Gusting 60 according to locals. King Cove is a blowhole of wind but we were glad to get there and take a break.Well we’ve made it through the Aleutian Islands! After a slow start with contrary winds, we made up time with some long passages and raging winds.
Our route has taken us from well offshore, to inland passages from Chignik Lagoon, to King Cove to False Pass.
In Chignik we picked up a stray dog that fell in love with Steven, and we continued South to King Cove. Dodging uncharted rocks and volcano ash along the way. Then we hove to, awaiting the tide to False pass all night, dodging Tugs and barges who shared the small cove, in 35 knot winds, fog and blowing spray.
Then charging into the black foggy night, were the first to make False pass in wicked gusting winds that trembled the rigging. Drug the keel in some mud looking for a place to tie up. Then safely landed in an open birth here in false pass with full reverse engine, just to keep the winds from driving us onto the float.
The Aleutians are challenging and beautiful. Equally so.
Here is an entry from the ships log you may enjoy.
06/25/13
1320 hrs
Doused the Genoa after a fun bathroom experience…
Pavloff Volcano erupted at 0800. Ash forcasted in our area…
While iunder full sail went to sit on the head. During which time “Bruce” puked on my jacket…
Out I came to a full 5-10 mph wind increase and doused the Genoa, plunging the bowsprit, breaking sea over me twice…
Then we reefed…
Then we reefed again…
Still sailing 5.0 knots in a close approach to Andronica Island.
1455 hrs
Sailing slowly by “Whaleback” Sea lion Haul out. Very cool… Position 55 Deg 15.8′ North by 160 deg 09.17′ West.
Covert entry by Rachel James AKA “EVA” “Sometime in this day I ate Eva’s Heath Bar without asking!”
1850 hrs
Unga.
WOW!
Sailed 7.5 knots close hauled all the way in. Uncharted rocks boiling 20 feet off the bow. Went hard to port, missed rocks narrowly. Power tacked back out. Headed to King Cove…
Our lives are full of variety out here and its only just begun.
Currently we await a weather break in False pass for our entry into the Bering Sea.
Dan Duame has flown in to beef up the crew for our passage to Nome and we are grateful for the help!
EMPIRICUS EMBARKS 
Way to go!!
God Speed brother!!! It’s been a long road to start your adventure.
Great Jesse, WOW what a ride in some amazing water. So glad you got a bit more help but it also sounds as though your current boatload really rocks! Wish I could be there but as it turns out I would have missed a job so yay for that ! Oh the memories and thanks for a wonderful blog! I am there in spirit 🙂 Fair(er) winds and a following sea, Kate
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Wow!
Dog . . . hope “Bruce” doesn’t take up too much space in the cabin . . . but it’s great that Stephen has a companion. He must be black . . . because he doesn’t show up in your photo. Thanks for keeping us informed of your progress. By the way, the tracker isn’t working. Still shows your position on the south end of Kodiak Island. Cheers, M&M