On the ferry ...

I made three different ferry trips through Alaska's Inside Passage: the first from Haines to Juneau, about fours long, smack dab in the middle of the night; the second from Juneau to Ketchikan, which was the longest leg; the third from Ketchikan to Price Rupert in British Columbia. Alaska's ferries are big beasts, a bit dated but chuggin' slow and strong. Since I chose the dark and rainy month of November to make the sojourn, I had plenty of elbow room on board. (Only about 100 passengers on boats that can hold 700). In terms of a way to sit back, relax and take in the dramatic meeting of mountains and sea, there's no better means of travel. I highly recommend the trip - anytime of year.

Coming into Ketchikan

The solarium, which is a big hit in the summer, but was pretty deserted in November

One of many sitting areas

The corner on board the Malaspina where I put out my thermarest and made myself quite at home.