We live aboard our 80-foot sailboat year-round in Alaska, and one of the things we love about this life is the people and places we stumble into along the way. After helping Sterling and Aaron of Second Growth Homes raise an A-frame in Southeast Alaska, we were invited out to the logging and milling operation Sterling runs alongside his dad, Gordon, near Tenakee Springs. And Gordon has a story. He spent nearly 50 years as a builder before moving to Tenakee 26 years ago. After years of bringing lumber north from Washington and Oregon, he started questioning why they were importing wood while living in the middle of one of the greatest timber-producing regions in the world. He bought an old sawmill, eventually moved into logging and milling, and today he and Sterling work together harvesting and milling local Southeast Alaska timber. Their operation takes the process nearly from beginning to end. They selectively harvest timber through Forest Service timber sales, mill Sitka spruce and Alaska yellow cedar themselves, fill custom orders, and even built a barge and have a towboat to get lumber out to customers around Southeast Alaska. On the day we visited, they were in the middle of a large order of Alaska yellow cedar. With plenty of lumber left to mill, Scott got put to work learning Gordon's hydraulic Wood-Mizer while Sterling and the crew kept the Mobile Dimension mill running on the other side of the shed. For Scott, who has his own history with logging and sawmilling back on the Kenai Peninsula, it felt a little like finding a piece of home in another corner of Alaska. Living aboard isn't always about sailing. Sometimes it's about where the boat takes us, the people we meet when we get there, and the lives and stories we're lucky enough to step into for a little while. This is our second collaboration with Second Growth Homes, and really just an introduction to Sterling, Gordon and what they're building here in Southeast Alaska. We have a feeling there is a lot more to this story. Thanks for coming along. ⚓ The Alaskan Gypsy Life Living aboard and exploring Alaska, four seasons a year. Chapters: 00:00 Life Aboard Takes Us Into the Forest 01:48 Inside a Southeast Alaska Sawmill 05:23 Meet Gordon 06:07 Logging & Milling in Southeast Alaska 08:26 Gordon’s Story: From Builder to Logger 10:22 A Big Alaska Yellow Cedar Order 12:09 Why Yellow Cedar? 14:28 How They Harvest Local Timber 16:33 Can We Finish the Order Today? 18:09 What’s Next for the Sawmill 19:59 Scott Gets to Work 23:08 Milling Alaska Yellow Cedar 24:18 Finding a Rhythm 24:59 Two Sawmills Running 26:04 What Makes Yellow Cedar So Special 28:53 The Final Stack 29:59 We’re Done!

For the past year, we've lived almost entirely at anchor aboard our 80-foot steel schooner, The Alaskan Gypsy. But there's been one problem we haven't been able to ignore... our anchor gear. After dragging anchor more times than we'd like to admit, it became clear something wasn't right. Before another Alaska winter, it was time to replace the Gypsy's original 250-pound custom Danforth anchor with a 200-pound Navy stockless anchor and a new chain concept. Simple enough...or so we thought. From using the community crane dock in Tenakee Springs to discovering our old anchor was badly bent, measuring decades-old chain, wrestling shackles, and wondering if the new setup would even fit the windlass, this project turned into more than a simple swap. And even after everything was installed...there was still one more problem waiting for us. Life aboard isn't just about sailing from one beautiful place to the next. Sometimes it's about solving the problems that keep your home safe when the weather turns and there's no dock to tie up to. If you enjoy life aboard, Alaska adventures, real boat projects, and the challenges of maintaining an 80-foot steel schooner, we'd love to have you along. ⚓ Subscribe and join us as we continue exploring Alaska, one anchorage at a time.

Can you really raise an off-grid A-frame cabin in a single day? After crossing the Gulf of Alaska, we joined Sterling and Aaron from Second Growth Homes on a remote Southeast Alaska building site with one goal... Build the entire structural A-frame before the day was over. From cutting cedar pilings and timber joinery to raising the first frames by hand, you'll see exactly how these off-grid cabins come together using locally milled second-growth Alaska spruce. Along the way you'll hear why Sterling created this unique building system, how Second Growth Homes is changing remote cabin construction, and meet the future owner whose lifelong dream of an Alaska cabin is finally becoming reality. This is the beginning of an exciting collaboration with Second Growth Homes, and we're happy to bring you behind the scenes of future cabin builds, logging, milling, and off-grid projects throughout Southeast Alaska. If you enjoy off-grid living, timber framing, Alaska cabins, homesteading, sustainable forestry, and life aboard our 80-foot schooner, you're in the right place. Thanks for watching! Audrey & Scott The Alaskan Gypsy Life Second Growth Homes https://www.youtube.com/@UC3LDKPljD3SsGgX-wN_8FNw Chapters below ↓ 00:00 Can we build it in one day? 00:46 The challenge begins 01:34 Back in Southeast Alaska 02:56 Meet Sterling & the project 05:27 Cutting the cedar pilings 09:32 Building the first A-frame 13:14 Timber joinery explained 17:47 The first frame comes together 20:04 Bracing the foundation 30:28 Perfect half-lap joints 33:29 Raising the first A-frame 40:26 Why this cabin design works 48:13 The owner's Alaska dream 56:28 Sustainable second-growth lumber 58:58 Why Second Growth Homes exists 1:00:00 A faster way to build cabins 1:02:29 We actually finished in one day 1:07:35 What's next for the cabin?

