The sky was lightening already. This is a very tight channel which narrows to about 100 metres in places,and is too shallow for anything larger than this ferry.

This is the southbound ferry, passing at one of the wider parts.

There are many small islands, shallows and interesting sections. In the old days, ships would sound a horn and listen for an answer from a ship already in the channel. If they didn't hear each other and met part way, the ship that was less than half way had to "back up" to the mouth of the channel.

At intervals, throughout the day, two US Forest Service Rangers talked to us about the things we were seeing, especially the Tongass National Forest, and would see later in Alaska.

A particularly interesting presentation discussed the origins of the Alaska State flag.

Another presentation showed us maps and charts of the route and described how the area was first and later charted and mapped.

A fascinating presentation on whales was interrupted by the appearance of "the real thing" behind the speaker.

Today's presentation on bears was illustrated by a grizzly bear skin (left) and a black bear skin.

There was a queue to inspect the impressive claws attached to the hides.

The rangers sometimes call attention to points of interest on the way.

This is a goods barge.

If you order anything at all large from the mainland it arrives in a container on a barge. Sometimes it takes a while.

The rangers are available to answer questions and help with vacation planning.

The last part of the journey is in twilight and we can see the lights on in Skagway.

Yesterday