I'm on a BOAT!

The Alaska Marine Highway, it's like a cruise but different.  As we mentioned, there are many parts of Alaska can only be reached by boat or plane. We decided to spice it up a bit and take the ferry back to Canada as we head south.

Our home for the next several days.

Our first ferry, the MV Kennicott, picked us up in Homer, AK.  We will be on board for 3 nights so we made sure to prep before we left port.

Aww, it's a shiraz.

They have the loading of the ferry down to a science; as there are several port stops before me make it to Juneau for our layover they group everyone to make the stops quick to stay on schedule.  Everything is secured to the 'buttons' and since the boat tends to sway, we have to ensure that the motorcycle will stay upright.

Motorbikes and Model Ts

Grey Wolf all tucked in for the ride.

 In Homer, the dock is above the car deck so we had to take an elevator/turntable down (other stops we were even with the bridge and drove up or straight out.)

Down

and turn.

Our stateroom is small. Carmen can literally touch both walls.

Twin bunk beds that fold up to be our seating area

How ever shall I manage? Bring me my martini and some grapes Garçon.

Goodbye Homer.

Mine

Within just a few short hours we were becoming quite stir crazy. We explored the boat and did a few laps over the next couple of days.

That is Carmen way down at one end of the boat.

We hoped to see a whale but didn't want to sit on the deck for long. It's cold because... you know..  ALASKA.

I dub the 'Pancake Island'.

Watching the loading dock work being finished in Whittier.

We sat on the observation deck and in the cafeteria to break up the monotony and to escape the closet room.

Let me out!

Some of our port stops were either fairly quick or during the middle of the night, however one stop was particularly memorable. While the boat unloaded and reloaded new people/vehicles, we sat on deck and watched schools of salmon swim around the boat as the fisherman in the bay did what they do best. 
Just think, you may be eating one of these delicious fish someday soon.

Goodbye Kennicott and crew!

 Next up, Juneau and beyond.