Baker to Prince Rupert

May 24 - Baker to Prince Rupert

Well plans changed.  We woke up to rain.   Tom and Nat had checked out the current in the entrance passage and it was just after lack low .... tide running in.  Current running 4 knots in but doable so everyone rushed to untie, pull anchors, pull pots and head out.   All out by 9:30am.  Easy going.       Hunter/gatherer count -  Crab 0, Shrimp some.   Not a great harvest.

Headed to Prince Rupert today hope to be there about 1pm.    First plan is to link to the internet and get emails out and in and blog postings updated; that is if we can find a good internet link.  The armada travelers are starting to go have internet withdrawal.   Michelle and Steve have satellite and direct tv access so they get news and internet at times.   We have named ourselves the Roche Armada, which make radio contact easier.  We just call out to Roche Armada switch and we all know that that means to switch to a specific radio frequency for our group discussion.

Extended plan is to head out and across Dixon Entrance and on to Ketchikan on Saturday.  Looks like the storm is subsiding and the best crossing would be Sunday but everyone is eager to finally get into Alaska.    Marilyn Hampton should be arriving today in Ketchikan to join Reflections.  The Jung's will pick her up at the airport and hang onto her until the flotilla's arrival. 

11:00 am   Michelle called the group to announce that the I-5 Bridge over the Skagit River about Mt Vernon has totally collapsed.  A Canadian on the radio added more information, saying that the bridge was built in 1955 and three cars went down with it.  Apparently there was something to do with a truck hitting a girder which caused the bridge to fall.  Reportedly no one was hurt.  Per discussion there are really no good local access roads around that area so it could be a long time.   Glen thinks that they just built a new bridge in Mt Vernon for the city.   We'll have to wait until we get good internet access for more information.   No matter what it is not a good thing for that area and for general north south travel on I-5 north of Seattle.

Anchoring in Russell Arm Salt Lake Provincial Park, across from Prince Rupert at 12:50pm.   It is not raining but the sky is very gray. 

Went into town via the two shore boats. Tied up at PRYC at $4.00 per hour, that's worse than parking a car in down town Seattle.   Went to the Breakers Pub and had a bit of lunch with our internet.  Ten people at least 5 computers a bunch of tables, food, beverages and connection to civilization.    I downloaded over 300 emails, answered a few, but have work to do tonight before getting into Ketchikan tomorrow.  No time for blog posting as we wanted to walk through town a little. 

Back to the boats, dinner and sleepy time.   The plan is to leave at 7:00am in the morning hoping for calm seas.