Towards Sitka

We made it to Sitka. We'll post some photos soon. The Fourth of July fireworks display was postponed due to rain - go figure. But the waterfight between the Coast Guard and Fire Department is still on.

Scary, though, it feels like we've come home to both of us...

We hiked the Eva Lake Trail and groaned at our stiffness in the morning from the exercise. All 4 miles of it. Sad to admit. Boots and adventurous spirit needed. Looks like there's some trail work planned. That's good. Two of the smaller cruise ships were lined up in the bay to disembark their passengers for this hike, so it is getting hammered by use.

In Whitewater Bay, Mo spotted a treasure in the moss, behind the drift logs. A Japanese glass ball. These are quite coveted by coastal folk, and we've found two in 12 years. Actually three, but the other was just the top of one of the big ones.

A pretty little special thing (or two).

Our passage through Peril Strait was uneventful due to the keen navigation planning of Capt. Monique. Hovering just outside the entrance to the Narrows, Blain caught a 10 pound rockfish that was enjoyed over rice. Here's the recipe:

Rockfish Peril

1-2 skinned and de-boned fillets rockfish, flounder, lingcod, halibut, or cod
2 tbsp mayonnaise
one leek, sliced into thin rings
1/2 cup breadcrumbs or tortilla chip crumbles
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup shreaded parmesan, romano, or grana padano
lemon pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
pinch of wasabi powder, or horseradish (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 deg. Saute leeks and garlic in oil. Meanwhile, lay filets in a buttered baking dish or breadpan. Mix the mayonaise and seasonings together, then slather over the fish fillets. Sprinkle breadcrumbs or chip crumbles, and grated cheese on top. Cook leeks and garlic until browned slightly, then distribute over the whole thing. Bake for 20-25 minutes. At the last 2 minutes, switch the oven to broil and braize the top, being watchful. Serve over rice pilaf or buttered noodles. Enjoy, and send $10 to Blain.

Here's one more photo from Warm Springs Bay. A friendly fellow cruiser tried to help Chance fetch. Some days, he's not the sharpest dart in the board. But it was a fine "chamber of commerce day", and we all enjoyed the gorgeous sunny bug-free lake.