I had planned on exploring Pelican, but after listening to 'cap' describe the days' journey, decided it would be fun to tag along, if the 'boys' didn't object. Irv and Ron were adamant I should accompany them on their scenic Alaska cruise. Who was I to refuse their generosity? I felt beholding to them, since I wasn't a paying guest, and expressed my gratitude with: "Thanks guys...thanks for sharing your charter..I'm fine with staying here and exploring the town.." "Wouldn't think of it!" they replied. So, that was the consensus, and I was happy being included in their plans.

The plan was to shoot down the Inlet and then dog-leg off to the left and enter Lisianski Strait (see map room). From there we would veer off to the left and explore Stag Bay, which according to 'cap', was a scenic wonderland.

We packed a couple of rubbermaid ice-chests with beer, sodas, milk, zip-locked meat sandwiches and smoked salmon. The 'Destination' had canned supplies aboard if we wanted to cook up some hot soup etc. We were well provisioned as we cast off from the Pelican harbor; making our way towards the Gulf of Alaska via Lisianski Strait. Having heard of the beauty of this area from avid kayakers (I'm a kayaker myself); I was full of eager anticipation. What fun!

Dennis was quick getting me in the 'captains chair'; apparently, trusting my ability to follow the GPS chart. Seems he wanted 'in on' the ensuing game of poker the 'boys' had initiated soon after leaving the harbor. I was happy to oblige him and took over control of Dennis' baby.

Across the harbor stood an interesting bulky mountain range. Skirted with heavy forestation and clumsily reaching sky-ward with bulging areas of fractured stone, deeply carved ravines, gravelly moraines and eventually leveling off at the heavily eroded apex. It appeared wounded and worn by centuries of glacial compression and heavy rainfall. There was a foamy profusion of water cascading down the paths of least resistance towards its irresistible destination - the ocean. These mountains had real character! Certainly not a classic glacier-packed mountain range like the Fairweathers, but more representative of Alaska's defoliated and crumbling mountains. The small ice-age had exerted considerable stress on the once proud and majestic mountains in this area. Amazing what millions of metric tons of ice will do over time!

Nearing the entrance to Lisianski Strait I maneuvered the 'Destination' into the wide canal before me to begin the second leg of our adventure to the Gulf of Alaska. Appropriately enough, "Born to be Wild" was playing on a 60's channel Dennis had dialed in. I chimed in "Heading down the Highway.....looking for Adventure..." I was having more fun than 'a barrel full of monkeys' and just couldn't help myself. "BORN TO BE WILD!" I repeated the chorus a number of times. Given the excessive volume of my jubilant singing, I certainly earned the ensuing chastisement "Hey...we're playing cards here...!" "Tone it down!" Embarrassed, but smiling, I quickly adjusted my rendition of the song to a hum.


Alaska has a tendency of bringing the 'wild-side' out of people vacationing here - I was no exception. Sometimes it just feels indescribably wonderful being an American in Alaska; enjoying the beauty and bounty of such a peaceful wonderland. Alaska's vastness and grandeur magnifies one's sense of freedom and pride of being an American - a pride, we should always feel. If you've been here, you know exactly what I'm talking about; if not, you owe it to yourself to explore this gloriously undeveloped part of the United States as soon as time permits. Alaska will leave you forever changed - for the better.