Bellingham

Miles: 0

A moment of sun

Weather: Cloudy and Cool

We hadn't really seen the sun since Tok Alaska.  As we pulled in to Bellingham, I was hoping to see and feel some Continental sunshine.   Nope, that would have to wait.

After a slow and seemingly endless trip from Haines we finally arrived in Ketchikan on July 16th to change ferrys.  We would off-load, stage, wait three hours then board on to the M/V Columbia.  This time loading our bikes on the ferry was easier since we now were proficient at the 'battle drill'.  Alex and I were off of the car deck in minutes. 

Our reservations were for the Columbia from Haines to Bellingham but the Columbia had maintenance issues so the M/V Kennicott was covering until the Columbia was ready.  The M/V Columbia is a bigger (408' vs 382') and better appointed ferry.  Our room on the Columbia had full-service (full bath) and a porthole.  The Columbia also has a full lounge and a formal dinning room. 

Columbia Cabin

The leg from Ketchikan was pleasant but still boring.  Alex and I went separate ways while on the ferry(s).  I gave him money and a room key.  He met someone his age and they pretty much kept themselves occupied.  I spent my time visiting and reading on the main observation deck.  I found myself a nice seat by the window on the starbored side (right side for you lubbers).  However my peace was frequently interrupted by a crowd of cotton-topped, bino and camera toting folk who rushed the side windows every time someone THOUGHT they saw a whale blow.  So there I would sit trying to read while a very older person was leaning over me inches away straining to see a whale.  I had to repeatedly remind myself of my Homer Spit RV epiphany.  You know the "they have earned this blah, blah,blah".   It still was quite the spectacle even when there weren't really any whales:) 

Leaving Ketchinkan

M/V Columbia in Ketchikan

Tents on the Deck