DAY 4 Squirrel Cove

DAY 4: Squirrel Cove

We picked a beautiful spot to anchor in the bay. This is definitely the time to go boating. We have been here during August and were joined by a pack of boats. So much nicer when less crowded. We anchored out one night and then the next afternoon, tied up to Anita's dock and took on water from her bountiful well. Thought we wouldn't need the water because we now have a water-maker on board,  but things changed rapidly yesterday.

David had the generator going and decided to test out the water-maker. It worked like a champ but also put too much strain on the alternator.  The generator quit. David quickly looked for a restart button or a tricked breaker, but found none. He checked the manual and found a phone number for the New Age Stamford alternator manufacturer in England and placed a call.

A friendly voice answered and asked David several questions. He instructed David on how to navigate their website in order to find a resource in Canada who might be able to help. He apologized for not having that number handy and explained that he was not in his office but at the grocery store. The phone call went straight to his cell phone. So kind of him to spend his off-duty time to try to help.

After a second call, we were directed to a place in Ketchikan that might be able to help us.  David was told to call them when we arrived in town even though the man on the phone was not all that encouraging. Hours were spent devising a new route in order to get us to Ketchikan two days earlier.

Not having our generator operating meant that we seriously needed to conserve power once the engine was shut down each day. We would need to run the engine to charge the batteries if necessary when anchored and turn off appliances at night just to be on the safe side. Even though inconvenient, it was still doable. But David was upset with himself.

We  invited Anita and Wiser on board for appetizers and martinis, clam chowder, spaghetti and green beans. We were eating and drinking our generator blues away. Anita loaned us some charts which will be a big help on our trip.  Our evening was filled with lively conversation and, unfortunately, a swarm of pesky mosquitoes.

We were even fighting off those pests in bed that evening. David hid himself under the covers, but they still found him. I am covered with bits...over 20 on just one arm! Cant't wait for those monster mosquitoes in Alaska we keep hearing about!

I was promised a nice easy 3 1/2 hour cruise tomorrow. Promises, promises.

                      Took this while sitting in our skiff at the fuel and market docks in Squirrel Cove