Once we arrived in Alaska, our original plan was to call US Customs to get a clearance number over the phone so that we wouldn’t have to motor 30 miles upwind out of our way to Ketchikan. We phoned from Prince Rupert, and the friendly Customs officer let us know that he couldn’t give us clearance over the phone – we would have to come to Ketchikan, where he could meet us at the dock.
Madrone tied up in her temporary berth – we were one of only a couple of larger sailboats in Ketchikan
On a sailboat, the only reason to have a plan is so that it can be changed. So, we spent the day pounding through the waves headed for Ketchikan. As we pulled into the harbor, we made arrangements with a local marina for a slip. Once we figured out where we would tie up, we called Customs to let them know where they could meet us. Of course, this time they were happy to give us a clearance number over the phone – no visit required! Not sure why they couldn’t just have done that originally….
No matter – neither of us had ever been to Ketchikan, so we looked forward to checking out the town, filling our fuel and water, doing some small boat chores, and most of all eating and drinking at some restaurants where they both cook and clean up for you.
Circling to stay astern of Ruby Princess – they were very polite when they asked if we could possibly alter our course to give them some room
Ketchikan is a hailing port for cruise ships, and one contacted us by radio as we drove up the harbor – they just wanted to let us know that they were leaving the dock and would run us down if we didn’t change course! We were happy to stay out of their way – might is right in this case.
A nice couple of days spent here, and now it’s back to the outer islands to enjoy the Alaskan waterways.
