trip, yet she never missed an opportunity to work in the galley, help spot logs or icebergs from the pilot house, and straighten up the salon. Brian, Brad, JD, Dave, Grace and Nik – it took effort to make the trip and required a lot of flexibility; your presence made such great memories!

We are thankful for the opportunity to witness such unspoiled, untouched beauty, and for the many mariners and Alaskans we met along the way.

We were up early Saturday to drop lines at 5 AM, with our last view of Ketchikan in the soft morning light, without cruise ships in port. Crossing Dixon Entrance, where boaters are exposed to open ocean, was easy; the water was flat and winds were calm. It was a long uneventful day on the water, and the Canadian Border Patrol were equally easy going, hardly giving us 10 minutes of their time.

We are making haste to return to Anacortes. Our California grand daughter is moving to Georgia three months ahead of schedule, and if we make it to home port by August 6, we’ll fly to Monterey to spend a day with her before she leaves, then return to Anacortes for a final, relaxing trip though the San Juan Islands.

Thanks to all who are reading this for joining us vicariously. Your interest provided the opportunity to pause along the way and record our experiences. Your curiosity made a difference!