From Whales to Quiet Waters: God’s Majesty Along Alaska’s Inside Passage

The alarm sounded at 6:00 a.m., and I quickly realized we were docked in Sitka, Alaska. I hurried to get dressed and made my way to the upper deck with my camera in hand, eager to capture the morning before the ferry departed. The village itself couldn’t be seen from the Alaska Marine Highway because it rests around the corner in a sheltered cove, but even from the ship, the peaceful harbor was beautiful.

Sitka is one of Southeast Alaska’s most historic towns. Originally established by the Russians in the late 1700s, it later became the place where Alaska was officially transferred from Russia to the United States on October 18, 1867. It remained Alaska’s capital until 1912, when the capital moved to Juneau. Standing on the deck, looking across the quiet harbor filled with fishing boats, I couldn’t help but think about how many stories these waters have witnessed over the centuries.

The ship was wonderfully quiet that early in the morning. I grabbed a hot cup of coffee and found a seat at the front of the ferry overlooking the pier. There is something about starting the day in stillness that reminds me of Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Before the busyness of the day began, the Lord had already prepared a moment of peace.

Melvin was still fast asleep in our cabin, so I slipped down to the motorcycle deck to grab our laundry, hoping to get it washed before the day became busy.

Around 7:30, Melvin and I headed to the dining room for breakfast. I ordered the Spanish omelet while Melvin enjoyed a Western omelet. As we ate, the ferry slowly pulled away from Sitka. By then, the morning fog had lifted, revealing breathtaking views of the countless emerald islands surrounding us. We had a window seat, and I watched Sitka slowly disappear into the distance.

As we traveled through Neva Strait, salmon leaped from the water along the shoreline of the lush green islands. It felt as though all of creation was alive around us. I couldn’t help but think of Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” Everywhere we looked, God’s fingerprints were unmistakable.

After breakfast, I started the laundry and settled into one of the front lounges to work on editing our next YouTube video. Suddenly, the captain’s voice came over the speaker:

“Straight ahead… six humpback whales!”

I didn’t hesitate.

I jumped from my seat, ran to the window for a quick glimpse, then sprinted outside onto the deck with camera in hand.

What an incredible sight!

Watching those enormous humpback whales rise gracefully from the deep before slowly disappearing beneath the surface was simply breathtaking. Every powerful movement seemed effortless. Only our Creator could design creatures so massive, yet so elegant.

Job 12:7-10 came to mind:

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you… In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”

Moments like these make you feel wonderfully small while reminding you just how big our God truly is.

The rest of the afternoon settled into a comfortable rhythm. I switched the laundry to the dryer, caught glimpses of a few more humpback whales in the distance, admired the endless chain of forest-covered islands as we navigated the narrow waters between Baranof Island and Admiralty Island, and continued working on our video.

By lunchtime, Melvin and I headed to the snack bar. I grabbed a slice of pizza while he enjoyed a chicken sandwich and fries. After lunch, it was back to editing until, around 2:30 that afternoon, I finally finished the video just as the ferry entered Frederick Sound on its way toward Petersburg.

We arrived in Petersburg around 5:30 p.m. and were allowed about fifteen minutes to step off the ferry. It wasn’t long, but it was enough time to stretch our legs, take a few pictures, and soak in this charming little fishing town.

Petersburg sits at the northern end of Wrangell Narrows and is affectionately known as “Alaska’s Little Norway.” Founded by Norwegian fisherman Peter Buschmann, it has grown into one of Alaska’s largest commercial fishing communities. Colorful buildings lined the waterfront while fishing boats filled the harbor. It truly felt like stepping back in time. I could certainly understand why photographers call it one of the prettiest towns along the Pacific coast.

Soon we were back aboard as the ferry continued south toward Wrangell, often called the Gateway to the Stikine River. This historic town welcomed countless prospectors during Alaska’s gold rush days, and even famous names like naturalist John Muir and Wyatt Earp are said to have passed through here.

Around 7:00 p.m., Melvin and I made our way back to the dining room for dinner. The dinner line is usually long, but honestly, we never mind. There really isn’t anywhere else we need to be, and waiting in line has become one of our favorite parts of ferry life because of the people we meet.

Tonight we talked with a gentleman from New Mexico who had been injured while paddleboarding near a glacier after his leg became trapped between chunks of ice. Years ago, he had worked as a commercial fisherman out of Whittier. Like so many people we’ve met, he and his wife had been traveling for two months.

It’s amazing how many people we’ve encountered who have taken months—or even years—to explore God’s creation. Some have retired. Others have taken sabbaticals or simply stepped away from work to see the world.

The more people we meet, the more I realize that this journey isn’t just about the places we’ve visited. It’s about the people God has placed in our path. Every conversation is another reminder that He is writing stories far bigger than our own.

As the ferry continued weaving through the Inside Passage, the endless spruce-covered islands reminded me of boating through the Thousand Islands back home in New York. Different places, yet the same Master Artist.

Romans 1:20 says,

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.”

His creation constantly points us back to Him.

We arrived in Wrangell around 9:15 p.m. and were given about thirty minutes to walk around town before boarding once again. It was just enough time to enjoy the quiet evening, breathe the fresh coastal air, and capture a few more memories before continuing south.

Tomorrow we’re looking forward to reaching Ketchikan, where we’ll have nearly five hours to explore before returning to the ferry. We can’t wait to see what the Lord has planned there.

If you’ve been following along on this incredible 66-day adventure, thank you for riding with us. Your prayers, encouragement, and support mean more than you know. We’d love for you to continue the journey by subscribing to our YouTube channel and following us on Facebook at Wrights On A Mission.

Until tomorrow…

Keep your eyes on the road, your heart fixed on Jesus, and never stop looking for the divine appointments He places along the way. Every mile is another opportunity to witness His faithfulness.