Cruisin Fever to Alaska: Brooks Peninsula to Bunsby Islands

Bunsby Islands - Brooks Peninsula in Background

Solander Is./Rock - Brooks in Background

Scow Bay - Big Bunsby Island

Scow Bay at Sunset

We left Klaskino Anchorage just before 7am to round Brooks Peninsula, a mountainous section of land extending 6 miles out to sea. Just north of the Peninsula is a spectacular rock formation called Solander Island, which loomed over us as we passed by. When we approached Brooks Peninsula, the seas were surprisingly calm which made for a relaxing cruise - a welcome change from the last two days. We headed for the Bunsby Islands and entered Scow Bay on Big Bunsby Island where we anchored for a couple of days. The area is very scenic and a great spot for kayaking. As we kayaked among the rocky islets and small coves, a Sea Otter played alongside, showing off his maneuvers - rolling and twisting, “can you do that?” he seemed to say. We continued towards the open ocean and noticed kelp underneath us, reaching up like large trees to the water’s surface. These plants are huge and also very strong, no wonder they can get caught around a boat prop. We took the kayaks ashore at one of the rocky beaches and found some interesting flotsam, including Japanese floats from fishing nets, some large pieces of rubber, and an old tire. We kayaked back to our boat and made cookies since we were expecting guests later that afternoon. A sailboat named “Wondertime” had come into the bay the night before; it turned out to be one of the sailboats that had endured the rough seas with us around Cape Scott. We very much enjoyed our visit with Michael and Sara along with their two little girls. The girls had a great time playing with toys from our boat's toy chest and appreciated the milk and cookies; of course I had fun playing grandma. Michael and Sara shared stories about their sailing trips to Mexico and had plans to go again this year. Intrigued with the idea of going to Mexico ourselves, we had lots of questions for them and they provided us with reassuring answers and helpful information.