Today’s forecast was fantastic, a light following wind on a day when we had two notorious 4 mile crossings where “tide rips” were liberally scrawled on the chart. We were up at dusk and seen off by a curious seal and a noisy oyster catcher. We put the sails up and got a gentle push along the calm sea. After following a curving finger of jagged rocks for a couple of miles we were into our first crossing, Fenimore pass. As we were exposed to the Pacific swell and into the tidal race, the sea suddenly picked up. Our kayaks rose and fell on 2 metre waves. It was quite intimidating but waves rarely broke and we felt comfortable enough to keep our sails up for most of the crossing. The last of the ebb carried us south of the main danger until we reached calmer water beneath 2 jagged Islands. We stayed south wanting to avoid the start of the flood sweeping us into the tidal rips at the shallowest part of our next crossing, Atka pass. In fact there was hardly any current in atka pass and we cruised across watching hundreds of birds feed excitedly in the nutrient rich water. Even an albatross came to say hello. Once alongside Atka our bladders dictated that we find a landing spot. We discovered a great hidden crevice on a rocky coastline and munched heartily on all manner of tasty snacks.

Making the most of the good conditions-even the sun came out- we paddled on past noisy fur seals snorting their displeasure at our passing, eventually arriving at Sergiof Bay which almost bisects Atka Island. Another seal, an Eagle and some reindeer greeted us and we’re camped on a long black sand beach enjoying a peaceful evening, complete with popcorn drizzled with golden syrup!