Sarah and I moved 6 miles today. It doesn’t sound like much but we crossed a pass (the name given to the gap between to Islands here) and we only have 2 more to cross before reaching atka, an approx 50 mile long Island where people live on the eastern end. The pass we crossed was described in the pilot as having the strongest tide rips in the Andreanofs so is good to get it behind us. Despite a really gusty wind there were no tide rips where we paddled, just white caps and spray from the wind. The tides are neap at the moment and the races so far have been gentle unless the wind is against them. And so far the chart had been accurate in predicting where they occur. However just 10-15 knots opposing wind can create intimidating seas as we found in the 4 mile wide Chugul Pass yesterday. From Tagalak Island where we are now, it’s 16 miles to Atka across two 4 mile wide passes, with probably no camping options along the way. This afternoon would have been wind against tide so w e
finished early and are resting, eating and exploring ready for an early start tomorrow if the forecast is favourable and we’ll try to get across before the tide turns!