Crossing the Gulf of Alaska never gets easier. No matter how many times we've made this passage, there's always a moment when we leave the protection of inside waters, point the bow toward open water, and realize there's no turning back. This would be our fourth Gulf of Alaska crossing aboard in just over two years, and our second aboard our 80-foot steel schooner, Alaskan Gypsy. We've learned a lot over the years, but experience doesn't erase respect for the ocean. Every unusual engine sound gets your attention. Every weather update matters. Every decision feels just a little bigger. Over the next two and a half days, we motor-sail nearly 500 miles across the Gulf of Alaska on our way back to Southeast Alaska. Along the way we finally get the sails drawing, bake cookies in the middle of the ocean, troubleshoot a mysterious engine vibration, watch for humpback whales and orcas, dodge floating debris, and settle into the unique rhythm that only life offshore can create. Somewhere out there, the nervous energy begins to change. The constant distractions of everyday life disappear. The horizon stretches in every direction. The wilderness has a way of slowing everything down, reminding us how small we are while making life somehow feel bigger at the same time. When the mountains of Southeast Alaska finally rise from the horizon, it's more than reaching a destination. It's relief, gratitude, and another reminder of why we continue making these crossings despite the nerves. If you're new here, welcome aboard! We live full-time on our 80-foot steel schooner, sharing the realities of life at sea, remote Alaska, wildlife encounters, boat projects, and the remarkable people and places we discover along the way. ⚓ Thanks for sailing with us. Audrey & Scott Chapters 00:00 Do You Ever Stop Being Nervous? 00:48 Leaving Prince William Sound 02:37 Committing to the Gulf 05:24 Baking Cookies at Sea 08:41 Finally Sailing 12:18 The Wind Arrives 16:03 Something Doesn't Feel Right 20:42 Sunset on the Gulf 24:56 Life Offshore 29:18 Is That Engine Vibration? 34:07 Meeting Traffic Offshore 37:11 Orcas in the Gulf 42:46 The Long Gray Miles 47:03 What the Wilderness Does to You 52:18 Southeast Alaska on the Horizon 56:34 Entering Cross Sound 59:12 Safe on the Other Side

After three unforgettable weeks exploring Prince William Sound, it was finally time to make a decision... Stay a little longer... or leave while the weather was perfect for crossing the Gulf of Alaska. In this episode aboard our 80-foot steel schooner Alaskan Gypsy, we leave Whittier and begin working our way toward one of our biggest adventures yet... another Gulf of Alaska crossing. Along the way we revisit one of Prince William Sound's most beautiful anchorages, catch up on much-needed rest after three weeks of adventures with the kids, spend time metal detecting on a remote beach, explore the site of an old cannery destroyed during the 1964 Alaska earthquake, accidentally snag an old underwater cable with our anchor, photograph Alaska's commercial salmon fleet, prepare Gypsy for another offshore passage, and finish the day with what appears to be a sleeping humpback whale. Sometimes the hardest part of an adventure isn't rough seas... It's deciding when it's time to leave a place you love. If you're new here, welcome aboard! We live and travel full-time on our 80-foot steel schooner, sharing the reality of life at sea, Alaska cruising, remote anchorages, boat projects, wildlife encounters, and the incredible people we meet along the way. ⚓ Thanks for coming along. If you enjoy Alaska, sailing, boat life, wildlife, and authentic adventure and connections, we'd love to have you subscribe and join us for the journey. Audrey & Scott Chapters: 00:00 Stay or Go? 00:04 Leaving Whittier 00:59 Saying Goodbye to the Kids 02:15 A Perfect Day Makes It Hard to Leave 03:04 Alaska's Marine Highway 05:21 What's Around the Next Corner? 06:01 Three Days of Rest & Reset 08:10 Treasure Hunting on a Remote Beach 09:46 Cruising Toward Port Nellie Juan 10:51 Exploring the 1964 Cannery Ruins 13:11 We Hook an Underwater Cable 16:42 Photographing Alaska's Salmon Fleet 18:23 Engine Maintenance & The Great Coffee Incident 20:20 Preparing for the Gulf Crossing 23:31 A Sleeping Humpback Whale 24:44 The Captain Makes the Call 25:48 Rounding Schooner Rock 26:57 We're Crossing the Gulf 27:12 Heading Home? 27:41 Looking Ahead to the Crossing 28:05 Thanks for Watching

