A Gangway and Truffles

At Sea, Between Kodiak and Dutch Harbor
July 18, 2019

Today we listened to the geologist on board talk about “Faulty Alaska,” Alaskan earthquakes specifically one in 1958 in the lower part of the state and the more famous ‘64 quake near Anchorage. That one lasted more than four minutes, an eternity if you’re experiencing it. The most damage was done by the resulting tsunami. Traveling at 500 miles per hour it reached New Zealand in fifteen hours. Tsunami alerts were given all along the west coast of the US, Hawaii and other Pacific Islands all the way into the Southern Hemisphere. I vaguely remember a tsunami warning in Newport but I’m not sure if it was from that earthquake. I do remember that we all ran out on the beach to watch for it. A tad bit unclear on the concept.

Because of the damage and loss of life in Kodiak they have a Tsunami Alert Test every Wednesday at 2 pm. On the nice Discover Kodiak map given to us at the Visitors Center there are red arrows in circles here and there with the note “Move above red arrow to safe zones. Higher ground = 100 feet/30 meters above sea level.” Wouldn’t have to tell me twice.

A quiet day at sea. The ocean is a bit choppier but still a smooth ride. After last night’s dinner (wonderful food topped off by those promised profiteroles and a plate of truffles in our room) I had grand plans to get up and walk the deck. I checked the ship’s weather on the TV first thing and the wind was 36 knots. Change of plans. Instead, breakfast, chat and knit with the growing group of knitters/quilters, “Faulty Alaska,” rip out what I had knitted before then lunch and a movie. Some minion somewhere found every movie available with Alaska in the title for the daily matinees. Today it was “Mystery, Alaska” about a tiny town in Alaska that was mad about ice hockey. A very young and fit Russell Crowe among others, for some reason playing the part of the local sheriff with a Canadian accent. Of course, the movie about Alaska was filmed in Alberta so maybe he was a bit confused. It was charming, funny and heart-warming plus there was popcorn.

The service at dinner last night was out of whack. Something was obviously going on in the kitchen because it took forever for food to appear. It was 1-1/2 hours before our main courses arrived. People were getting a bit testy. Jim told the maître d’ that he wasn’t happy. Much bowing and scraping. This afternoon a note of apology from him arrived accompanied by more truffles. Beginning to look a bit like a See’s candy store in cabin 117.

It’s now 11 pm and the sun is still up. I’m watching out the balcony door for whales. So far I remain 0 for everything as far as sea mammal sightings go. I did see an eagle yesterday before we left Kodiak. I was on the balcony watching the pier side activity when I spotted an eagle swooping and circling above the trees on the hill across the street. It’s comforting to think that nearly the entire Aleutian chain is a wildlife refuge so all the creatures are protected. Last night an orchestra of the various musicians on the ship played live music set against footage about the seasons of Alaska from the BBC Earth series. An unexpected treat.

Yesterday afternoon the captain made the announcement that the US Coast Guard would be using our berth in Dutch Harbor which means we will anchor and be tendered in to shore. I have no idea how much of a protected harbor Dutch Harbor is so who knows if the tendering process will be a ho-hum operation or one of those wild and wooly experiences. I do know that there aren’t any ship’s excursions in DH, so the incentive to go ashore dwindles if you have to queue up for a ride. Not many cruise ships stop in DH so I’m fairly certain the merchants there won’t be too pleased to miss the trade. Then we received a letter from the captain telling us that there would be coffee and pastries in the Wajang Theater for the four and five star Mariners (frequent fliers) to munch on while waiting to jump the line of the rest of the passengers. I’m more than happy to take advantage of free laundry offered to four and five stars but be the first to go ashore? I don’t think so.

But then THIS afternoon, a much happier captain made the announcement that after much discussion with the Harbor Master of DH and the Coast Guard it was decided that the Maasdam would indeed get a berth at the dock. Oh, happy day! It doesn’t take a whole bunch to please the passengers, just a gangway and endless chocolate truffles.