July 2, 2023
We left Wrangell this morning at 9:00 am. There was a pretty significant minus tide (less than six feet on the other side of the dock) so it was fortuitous that we needed to leave later in the morning to time the Wrangell Narrows correctly. When we left, the depth was back up to 10 feet. Marlene timed our cruise for us to arrive mid way up the channel at Rock Point at approximately 1:30. There was very little boat traffic and was a pretty cruise with fishing lodges along the way. You just have to stay on your game and follow the ever changing channel markers. Our visibility was great making the cruise very pleasant. Once we hit the mid way channel we proceeded at 9 knots to Petersburg to minimize the current effect in the harbor that we had heard so much about. Upon arrival it was still running about one knot or more and it took me a couple of tries to get into the dock.
We took a stroll through the city. Petersburg is a very Norwegian town often referred to as “little Norway.” The town was founded by Peter Buschmann in 1897. Many of Petersburg residents (3000+) can trace their heritage back to Norwegian ancestors to the snowy mountains and fjords that reminded them of home. When we arrived the cannery next door was in full swing and the smell of brine filled the air.
There are numerous examples of Norwegian decoration throughout the town known as Rosemaling. Tomorrow we are off on a tour to the LeConte Glacier for the day aboard a small tour boat. Then we will prepare for the 4th of July celebrations here in town. Apparently there is a major fireworks display tomorrow evening at 11:00 p.m. We will try to stay up for this.
Looks like a fun little town. Enjoy!