A chance conversation over the VHF radio led us through a narrow entrance on the chart and into one of the most unforgettable encounters of our time cruising Prince William Sound. Nikki has been living and sailing aboard boats in Alaska for more than 44 years. In the early 1980s, she quit her job, learned the basics of sailing at Big Lake near Anchorage, bought a small boat and moved to Valdez. When she realized that waiting for friends or crew meant she would rarely leave the harbor, she began sailing alone. People told her she was crazy. One sailing instructor even wrote that she should never be on a boat. Experienced Alaska cruisers questioned why a woman would go out alone. Many men were unwilling to share their mechanical knowledge with her. She went anyway. Over the following decades, Nikki explored Prince William Sound, learned marine electrical systems and diesel heat, installed and repaired equipment, operated a sewing business from aboard, and built much of her present steel boat around the way she actually lives. Her vessel is based on a Dutch fishing design known as a sailing scow, with a shallow hull and a mast designed to fold down. Inside, nearly every system reflects decades of problem-solving: hydraulic propulsion, hydronic heating, a large battery bank, custom fuel and water systems, an old Sailrite sewing machine, a boat garden and countless modifications completed by Nikki herself. She is the captain, engineer, mechanic, electrician, seamstress and caretaker. Nikki spends summers anchored throughout Prince William Sound, sometimes going three or four weeks without seeing another boat. Her home port is Valdez, Alaska, where Audrey grew up, and she even remembers seeing Alaskan Gypsy while the schooner was being built in Anchorage during the early 1990s. What began as a spontaneous radio call became a conversation about independence, aging, solitude, Alaska history, self-reliance and the courage to build a life that other people may not understand. This is not simply a tour of an unusual steel sailboat. It is the story of a woman who stopped waiting for permission, taught herself what she needed to know and spent more than four decades creating a life on the water. Welcome aboard Nikki’s extraordinary floating home in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Subscribe to follow our family’s life aboard Alaskan Gypsy, our 80-foot steel schooner, as we explore Alaska, restore our own vessel and meet the remarkable people who live along its remote coastline. Chapters: 00:00 A stranger on the radio knows Gypsy 00:50 Entering an uncharted-looking anchorage 02:06 A woman living aboard for 44 years 03:15 The little black Gypsy 03:38 Meeting Nikki 04:34 Growing a garden on a boat 06:40 Inside her floating home 07:20 Watching the anchor from bed 08:25 A Dutch sailing-scow design 09:25 The systems she installed herself 10:40 Learning without mentors 11:25 One of the first Sailrite machines 15:30 Comparing our marine sewing machines 18:30 Custom tanks and onboard workspaces 19:35 Heating a boat through an Alaska winter 21:50 Why she cooks with kerosene 22:58 Living without a generator 23:20 Hydraulic propulsion and engine power 25:05 “I’m the everything” 27:45 Ten batteries beneath the floor 29:00 The serious subject: marine toilets 33:10 Ballast, condensation and winter living 35:20 Two captains need two boats 36:15 Decades exploring Prince William Sound 37:20 More than 500 anchorages 45:18 Why she quit her job to learn sailing 45:45 The instructor who said she would fail 47:15 Moving to Valdez in 1982 48:00 Learning she would have to sail alone 50:20 Building a life aboard this boat 50:50 Why Prince William Sound is still home 01:04:59 The people who inspired Audrey 01:06:16 They told Nikki she was crazy 01:07:39 At what point have you proved it? 01:08:15 Preserving an old Alaska cruising guide 01:09:51 Weeks alone in the anchorage 01:10:14 Saying goodbye to Nikki

