Day by Day to Alaska; Queen Charlotte Islands and Around Vancouver Island [Paperback]

Dale R. Petersen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 6, 2006

Also available as an eBook edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Skipper-author Dale R Petersen is a third generation Puget Sound boater. His grandfather came from Denmark to farm and work on the first floating dry-dock on Puget Sound. Transportation for him was a rowboat. His father built a boat in Alaska for his work and built them for his pleasure on Puget Sound. Dale built his first boat and with six boats has plied waters from coast to coast for over 50 years. Cruising the waters of Alaska and British Columbia for him is an ultimate retirement fulfillment of dreams. Writing about his boating adventures is a sharing for the pleasure of others.

Dale has been a paperboy, farm worker, janitor, draftsman, tutor, researcher. Later he was an Army officer, engineer, manager, contractor and now an author. He served as President of four small corporations but the titles of husband and Dad mean more to him. He is a common man who has pursued adventures. Born in Montana, Dale lived and was educated there and in Oregon and Washington. The latter he calls home after working or visiting in all 50 States and some foreign countries. He is proud to be a Cougar graduate of Washington State University

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Excerpt from the Introduction

'Day by Day to Alaska' shares what it was like to take a 2,500 mile solo-cruise in 23 days from Puget Sound to Alaska, and back outside of Vancouver Island in a 21-foot Bayliner Trophy power boat. That 1994 trip was my 30-year dream cruise and central theme for this book. God led me in an extraordinary way on that cruise. While I did have challenges, they were met. I share many lessons learned on that trip, and during my over 50 years of boating. Hopefully, 'Day by Day to Alaska' will inspire youth to seek adventure and learn how to overcome adversity whether in boating or in life.

...My book reflects eight major trips north, including two to Alaska. I have been around Vancouver Island twice. Each of my four trips to the Queen Charlotte Islands was a different adventure. I crossed Queen Charlotte Sound 10 times, eight in 'Day by Day'. Side trips to Olympia in 1995 and Skagway in 1999 reflect experiences not part of my 1994 cruise.

Safety afloat is so important. I give you what I believe are important safety rules if you boat in small or large vessels. My hints, tricks and planning ideas should help you make your time on the water more enjoyable. I also share some of my philosophy on a number of issues, marine and otherwise.

Religion has played a big part in the formation of America and in my life. I give you my testimony as it relates to boating and life. Finally, I share how my faith helped me overcome cancer, so I can still fish and cruise.. This is an adventure-guide that can help you plan and make short or long cruises in a small boat...

Product Details

• Paperback: 247 pages
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing (July 6, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1552123480
• ISBN-13: 978-1552123485
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,502,863 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars dream of a lifetime, December 30, 2000

By 

susan dewey (springdale, arkansas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Day by Day to Alaska; Queen Charlotte Islands and Around Vancouver Island (Paperback)

I found Day By Day to be compelling reading as I share the same love and awe of nature as Mr. Petersen and his family. We enjoyed a cruise from Vancouver to Sitka, Juneau and Glacier Bay some years ago. The observations of these areas in the book were particularly interesting to me. To experience Glacier Bay cruising alone in a small boat was truly an awesome feat. The book describes the wild life viewed in detail indicating how to keep oneself safe while viewing bears, etc.

Tips on fishing these beautiful waters also were of interest. The catching of about every game fish, crabs, and digging clams was included in the book. This book is also a guide to great places to eat along the way, on land sights not to be missed, hot springs for bathing and best places to anchor.

To anyone owning a boat, the mechanical problems described and how they were corrected would be very helpful. Also, a novice would find invaluable the detailed descriptions of tides, times to avoid certain waters and highlights of the many inlets and coves he explored and which are named in the book.

There are numerous instances of protection and guidance as the result of his leaning on the almighty and trusting in God's care.

To read this book is a must for anyone contemplating cruising these waters and it would be a valuable companion on one's trip.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One Helpful Guide For Cruising The Inside Passage, December 26, 2006

By 

William Keith Mathison (Battle Ground, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Day by Day to Alaska; Queen Charlotte Islands and Around Vancouver Island (Paperback)

This book is great for those who want to cruise to Alaska in a small boat or just enjoy cruising around islands in the Inside Passage. It is full of tips, lists, and local insight from someone that has made the trip several times. I was glad to know small boats can make the trip to Alaska if you are careful. Besides this book I suggest anyone planning to make a trip like this take the piloting classes offered by the United States Power Squadron or Coast Guard Auxiliary to learn more about using charts, and GPS.

11 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Surprise, Surprise, February 2, 2006

By 

Not A Believer (Buffalo, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Day by Day to Alaska; Queen Charlotte Islands and Around Vancouver Island (Paperback)

I am disappointed that the editorial review did not indicate that this book is actually an evangelical platform for a born-again Christian. Mr. Petersen averages some discourse on his God and his faith about every 5 pages. There are 38 "God" citations in the index.

Had I known that the voyage was to serve as his "Sermon on the Inside Passage", I would not have purchased the book.