Rie Munoz just returned from a
five-day boat trip to the outside waters of SE Alaska. Rie was invited by Captain
Allan Engstrom (my brother-in-law) aboard his 38' Bertrum. Along with Cathy, Matthew
and myself, Rie headed off on a fishing trip to the ocean where the 'rod hours'
to catch a King Salmon or 'Chinook' are far fewer than in the Inside Passage.
From Juneau we roared out to sea at 20 knots to Elfin Cove, about
a six-hour journey. Elfin Cove is a small (pop. 18), self described, "Drinking town
with a fishing problem." This charming community has a small inner harbor that is
protected from the ocean swells. Rie has a cabin in 'the Cove' but doesn't visit
it much as she tends to head to Tenakee instead. The locals were pleased as punch
to see Rie in town again. We had dinner at Coho's Pizza Place and chatted with one
and all.
In the morning we headed out to
Deer Harbor, legendary for its salmon runs. We got down to business pulling up fish
in fairly rough seas--4-5-foot swells from the SE with rain. I was concerned that
this trip might be a bit rough for my 90-year-old mother who spent the day in bed,
as did our five-year-old son. I was ready to cancel the trip but she assured me
that as long as she lied down she felt fine. Furthermore, she had forgotten to take
her Dramamine before the rough seas hit.
After six hours of fishing we ducked into Surge Bay for the night. The serene bay
calmed our stomach and nerves and we all enjoyed fresh King salmon for dinner. The
next day was calmer and with everyone taking Dramamine an hour before we headed
out, no problems! We caught a couple of salmon and a few rockfish. Matthew reeled
in some fish but mainly 'bonked' them. I had a huge bull Sea Lion breach out of
the water and take a salmon off my line as I was fighting it!It grabbed the 20-pounder
and bit it in half shaking his head. Rie didn't fish but had loads of fun watching
all the action. That evening we pulled in to another idyllic location, Greentop
Harbor.
The third day we fished until
we had enough salmon and headed in to the small town of Pelican. There is a famous
bar in town called Rosie's. Don't confuse that with the other famous bar in Tenakee
also called Rosie's. What's up with that? Anyway we headed up to Rosie's for a little
cheer after three days at sea. Traveling with a celebrity like Rie to a bar has
its benefits and the drinks were flowing. Rie ordered a martini which she has on
occasion, but wasn't ready for the 'special drink' they mixed for her. It was at
least a double and things got quite jolly! Finally we switched to water, regained
our composure and had a nice dinner.
We were planning to fly out the next morning but Mother Nature had other things
in mind. The fog set in and we were 'overheaded' by our float plane. The same thing
happened the next day but we had fun walking around Pelican, eating fish and of
course stopping at Rosie's. Rie said she was going to order a beer so they couldn't
spike it. Allan said, "They can spike anything at Rosie's!" Rie had a grand time
and wants to do it again.