There's something about exploring old places that makes you stop and wonder what life was like before us. In this episode, we anchor in Port Nellie Juan, Prince William Sound, and spend the day exploring the historic Port Nellie Juan Cannery. After carefully working our way into the bay, we launch the paddleboards and make our way through old dock remnants, collapsed building sites, rusting machinery, and artifacts scattered along the shoreline. We bushwhack through the forest following old trails, search for clues to how this remote cannery once operated, and eventually free dive beneath the surface to explore the underwater remains left behind more than a century ago. As we explored, we learned more about the history of the site and the tragedy that unfolded here. The Port Nellie Juan Cannery was established during Alaska's early commercial fishing boom and operated through the first half of the 1900s. Following Alaska statehood and changing fishing practices, the cannery eventually closed. Then, in 1964, the Good Friday Earthquake and tsunami destroyed much of the cannery's waterfront infrastructure and claimed the lives of the three caretakers who remained on site, forever changing this quiet corner of Prince William Sound. Standing among the foundations, machinery, and shoreline debris, it's hard not to imagine what daily life looked like here. What was once a busy salmon cannery has slowly been reclaimed by the forest, the tides, and time, leaving behind an incredible piece of Alaska's commercial fishing history. If you know more about the history of Port Nellie Juan or recognize any of the equipment we came across, we'd love to hear from you in the comments. We always enjoy learning more about these places. Thanks for coming along aboard The Alaskan Gypsy. ⚓ Subscribe for more adventures exploring Alaska by boat, including Prince William Sound, Southeast Alaska, historic sites, remote anchorages, glaciers, wildlife, commercial fishing history, and life aboard our 80-foot steel schooner. Chapters: 00:00 Exploring Alaska's Historic Cannery 01:42 Entering Port Nellie Juan Bay 03:07 Paddleboarding to the Cannery Ruins 04:29 The History of Port Nellie Juan Cannery 06:34 Exploring the First Artifacts 09:00 Cannery Foundations & Dock Remains 11:31 Protected Historic Site 13:07 The 1964 Earthquake & Tsunami Story 17:12 Searching for the Giant Boiler 22:15 Bushwhacking Through the Forest 33:25 Inside the Massive Steam Boiler 40:53 Free Diving the Underwater Cannery 46:53 Exploring the Historic Hydropower System 57:09 Scuba Scott Explores Beneath the Surface 1:02:01 Final Thoughts from Port Nellie Juan

Life aboard an 80-foot steel schooner means every square inch has to earn its place. Anchored in the beautiful waters of Prince William Sound, Alaska, Scott continues the ongoing refit of The Alaskan Gypsy, building custom storage solutions and making progress on our liveaboard bathroom remodel. From replacing the old washer and dryer with a sliding tote storage system to leveling an unusable section of the hull and planning future cabinetry, every project makes this steel schooner a little more functional for full-time life aboard. In this episode you'll also see many of the tools Scott relies on while building aboard, including the Makita 36V cordless track saw, Makita cordless trim router, Makita cordless orbital sander, corded jigsaw, countersink drill bits, marine-grade plywood, reclaimed lumber from previous shipyard work, and Benjamin Moore paint as another section of the boat begins to come together. Living aboard isn't just about glaciers, whales, and incredible anchorages. It's also about problem-solving, woodworking, boat maintenance, organization, and constantly adapting your home to life at sea. Whether you're restoring a sailboat, planning your own liveaboard adventure, or simply enjoy watching custom boat projects unfold, we're glad you're here. Thanks for following along as we continue transforming The Alaskan Gypsy into our home. ⚓ Subscribe for more: Boat refit & restoration Liveaboard sailboat life DIY boat projects Cruising Alaska Prince William Sound adventures Full-time family life aboard Chapters 00:00 Boat project update aboard The Alaskan Gypsy 00:00:30 Building a sliding tote storage system 00:02:23 Remodeling the boat's bathroom (head) 00:04:15 Why the original layout had to go 00:06:13 Turning wasted hull space into storage 00:08:10 Scott's favorite cordless woodworking tools 00:11:01 Choosing materials for the rebuild 00:13:30 Family life at anchor in Prince William Sound 00:18:12 Painting, heating & finishing details 00:20:02 Progress update and what's next #liveaboard #boatrefit #boatprojects #steelboat #sailboat #sailboatrestoration #woodworking #makitatools #boatbuilding #offgridliving #princewilliamsound #alaska #liveaboardlife #diy #alaskangypsylife

