Life in Valdez

Ahoy mates! There have been tons of changes and new beginnings in the Kramer clan this past summer, fall, and now winter. Here are a few pictures to show what we have been up to since our adventure last spring.

Bristol Bay was amazing as always.

We switched out the Algona for the Toni Marie this season.

Stacey and Mark joined us this season, too.

Ben and I were married on Aug. 17th. It was the most amazing and unforgettable day of my life. Words can't quite express how much fun we all had on this magical day. Having so many awesome people lend a helping hand to create the most beautiful, original, and genuine wedding was such a humbling experience for the both of us. We are so thankful and lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives. We couldn't ask for anything more. Thank you to everyone who played a part in this special day!

All the ladies had some fun on the Klutina River the day before the wedding.

Us kids spread Rowley's ashes in the Copper River with the rest of the Washington gang.

Fingers tried on a bra.

The West Witch had some lovely visitors: Dad, Anie, and Scoober who ventured out in Prince William Sound for a few days.

The snow started to fall in mid September.

So the West Witch got a fancy face lift.

Pete and Stan helped so much!

Thank you guys for all your hard work!

The roof sheds snow like a champ.

Living on the water has allowed so many up close and personal sunrises and sunsets.

November sunrise at the Valdez Harbor.

Lastly, Ben and I are taking off for a quick visit to Hawaii and then to New Zealand for about a month of exploring. We'll be flying into Auckland on the north island and making our way down south until we take a ferry to the south island. I'm hoping to post some pictures and quick updates of where we are and what we're doing along the way.

Back on level ground

After 31 days, three crew changes, 1700 miles, two countries, breaking new sailing records (12.2 kts), seeing old friends and making new ones, sailing through hailstorms and gales, baking in the sun and freezing in the rain, soaking in warm natural hotsprings, breathing fresh air and feeling the ocean spray on our face, crossing the daunting gulf, laughing, yelling, singing, crying, and joking with one another - we have finally made it home. 

I'm not gonna lie, it feels really good to be on level ground. I never knew a warm, dry bed could feel so amazing. Since getting into Valdez a few days ago, I haven't done much of anything. And I'm okay with that. I'm glad I took pictures like I've never seen a mountain before because right now, the trip seems like a blur. Being in constant motion and continuously moving forward has allowed me to see so much beauty, but has also worn me and the rest of the crew, out. My mind and body are craving quietness, vegetables, sleep, and not moving too much. I think I can manage this for a while. 

I loved this trip. I love what we saw, what we went through, what was overcome, and ultimately, what was accomplished. First of all, this trip was not easy. But most things that challenge you, force you to grow up a little, and honestly, scare the crap out of you, are the experiences that shape you and pave the way of who you will be. I'm proud of what we have done and thankful for having been given this amazing opportunity. Grandma and Grandpa, this means you. I can't thank you enough for passing the sailing torch on to us. 

I grew to know the West Witch more and more everyday and thank her for safely taking us home. I was also lucky enough to have my favorite guys make this trip with me, too. I love each and everyone of them so much and thank them for all their hard work. This trip would not be possible without their help. And to all of you following us on the spot locator and through this blog, thanks for all the words of encouragement and support throughout this trip!

Here's some more pictures from the the gulf crossing and getting into Prince William Sound. 

Our friends came back to see us off to Juneau.

 North end of Admiralty Island

 Look! The only other sailor crazy enough to be sailing this time of year. This is one of two sailboats we passed the entire trip. 

 The transient dock in Hoonah

 Hoonah harbor 

 Hoonah

The gulf crossing

Latuya Bay on the gulf of Alaska. In 1958, the largest tsunami ever recorded started in Latuya Bay. The 8.3 magnitude earthquake caused a massive landslide of 30 million cubic meters of rock and ice. The megatsunami resulted in a wave of 1720 feet tall. 

Latuya Bay 

 Yakutat harbor 

Yakutat

Getting fuel in Yakutat

Kayak Island

Anchored off of Hitchinbrook Island

Heading into Valdez 

 The Padres

 The West Witch crew in Valdez!

 Adam, Annie, and Ryland got into Valdez on the same day. 

These two pictures are from our first day on April 12 and our last day on May 12. Can you tell which is Anacortes and Hitchinbrook Island? Or did we just go in a circle? 

So, next on the list: Enjoy a little bit of spring before Bristol Bay fishing and come back home to marry my best friend. Sounds good to me. 

Yakutat

Wow, a lot has happened in the past few weeks. First of all, we finally made it out of Prince Rupert! After three hailstorms and a few attempts to go around Cape Fox, we made it into Alaskan waters. Canada wasn't letting us go without a fight and Alaska wanted us to show her what we're made of.

 Cape Fox 

 Wales Harbor

 Look who showed up in Ketchikan!

 Going through the Wrangell Narrows

 Petersburg

 Petersburg

Cruising in Stephens Passage towards Juneau

Stephens Passage

Juneau 

Douglas Harbor in Juneau

Since leaving Ketchikan, we traveled through the Wrangell Narrows, passed Petersburg, and headed up Stephens Passage to Juneau. Pete flew back home from Ketchikan and my Dad flew in. The timing was perfect. While in Juneau, we stayed with some good friends of my Dad's and checked out the cool town. Ben and I visited the Alaskan Brewery Company and tasted some really good beer, too. After a day of regrouping, taking showers, and visiting, we decided it was time to take off again. 

We rounded the west side of Douglas Island and headed for Hoonah on Chichagof Island. To all of our surprise, Hoonah was really nice. It has the longest zipline in the U.S. and has a really fancy marina. It's always fun arriving in a new town not knowing what to expect. After spending a relaxing evening in Hoonah, we took off early the next morning for Elfin Cove. Elfin Cove is a quaint, quiet, and absolutely stunning place. 

 Heading to Elfin Cove

 We saw about a dozen humpback whales while cruising to Elfin Cove

 View from the dock in Elfin Cove

 Elfin Cove

 Looking at the gulf of Alaska

 A perfect lookout to drink our growler of Alaskan Brew

 Ben zipping around on the skiff 

 The gulf crossing

 Red sky at night

Crossing the gulf

We are currently in Yakutat waiting for Pete to fly back in from Copper Center. Ben has to get back to work in a few days so he will be flying out tomorrow. We are really happy to have made it almost halfway across the gulf! The weather has been amazing and should stay the same for a few days (cross your fingers).

We plan to refuel tomorrow, and head out to the gulf towards Prince William Sound. We have about 280 miles to the entrance of Hinchinbrook Island. After making it around Hinchinbrook, we'll head for Cordova to say hello to Peas and Allen. After Cordova, we only have a day of cruising until Valdez!