Charles and Margo Wood - Charlie\'s Charts North to Alaska

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At least two sets of anchors and rodes are essential, while experienced
cruisers normally carry three sets (one of ~hich may be a smali "lunch hook").
A spare 150- to 200-foot length af 3/8" or 1/2" rope can a1so be used as a
shore line when swinging is to be restricted. Rape rodes should always include
a section of good-sized chain at the anchor and an alI chain rode has some
advantage in dee p water anchoring. The larger the gear the more essential i
an anchor winch, almost being a necessity with an al1-chain rode. Most modern
yachts have an anchor winch--a manual ane is generally found to be sufficiente

The Danforth, CQR, and Bruce anchors are commonly seen and give satisfac-
tion in most anehorages. The Bruce anehor has gained suppport in northern
waters where its ability to hold with minimum 5cope helps in the deeper
anchorages. The Northill is also used, and is favored by fishermen.

The minimum rode for one's main anchor should be 300 feet. Severai of the
anehorages in northern areas have depths of 90 feet or more, thus bringing the
ratio of scope to depth close to the minimum 3 to l. In considering the depth
of an anchorage remember that this entire area has a high tidai range.
Anchoring etiquette should keep one from crawding the boats already in an
anchorage.

WHEN TO TRAVEL

Glacier Bay records show that the bulk of visitors arrive from mid-May to

mid-September. Although temperatures are not high in May or September they are

good months for travelling in both B.C. and Alaska. The weather is clear and

fog 1s least likely. The snow from winter gives scenie views and melts to feed

innumerable waterfalls. In July and August the ~eather can indeed be warm, but

fog can become a problem; notably in the area from Dixon Entrance to the

northern end of Vaneouver Island. By October the winter rains begin.

For a trip to be dane in one season it is best ta start as early as pos-

sible, perhaps by mid-May or early June, but no later than early July. This

gives one a summer in the north. This generaI itinerary can be adjusted or

expanded to suit the vessel's capabilities and one's interests.

Some eonsider an extended period to cruise this unique area, staying for a

winter or t~o in Alaska. But unless one can live aboard to look after your

boat the cro~ded conditians at the docks will be hard on most unattended

vessels. StilI, this expands one's opportunities, and by having a longer time

to spend there is a wider area available to explore.

Other possibilities for some sizes and types of boats is to trailer one's

vessel to certain destinations and use it for as long as possible, before

returning to a port from which to return by trailer. Some qui te large

Californian power boats have reached Lund in British Columbia in this way, to

then have a whole spring and summer before them. The B.C. and Alaska Ferry

system can do the same for small pleasure craft, taking care of the long

journey up and down the coast in a short time -- leaving the best part of the

year for exploring your chosen area of the northwest.