For as long as Audrey can remember, she dreamed of one day arriving in Valdez, Alaska by sea. She grew up in this small coastal town surrounded by towering mountains, glaciers, fishing boats, and the working waterfront. Every time she watched vessels enter Port Valdez, she imagined what it would feel like to someday return the same way. She just never imagined that dream would come true aboard an 80-foot steel schooner she now calls home, with her family of 7 aboard. In this episode, The Alaskan Gypsy finally cruises through the breathtaking Valdez Narrows into Audrey's hometown. Along the way we pass the Alyeska Pipeline Terminal, commercial fishing docks, oil response vessels, waterfalls cascading down the Chugach Mountains, and the harbor where family waits on the dock to welcome us. One of the most meaningful moments comes as we pass Steve Cotter Way, a road named in honor of Audrey's late father for his decades of service to the Valdez waterfront. It's a reminder that while life has taken us on incredible adventures, some places never stop feeling woven into who you are. After spending a few unforgettable days reconnecting with family and friends, we head into the stunning Shoup Bay State Marine Park, where we hike toward Shoup Glacier. Returning after more than a decade reveals just how dramatically the glacier has changed, offering a powerful reminder of Alaska's ever-changing landscapes. Join us as we continue exploring Alaska aboard our 80-foot steel schooner, sharing the beauty, challenges, and unexpected moments of life afloat. If you enjoy Alaska, sailing, glaciers, wildlife, liveaboard life, and authentic family adventures, we'd love to have you along for the journey. In this episode: • Sailing through the Valdez Narrows • Arriving in Port Valdez aboard The Alaskan Gypsy • Audrey's childhood dream comes true • Steve Cotter Way and honoring Audrey's father • Family reunion in Valdez • Exploring Shoup Bay State Marine Park • Hiking toward Shoup Glacier • Witnessing dramatic glacier retreat • Life aboard an 80-foot steel schooner in Alaska #alaska #valdez #valdezalaska #shoupglacier #princewilliamsound #liveaboard #boatlife #sailing #thealaskangypsy #glacier #travelalaska #chugachmountains #alaskatravel #offgrid #familyadventure Chapters 00:00 I've Dreamed of This Since I Was a Child 00:14 Entering the Valdez Narrows 01:44 My Hometown Comes Into View 02:23 Port Valdez & the Alyeska Pipeline 04:18 The Story Behind the Viking Venus 05:15 Arriving at Valdez Harbor 08:05 Steve Cotter Way & My Dad's Legacy ❤️ 09:51 Family Time & Building a Greenhouse 11:40 Leaving Valdez for Shoup Bay 12:18 Returning to Shoup Glacier After 11 Years 13:16 The Glacier Has Changed So Much 15:09 Searching for a Way to the Ice 16:51 Hiking Toward Shoup Glacier 18:41 Glacier Ice Up Close

Join us as we continue exploring the incredible wilderness of Prince William Sound, Alaska, aboard our 80-foot steel schooner, The Alaskan Gypsy. What started as another day of cruising quickly turned into one of our favorite adventures yet. We navigated through Columbia Bay, surrounded by towering blue icebergs that had calved from the legendary Columbia Glacier, one of the fastest retreating tidewater glaciers in North America. Although thick fog kept us from reaching the glacier moraine, the journey itself reminded us why life aboard is all about adapting to the conditions and appreciating wherever the day takes you. Along the way we experienced some of the closest humpback whale encounters we've ever witnessed. The whales were actively feeding all around us, surfacing just feet from the boat, and the kids even had the unforgettable opportunity to paddleboard while humpbacks cruised nearby. Moments like these are impossible to plan and are exactly why we love exploring Alaska by boat. We also spend time hiking above Columbia Bay for sweeping views of the glacier, icebergs, mountains, and endless waterways before trying a little recreational gold panning along the shoreline. Prince William Sound has a rich history shaped by glaciers, commercial fishing, Native Alaskan heritage, and the gold rush era, when nearby Valdez served as the gateway to the famous Klondike and Interior Alaska gold fields. Even today, traces of that history can still be found throughout the Sound. During this trip you'll experience: • Cruising through Prince William Sound • Columbia Bay and Columbia Glacier • Massive blue glacier icebergs • Humpback whales feeding up close • Paddleboarding beside whales • Hiking with panoramic glacier views • Recreational gold panning • Remote Alaska anchorages • Life aboard an 80-foot steel schooner • Family adventure in the Alaskan wilderness • Cruising toward Valdez, Alaska Whether you're dreaming of sailing Alaska, planning a trip to Prince William Sound, curious about Columbia Glacier, fascinated by humpback whales, or simply looking for a slower pace of life, we're so glad you're here. If you enjoy our adventures, we'd love to have you subscribe and follow along as we continue exploring Alaska aboard our floating home. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Prince William Sound 01:45 Cruising deeper into the Sound 03:10 Boat life with the kids 04:40 Bay of Isles adventure 05:10 Columbia Bay & giant blue icebergs 06:05 Weaving through glacier ice 08:15 Hiking above Columbia Bay 09:25 Humpback whales everywhere 10:55 The closest whale encounter we've ever had 15:45 Leaving Columbia Bay & heading toward Valdez #PrinceWilliamSound #ColumbiaGlacier #Alaska #AlaskaLife #Liveaboard #BoatLife #HumpbackWhales #WhaleWatching #Icebergs #Glacier #Valdez #ColumbiaBay #Sailing #Cruising #AlaskanGypsy #LivingAboard #AlaskaAdventure #TravelAlaska #WildAlaska #ExploreAlaska

