“Like a walk in the rain”

Dutch Harbor – along side

Today started with a confusing wake-up. I was nice and comfy in my warm, warm bed when my crewmate woke me up. Apparently, we can arrive earlier than expected and the pilot is already waiting for us. I mutter something that I think means: “Yeah, I’ll be there shortly.” However, in my sleep-darkness it probably sounded more like undecipherable gibberish. Therefore, my crewmate kept asking me the same question until I finally managed to form an understandable response. I think I got it on my fifth try.

I stumble down the hallway and up the stairs. I push the heavy watertight door open, and suddenly a world of overwhelming sensations fills my senses. I instantly get reminded of a certain song by John Denver: “You fill up my senses, like a walk in the rain.”

The first thing I see are rolling hills of a deep green hue that suddenly drop off in steep brown cliffs. Some hills seem to be cut open at the sides instead of sloping down. Their sides are of a deep red shade. Iron, I suppose? In the distance, I see huge sloping mountains topped by snowcaps of shimmering white. They look big and menacing and feel old. They definitely put the capital M in Mountain.

The air is filled with the sound of the engine gently pushing us forward and the water calmly gliding around us. Not only that, but the air is also filled with a strong smell. I would like to say it is filled with the fresh scent of land — like flowers and trees and that sort of thing. Except the air was filled with the smell that comes down from the industrial fishing harbour where we are about to dock. You just cannot have everything in life.

All around me, people are rushing about, busy with many things. I look for something to do and swiftly find my place taking down the jib. Unfortunately, Miss Jib was a bit stubborn and not planning on cooperating. We managed to take her down, but not to reel her in with the traveller. She got stuck, and I was sent up in my harness to wiggle her loose. Luckily, she came loose quickly and we got to move on with getting our pilot on board. He got dropped off from a little tug and helped us manoeuvre into the harbour.

Along the way, there was also much to be seen in the water, as if the stunning landscapes weren’t enough. Jet claims she saw a whale while the rest of us were busy coiling up the ropes and safety nets. A group of seals gave us a brief visit, glimpsing at us with their curious big eyes. We also passed by a small group of otters bobbing in the water. They looked both utterly relaxed and irresistibly cute. They were just chilling on their backs in the water with their feet in the air and their hands on their bellies. As a cherry on the cake, we even passed by a buoy that was colonized by a group of fur seals.

This is, however, not the end of our wildlife adventures for today. As soon as the mooring lines were fastened and the celebratory beverages were brought out, two bald eagles decided to chill up in the mizzen mast for a short moment — as if they were trying to say: “Welcome to America.”

After an amazing lunch and a visit by the authorities, we were allowed to go ashore. Matz and I decided to check out the local supermarket and the notorious Norwegian Rat Saloon. As we make our way down the road, a blue pickup passes us by. Inside are two fellow sailors from the ship docked next to us. They offer us a ride and we gladly accept.

At the supermarket, we pick up some souvenirs and some tonic for our favourite cocktail. We even managed to score the local newspaper, which Jet is now attentively reading beside me.

Of course, we also had to pay the signature bar a visit. I half expected the bar to have two western-style swivel doors, but alas… We stumbled in and were immediately greeted by warm air and a fellow sailor who had already spotted us in the harbour and wanted to compliment us on the beauty of our ship. We had a drink and a shot at the pool table, which was good fun. The eight ball ended the game a little too quickly, though…

When we got back on the ship, we had another amazing meal, which consisted of basically all the leftover vegetables that had to be used before we entered Alaska.

The day ended with me writing this blog while the rest of the crew is quietly talking beside me. Chill, mellow music is on in the background and everything has a nice calming feel.

All is well on board,

Floris