Meyers Chuck, Heading South

July 12, 2023

We left Wrangell this morning soon after sunrise, 5:00 am sharp. It was a beautiful “glassy lake” type cruise for the five and a half hours journey to Meyers Chuck. Our unfounded fear was that we would not be able to get a spot on the dock at Meyers Chuck. When we were here about three weeks ago the dock was packed. As we arrived today we were the ONLY transient boat on the dock. (Since then a 70 foot Grand Banks came in). We were able to moor on the end of the dock for the best view of the bay. Off our starboard window this is the view (see below). You might ask, “What is it?” I definitely did the first time I saw one of these. This is a haul-out grid that you will find scattered throughout southeast Alaska in rural areas.

A haul out grid is a series of wooden beams roughly six to eight feet apart, attached to logs that are embedded into the sea floor in protected areas of a harbor. You drive your boat on to the haul out grid at high tide and then work on the boat during low tide which is the picture above. I have never seen a boat on one of these grids or one being used. Like many things marine related its first come, first served. Apparently the rule of thumb (and courtesy) is you get one tidal change to do the repairs or inspection on your boat, so roughly a few hours. I’m not sure I’d want to do too much mucking about with my boat’s hull on one of these grids because when the tide comes in you want to make sure your boat is in good order with no open sea cocks, or temporary holes.

It’s probably worth noting that the last time we were here it was a very turbulent cruise. The wind and waves were far more active than predicted. It was a rough ride in. There were 30 knots gusts at that time. If you recall the picture we took then of the seas vs. today you can really see the difference. This is today.

We are going to have a quiet night before we cruise to Ketchikan tomorrow. The parting photo is one of the many local pieces of art here in Meyers Chuck.