ix people. One 80-foot steel schooner. One unforgettable summer day in Prince William Sound. Join us aboard the Alaskan Gypsy as we make homemade moose jerky, collect glacier ice for our coolers, search for sea lion haul-outs, encounter killer whales, revisit the history of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, and explore one of Alaska's most beautiful coastlines. While our kids spend hours swimming in the cold waters of Prince William Sound, we're reminded that some of the best adventures aren't planned. They're simply lived. This is life aboard our home, sailing Alaska one anchorage at a time. Thanks so much for following our journey. Every comment, like, and subscription helps us continue documenting life aboard the Alaskan Gypsy. Fair winds, Scott & Audrey Chapters 00:00 Making homemade moose jerky aboard 02:20 Kids swimming in Prince William Sound 09:30 Leaving Sawmill Bay 12:00 Meeting a longtime liveaboard sailor 16:00 Passing Bligh Reef & Exxon Valdez history 19:20 Killer whale encounter 20:50 Collecting glacier ice 22:00 Sea lion haul-out 23:00 Exploring a hidden white granite beach 26:00 Wrapping up another unforgettable day

Ever wonder what it actually takes to feed a family living full time on a boat? Join us aboard our 80-foot steel schooner, The Alaskan Gypsy, as we cook for a crew of seven while exploring the wild coastline of Alaska. From bear sausage making on the deck of our sailboat in Seldovia, Alaska, to sourdough creations from Tenekee Springs, vegetable fermenting, and family meals with kids pitching in and the everyday rhythm of life at anchor, this is the real side of family liveaboard living. Life isn't always about dramatic adventures. Sometimes it's sharing meals, solving little problems together, and creating memories in one of the most beautiful places on earth. If you enjoy: • Alaska • Liveaboard boat life • Sailing and cruising • Family adventure • Homesteading • Off-grid living • Prince William Sound .....you're in the right place. Subscribe and come along as we continue exploring Alaska aboard our home. Chapters 0:00 Life aboard begins 1:08 Preparing a family meal 3:45 Everyone pitches in 6:52 Cooking on an 80-foot schooner 10:45 Making sausage together 13:05 Family life aboard 17:35 Campfire cooking 18:00 Another day aboard The Alaskan Gypsy

After months away, we returned to Homer, Alaska with the Gypsy and walked straight into one of the busiest weeks we've had all year. Preparing an 80-foot schooner for five kids, sorting through decades of tools and belongings, tackling boat projects, processing wild game, stocking the galley, and making decisions about what comes with us for the next chapter. What was supposed to be a quick stop turned into seven days of organized chaos. For Scott, it meant revisiting a place he'd called home for over 40 years. For all of us, it meant preparing the Gypsy for a summer of adventure in Prince William Sound. From tearing out old carpet and chasing down last-minute parts to loading supplies and welcoming the kids aboard, this is what life looks like behind the scenes before the adventure begins. Thanks for coming along with us. ⚓ Subscribe for more liveaboard adventures, Alaska cruising, family life, and life aboard our 80' steel schooner. #alaska #liveaboardlife #princewilliamsound #boatlife #familyadventure Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Prince William Sound 00:33 First Time Bringing the Gypsy to PWS 00:56 The Kids Go Full Alaska Mode 01:22 Returning to Homer After Months Away 02:29 40 Years of Stuff and Hard Decisions 03:19 Loading, Unloading, and Boat Projects 03:45 Goodbye Carpet 04:53 Organizing the Gypsy for Summer 05:53 Processing Bear and Stocking the Freezer 06:47 What Do You Bring for the Next 10 Months? 07:48 Leaving Homer for Prince William Sound 08:30 Opening the Can of Worms 09:42 Preparing for Five Kids Aboard 10:54 Renovations in the Middle of Moving 12:21 The Missing Anchor Part 13:53 Waiting on a Critical Delivery 14:33 Airport Pickup Mission 16:11 Delaying Departure 18:24 Finally Ready to Leave 19:17 All Five Kids Aboard the Gypsy 20:10 Exploring Prince William Sound 21:11 Living the Alaskan Gypsy Life

