Red Skies In Morning: An Unforgettable Stormy Passage from Juneau to Seattle

By Elsan Zimmerly

A true adventure story of the author’s first sailing voyage. A novice sailor she’d never intended to make this trip. A good friend with sailing experience had planned to go but at the last minute had a family emergency. Though early spring in the far north winter weather prevailed as she and her husband set out from Juneau, Alaska to Seattle, Washington. Storms, nasty seas, frigid temperatures, dense fog, intense rain squalls test their abilities, stamina and their marriage. Travel is slow and waiting weather continual adding stress. For the author the voyage is a paradox as she faces her fears in frightening conditions while awed by the breathtaking scenery and solitude.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elsan Zimmerly
• Release date: Feb 7, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458112774

Book preview

Red Skies In Morning:

An Unforgettable Stormy Passage

from Juneau to Seattle

by Elsan Zimmerly

Copyright 2010 Elsan Zimmerly

Smashwords Edition

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*****

As we approach Marmion Island after departing Juneau, I look ahead and spot whitecaps, black water, a dark and looming sky. It's too early in the spring for a boat trip, weather's still ugly, I protest, as if Hank would heed my warning and turn back. There is a marked difference between winter and summer storms here in the far north. We're still experiencing the winter variety. Our short daylight hours are even shorter with limited light in this heavy, overcast weather.

Tide’s ebbing as we cross Taku Inlet. Water abruptly becomes vertical. Our sailboat, Fazbo hurls upward as if lurching towards the threatening sky then plunges downward as if diving to the ocean's bottom. Foamy white water oozes away from the stern. Up, over and down. Thud! Swoosh! The boat plunges along. It takes me a while to adjust to being on the water. I fight it like an oncoming cold. This is just the beginning of a long journey and already I'm cold and tired, my toes are numb, my fingers stiff. Winds over 30 knots, seas steeply stacked. There's little light left in the day and we're not making much headway so we head for Taku Harbor and anchor for the night. Dark and sleep come quickly.

A farewell trip with his first sailboat, Hank is saying goodbye to a friend. My mind wanders back to that precious moment several years ago when we first sailed her up the channel to Juneau, under the bridge and home.

A passage ending. Another beginning. I flew to Ketchikan to join Hank for the final segment of Fazbo’s journey from Seattle to Juneau. My part short in comparison. I couldn’t possibly share his profound feeling of accomplishment after a long journey's end. Circling Juneau's downtown harbor,