Stories of Alaska
The Southeast Expedition – AJ's Adventure Begins
- AJ Slagle
- 2017-07-07 04:23:45
- Private Charter
- Petersburg, Alaska
In 1987, I pointed a 15-foot "duraboat" up Clarence strait and found myself in Juneau three days later it was august of that year and the weather was gentle to me.
This morning I awoke in a hotel in Petersburg after a 5 1/2 hour run in a 28 foot raider equipped with twin 225 Honda outboards fully enclosed cabin and all the amenities, this time I am getting paid to do it at a company my brother and I started 16 years ago that has grown to this proportion, if you had told me then this would be my job I would have been frothing with anticipation to where I could hardly stand it.
But here it is and it's real and tangible,all that knocking around southeast Alaska produced a opportunity, we saw a few whales on the way and watched the topography change from timbered slopes in the distance to snow and ice mantled peaks.
The word rugged comes to mind then the water started to change eddy lines with less debris and coloration from glaciers still at a fair distance reminds me this is not Ketchikan, but another facet of a place that keeps you in awe or teaches you why you should be.
Adventure awaits, the equipment is new and comfortable and through the twists of the labrilynth of life Chris and I are getting paid to do this, 30 years and a lot of miles later we have begun.
Corona Virus Update 2.3.2023
Even in the remote islands of Southeast Alaska, COVID-19 poses risks. The health and safety of our guests, employees, and community are our top priorities. We have put special measures in place to keep people safe on excursions:
The safety of our customers is paramount, so we’re also not going to walk away from common sense guidelines such as:
- Vaccination – We believe vaccines provide safe and effective protection against COVID-19. We strongly encourage vaccination and boosters for all employees, and the vast majority are currently vaccinated against COVID 19
- Social distance – We strive to keep groups separated as much as possible during the licensing and outfitting process, but our real strength in social distancing is based on the size of our boats. With only six passengers per vessel and one captain they spend time with, the risks of exposure are limited.
- Masking – We abide by the federal mandate for passenger vessels, masks are required for the duration of the tour while in enclosed cabins. That being said, there is quite a lot of airflow even on our hardtops which are typically open to the back deck. Masking may be required at times for vulnerable guests on a case-by-case basis.
- Stringent Cleaning – We’ve increased the frequency of disinfecting surfaces and high traffic areas such as the Alaska Fish House restaurant, bathrooms, the outfitting room, the dock, and our boats. Hand sanitizer will be available to all guests on every boat.
- Wellness Checks:
- Employees receive daily wellness checks to ensure they are healthy and symptom-free.
- Employees are empowered to call in sick if they show symptoms.
- If you or anyone in your group is experiencing symptoms, we will work directly with you to cancel or reschedule your tour free of charge.
These protocols have enabled Baranof Fishing Excursions to operate safely and successfully throughout 2020, 2021 and 2022. With your help, we intend to continue fishing safely in 2023!