Before the commercial fishing fleet's completely depart and the harbor empties out, we take a tour through Homer Harbor, one of Alaska's most unique maritime communities. Audrey starts the tour with a look at the fishing boats, water taxis, yachts, sailboats, and working vessels that call Homer home. Along the way she shares stories about life on the water, a recent anchor-dragging adventure, and why this harbor is such an important gateway to Kachemak Bay. Later, Scott joins in to share some of the local knowledge he's picked up after decades working around Alaska's marine industry. From Bristol Bay gillnetters and seiners to landing craft, tenders, boatyards, and the challenges of navigating Homer Harbor's massive tides, you'll get a closer look at the vessels and people that keep Alaska moving. Whether you're a boater, fisherman, or simply curious about life at the end of the road in Alaska, we hope you enjoy this look around the Homer harbor. #alaska #homeralaska #commercialfishing #bristolbay #boatlife #sailing #kachemakbay #workingwaterfront #maritime Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Homer Harbor 01:09 Summer boating season in Alaska 02:38 Fishing boats of Homer 04:04 The Milo & Scott's history in Homer 06:41 Water taxis and life around Kachemak Bay 08:41 Commercial fishing culture 10:33 NOMAR and Alaska-made marine gear 12:58 The Gypsy arrives in harbor 17:37 The Polar Bear landing craft 19:30 Entering Homer Harbor at low tide 20:59 Northern Enterprises boatyard 22:14 Harbor tour by boat 24:26 Commercial fleet, charters & tour boats 25:55 Final thoughts from Homer Harbor

We're less than a week away from picking up the kids, and one thing was on our minds: filling the freezer. As we worked our way along Alaska's remote outer coast, we started spotting black bears feeding on the spring greens. After checking regulations, passing on opportunities that didn't feel right, and spending hours glassing beaches and grassy flats, Scott finally got his chance. For us, hunting has never been about trophies. It's about providing healthy food for the family, respecting the animals that sustain us, and staying connected to the wild places we call home. This spring black bear will become burger, sausage, roasts, and countless meals shared around the table with our kids this summer. And as if Alaska wanted to add a little extra magic to the day, a rainbow appeared behind us just as everything came together. Thanks for coming along. Chapters: 00:00 We need meat before the kids arrive 00:16 Bears on the beach 01:32 Is hunting even legal here? 02:54 Moving on to find a better spot 04:07 Planning the hunt 05:46 First bear sighting 08:20 No luck in this bay 10:38 Exploring a new area 11:38 Perfect bear habitat 11:57 A bear finally appears 12:59 Scott moves into position 14:27 The shot 15:06 A beautiful spring black bear 15:33 Food for the family 15:56 Bringing the bear back to the boat 16:24 A successful day in Alaska #Alaska #BlackBearHunt #LivingOffTheLand #WildFood #AlaskanGypsyLife #BoatLife #RemoteAlaska

After nine months of being in Southeast Alaska aboard The Alaskan Gypsy, it was finally time to point the bow north and commit to one of Alaska's most legendary passages: the Gulf of Alaska. Once we rounded Cape Spencer, there were few places to hide and hundreds of miles of open water ahead. What followed was more than 66 hours running nonstop at sea aboard our 80-foot steel schooner. The entire trip lasted 7 days for us and included around rolling swells, endless daylight, whales, porpoises, sunsets, wildlife, a surprise halibut, a surprise meeting up with friends, and even a visit to our past wilderness home site. This trip turned into more than just getting from Southeast to Homer. As we approached Kachemak Bay, memories of another chapter came flooding back. These are the waters where our family first began building the life that eventually led us here. The bays, anchorages, surf charters, old friends, and familiar coastlines that shaped so many years of adventure. Arriving aboard The Alaskan Gypsy felt less like reaching a destination and more like closing a circle. Join us as we cross the Gulf of Alaska, make landfall on the Kenai Peninsula, and return to the waters where this way of life first took root. Chapters 00:00 Leaving Southeast Alaska 00:55 Committed at Cape Spencer 02:29 First Hours in the Gulf 06:56 Sunset at Sea 09:04 The Autopilot Comes Back to Life 12:16 Boat Projects Underway 17:27 Day Two of the Crossing 20:52 Whales in the Open Gulf 23:18 The Reality of an 800-Mile Passage 29:25 Why We're Making This Journey 34:05 Land Appears Again 36:18 Meeting Friends Offshore 41:10 Welcome to the Kenai Peninsula 42:24 Halibut for Dinner 43:14 Finally Out of the Swell 50:10 Incredible Whale Encounter 55:09 Through Wildcat Pass 58:17 Rounding Gore Point 1:04:21 Sailing at Last 1:06:29 Entering Kachemak Bay 1:10:45 Returning to Familiar Waters

