July 03, 2019 - Madan Bay, AK

We don't really have a plan for the next day or two.  We would like to end up in Wrangle for the 4th of July, so we might be able to catch some fireworks.  We don't really feel the need to stay at Thom's Place, as we have pretty much seen it all.  There is no good anchorage between Thom's Place and Wrangle.  So, we decide to take the back route to Wrangle where there are a few anchorages.  This path will take us past the Anan Wildlife Refuge, which is one of the most popular places to see bears, both Black and Brown.  But, you have to get a permit to go ashore if you want to go see the bears.  We do not have permits and none are available by just showing up.  So, we can't really go ahsore.  We will do a drive by in the hopes that we might see bears, but we are not expecting to see any.

A deer comes to check us out at low tide as we
leave from Thom's Place

We have seen a lot of Bald Eagles in AK.

Alex and Kevin pulling the anchor in Thom's Place

A few hours later we arrive at Anan and do a very slow drive by.  We do not see any bears.  We think they are inland a bit where the river allows the bears to catch salmon.  We cannot see inland.  It would be worth getting the permit and coming back here if we have time later this summer.

The wildlife refuge at Anan Bay.  

We motor into the small anchorage of Berg Bay.  It is very picturesque.  There is a small USFS cabin there that can be rented.  It looks like a fabulous cabin rental out in the wilderness.  That would be quite an experience.

What a vacation rental!

We continue on to our destination for the evening.  Madan Bay.  Not much is written about this place, other than many cruisers report that it is a fantastic, quiet, secluded anchorage with good protection from most weather.  We anchor in about 50 feet, fairly close to shore.  We have surveyed the bottom and feel that we are in a good spot.  We are here at high tide, which means we will be dropping roughly 20' tomorrow morning.  It is absolutely silent here, except for the sound of birds, splashing fish, and a distant stream splashing into the bay.  There isn't even a hint of a breeze.  Complete serenity.

Incredible schenery here in Alaska

Calm weather.  It is supposed to clear up get warm, into the 80's starting tomorrow.

In the morning, Alex and I watch bald eagles fishing right in front of us.  There are 3 of them in trees and they occasionally swoop down and attempt to snatch small fish out of the water.  Most of the attempts fail, but we witness a few successes.  What a treat to see the eagles fishing right in front of us.

A bald Eagle plucking a small fish out of the water. 
At least its a start on a good breakfast.