Captain Scott's Log ~ Monday, September 29, 2008 11:49 AM & 12:41 PM

Subject: Piper Dream #2

Friday the 26th we left Petersburg and went through the Wrangell narrows
which look dangerous on the chart and guidebook. But it was well marked,
scenic and a piece of cake. Later we were going through the Zimovia Strait
at 9 knots. I noted a suspicious area on the chart plotter and zoomed in and
saw a shallow spot ahead. I yelled to kill the power and turn sharply to
starboard. The helmsman had trouble getting the autopilot off to change
course and we hit hard--our first touch since the Philippians. But we did
not stick and sheepishly proceeded on being more diligent. That night a nice
anchorage at Thoms Place 56 10n 132 08e. Sat the bad weather returned as
we made Ketchikan--the town with cruise ships, totem poles and one stop
light. And a pump out station. Our holding tank is clean.

Sent: Monday, September 29, 2008 12:41 PM
Subject: Ketchikan

Catch U if I can. Nice 24 hr stop except for wind and rain and had to push
on into a near gale on Sun. The fathometer works however it always reads
0.0ft. The autopilot is intermittent but we know the problem and can fix it.
Ketchikan is the southern most town in Alaska and we needed to be in Prince
Rupert by today (mon) to fly the guests home. We got 30 miles out powering
into 30 kts of wind and heavy rain when an injector blew off its mounting
studs. Very fortunately the engine was shut down before we did any damage
and was in open water. Not many options except to return for repair. We got
back very quickly under sail---downwind with gusts higher. Even luckier in
that a large cruise ship was in and our dock was in her lee. So we are back
safely and a mechanic is scheduled to make a boat call today. Getting Tom,
Ken and the girls out was not easy as the ferries and airlines have already
cut back for the season--but, they fly out to Seattle this afternoon. Jeff
and I will push on alone when engine repaired and weather allows.