The Gulf of Alaska is calling, but first there's still work to do. Join us aboard our 80' steel schooner, The Alaskan Gypsy, as we spend our final days exploring Southeast Alaska while preparing for one of our biggest voyages yet. From Whale Pass and Coffman Cove to Rats Harbor, Thorne Bay, and Ketchikan, we're soaking in every mile before turning our bow toward the next adventure. Along the way we share our honest impressions of these remote communities, discover potential anchorages, enjoy a beautiful evening under sail, and encounter humpback whales feeding in the sunset just before arriving in Ketchikan. Back in Ketchikan, the Gypsy returns to a place that was home for many years. We reconnect with the boat's previous owner, lend a hand on a project, gather supplies, and begin checking off the final items on our Gulf crossing preparation list. This episode has a little bit of everything: 🐋 Sunset humpback whales ⛵ Sailing Southeast Alaska 🗺️ Exploring Whale Pass, Coffman Cove, Rats Harbor & Thorne Bay ⚓ A return to Ketchikan 🔧 Engine maintenance and oil changes 🛠️ Autopilot and steering upgrades 🌊 Preparing for a Gulf of Alaska crossing Thanks for joining us aboard The Alaskan Gypsy. Chapters 00:00 Preparing for the Gulf of Alaska 00:38 Cruising through Whale Pass 05:02 Why we're heading to Ketchikan 06:26 Exploring Coffman Cove 09:45 Checking out Rats Harbor 15:07 Discovering Thorne Bay 20:23 Float houses and waterfront life 29:50 Raising the sails 32:04 Sailing toward Ketchikan 33:07 Humpback whales at sunset 38:24 Arriving at Tongass Narrows 40:14 Exploring Refuge Cove 42:23 Docking in windy conditions 44:01 Visiting the Gypsy's previous owner 45:36 Ketchikan adventures 47:24 Leaving Ketchikan behind 48:17 Engine oil change before the crossing 51:03 Autopilot and steering upgrades 57:57 The next chapter begins

Exploring a remote Alaska boat graveyard led to unexpected treasures, salvaged wood, working bilge pumps, and proof that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. 🍎⚓ A quiet evening paddle turned into a full-blown treasure hunt in a remote Alaska boat graveyard. What started as a quick look around old abandoned fishing boats quickly became an adventure through decades of maritime history. From salvaged yellow cedar and stainless steel parts to old bilge pumps that somehow still worked, Scott couldn't help himself. This video is dedicated to Scott's dad, who has always appreciated the art of finding value where others see junk. As they say... the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Join us aboard our 80-foot steel schooner, The Alaskan Gypsy, as we explore Alaska's forgotten boat graveyard and search for treasures that might find a second life aboard the Gypsy. Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back to the Gypsy 00:47 Exploring Alaska's Boat Graveyard 03:05 Searching for Salvageable Treasure 07:45 Old Engines, Copper & Forgotten Boats 08:38 Don't Let This Happen to the Gypsy 13:34 Climbing Aboard the Jubilee 16:45 Hidden Gems Inside an Abandoned Boat 19:25 Salvaged Tables for the Gypsy 26:34 Nearly Falling Through a Shipwreck 30:43 Copper Treasure Discovery 33:12 The Salvager's Dream 39:37 Do the Shipwreck Bilge Pumps Still Work? 45:48 Two Out of Three Survive! 46:43 Audrey's Verdict on the Treasure Hunt 48:36 Going Back for the Tables 51:43 Salvaging Yellow Cedar Slabs 54:13 Why Old Wood Tells a Story 58:18 Treasure for Audrey's Rock Collection 1:03:07 One Last Look Around 1:05:38 More Hidden Treasures Found 1:07:31 A Gift for Audrey 1:13:36 Back to the Boat Graveyard with Company

What started as a simple roofing project turned into one of the most meaningful conversations we've had in Port Protection. After winter storms damaged the covered porch at Veronica's off-grid homestead, we headed over to help replace the aging panels before fishing season pulled everyone in different directions. But as the work unfolded, so did the story of how Veronica found herself living in one of Alaska's most remote communities. From unexpected loss and life-changing decisions to off-grid living, self-reliance, and finding community in Port Protection, this is a glimpse into the life of someone who chose a very different path. Along the way we tackle a much-needed homestead project, enjoy a rare sunny day, and share another reminder of why we keep returning to this special corner of Alaska. Life out here isn't always easy, but the people make it worth it. Thanks for joining us aboard The Alaskan Gypsy. 📍 Port Protection, Alaska