The Motor Vessel Geraldine arrived in Kodiak from Maine after a three-month voyage through the Northwest Passage in the summer of 2008. To read all about the voyage of the Geraldine, go to www.mvgeraldine.com

 

We have two cruise reports from the Geraldine about her historic voyage over the Northwest Passage from Maine to Sitka stopping in Kodiak. The first is from the boat's captain, Walter Jones, and the second is from the second mate, Ed Wright.

 

Arriving in Kodiak from the Northwest Passage

 

Our arrival in Kodiak was a bit unusual as we came from Maine through the Northwest Passage. That means we arrived via Dutch Harbor, traveling along the Aleutian chain, so we arrived from the southwest (it actually makes sense when you look at a chart.) The scenery was gorgeous and the waters protected and calm. The green hillsides with a sprinkling of snow were amazing and the wildlife abundant.

 

We arrived at St Paul's Harbor late in the evening and were greeted by a helpful and welcoming harbor staff and fresh crew. Kodiak is a splendid place with the amenities a cruising yacht would want, yet not over-run with visitors. We ate in good restaurants, purchased parts, arrived and departed from the airport; in short had a pleasant experience many don't get because Kodiak is a little off the beaten path.

 

When we headed to the mainland several suggested we take a short trip to Afognak Island and stay at Kitoi Bay near the hatchery. Wow, was this ever great advice. If there ever was a five star anchorage this was it: Kodiak bears in abundance fishing for salmon; very happy doing their thing and not interested in us. We watched for hours and in time felt very safe. There were salmon galore, birds and eagles and many seals in the cove. We were the only visitors. The trip to the Kenai Peninsula the next day was an easy 1 day trip.

 

I believe most of your visitors will come from Southeast Alaska. Most are afraid to make the journey and therefore miss out.  Our boat cruises at about eight Knots. There are good stopping spots along the 
coast each day. Additionally there is a 3/4 Kt. current heading west that will provide a lift. With a good weather window one could make the trip back directly, or return along the coast. No one who adventures to Kodiak will be sorry they made the trip.

 

Regards,
Walt Jones, Captain
M/V Geraldine

 

Geraldine Arrives in Kodiak from Maine over the Northwest Passage

September 14th, 2008 by Ed Wright

The all night run up to Kodiak Island went well with the help of the moon to dimly light the water allowing us to see the horizon.  Each one of us slept for two hours followed by a four hour watch.  This allowed two of us be awake at all times as we plowed through the seas and with the help of some positive currents we arrived at Kodiak Island by dawn.  From there we traveled up the northwest side of the island with the calmest waters since I came onboard in Nome.  A most pleasant change especially since we are all tired from the sleep deprived night.  We had another whale sighting today and many more birds than usual.

At the north end of Kodiak Island we headed south-east down Whale Passage with seas like glass and plenty of sunshine.  We had numerous whale and otter sightings.  The mountains on either side of the passage were coated with green vegetation and trees which we previously had not seen along the Aleutian Islands.  Behind these mountains were higher mountains with patches of snow that peaked in and out of the clouds and rain.  What gorgeous scenery.

 

Along the edge of the passage were several homes and buildings confirming our return to civilization.  We were blessed by favorable conditions as the tides and currents gave us a huge lift down the passage where we reached a speed as high as 13.3 knots.  Normally our speed is in the range of 7-8 knots.  This was a wonderful way for ending my part of this journey. 

Ed