June 4th
“We’re finally leaving,” I thought as I took a Dramamine (less drowsy formula). Not that it would do me any good because we were already on the water and starting to feel the pitch and roll of the ocean. I sat outside in the cold air as it usually settles my stomach. I couldn’t tell you much of the first three or four hours of our trip because I passed out from the less drowsy Dramamine.
When I woke up the water was calm. We were passing through Kodiak Island and were protected from the open ocean. We weren’t the only ones who took piece in the calmness of the water – I looked out and saw a geyser spout in the distance. It was so subtle I wasn’t sure if I had really seen anything – but then it happened again. A gray whale broke the water gently with its enormous body – well over the length of our boat – then another, and another. I could see at least a dozen gray whales leisurely making their way through the pass.
It was my turn to drive the boat… It was my job to get us safely across the Shelikof Strait: a notorious divide between Kodiak Island and the mainland. I’m proud to say I didn’t sink the boat. And I had company to guide me… While I was hanging half out the window to get more air, I was still feeling a little sick, the surface of the water broke again, this time six feet from the side of the boat. It came up so fast I jumped – “What the ****?” I didn’t see what it was or where it had gone. Then I saw them… one cut across the bow then cut back in a tight zigzag. Another leaped next to me and darted ahead. Dolphins had surrounded the boat. They played in the wake for an hour. Dave was sleeping, I was glad to have the company. There was something soothing, calming about their presence.
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