July 28 & 29, 2023 - Ford's Terror

July 28 & 29, 2023 - Ford's Terror - West Arm

July 29, 2023

July 28 & 29, 2023 - Ford's Terror - West Arm

It was a restless night as concerns about anchor drag due to the current kept us alert, subsequently, we got up early and caught sight of a cruise ship headed up Endicott Arm! Our plan is to cast lines a 6:00 AM to make the slack at Fords Terror at the assigned time, 45 minutes prior to high tide in Juneau (Juneau 9:03 AM – 10.67’ / 9:48 AM transit). We had also allowed 30 minutes to halibut fish on a bar about halfway up Edicott Arm. SaltHeart tried the southern end of the bar and Raven went past to try a spot shown as 57’ and flat. Navigating past bergie bits we sought the flat spot but there was not a flat spot to be found. We fished a 200’ ridge line, drifted at that location, and within 10 minutes pulled up a Pacific Cod – and that was the only fish caught between our two boats. At the appointed time we headed for the rapid to arrive at 9:50 AM to make our transit. We were surprised at the very shallow depth near the entrance and the current still flowing. As we entered the rapid, we found up to 5 kts of current pushing us through! It was a heart pounding passage as we made the 90˚ turn but we both made it without issue. Late, double checking our timing, we realized the tides for the 27^th had been used and we were way early (Juneau 10:32 AM - 11.15’ / 11:17 AM transit) explaining the strong current we encountered. The area is amazingly beautiful with multiple waterfalls and soaring granite cliffs. SaltHeart found a good location in about 80’ of water near one of the larger streams, dropping their crab pots on the way, and Raven pulled alongside and rafted. That night it was diner aboard Raven, shrimp, rockfish, halibut, cod, and a Bundt cake for dessert. As we finished dinner, we spotted a bear roaming the shoreline.

The next day we took the tender into the east arm experiencing the numerous vertical granite walls with waterfalls. Reaching the head of the arm, we spotted a trumpeter swan! Returning to Raven, we lowered a kayak and the rowboat for a joint tour of the area with SaltHeart when we spotted a lone seal and lone porpoise. Returning, Lois headed out with Dean and Tim to retrieve their shrimp pot – and they were well loaded providing for a shrimp dinner aboard SaltHeart and a game of Mexican Train, played with domino tiles. We soon learned that Tim is the DC (Defending Champion).