Yesterday we got to Ketchikan, where we had arranged to meet a vessel that would bring us more fuel for the generators on the barge. The boat, “Spirit”, turned out to be a little landing craft that looked like a herring boat, except instead of a spool on the bow it had a 5 foot wide ramp. Instead of a fish hold, there were a set of fuel tanks. I am constantly amazed by the little business niches that people find on the water, as this boat could only hold 20,000 gallons (we hold 120k). It was so small, that even though we only needed a few thousand gallons, the captain had to keep switching tanks to keep his boat trim. On the other hand, the boat was very, very clean and well equipped. Probably the most professional and smart looking operations I have seen in Alaska. The captains crew was also the cutest girl I have seen since leaving Seattle.
The refueling went well while we circled north of Ketchikan. We finished just in time, as a front overcame us and we where hit with hail and freezing rain. Glad we were not on the barge for that fun.
Got to see a unique military set up I didn’t know about. There are a couple of floating structures that look like barges with warehouses on them. Apparently these are degaussing stations for the sub base. Submarines float between them and they demagnetize the hulls so they can’t be detected as easily.
We had gale warnings, so we buttoned up the boat, and I was expecting a bumpy sleep last night. However, it wasn’t bad. I thought maybe the predictions were wrong. When I woke and went to the wheel house, I saw a set of lights I recognized. Hey, those are the degaussing stations! We haven’t moved!
Well, the predictions were wrong - gale warnings had been upgraded to storm warnings, and we hadn’t left the sheltered area where we fueled.
Just listened to the weather. It’s settled down and we are off again. Too soon for a new ETA though.
!DSPAM:40,472340f9257291121456063!
