Even if you are extremely familiar with your route it is wise to wait for good weather. Alp-like mountains and open waterways, rather than the rolling desert and central mountain landscape of California, caused me to be faced with a new geographic perspective. Alaska terrain is carved by glaciation from granite mountains to form glacial fjords capped by ice fields stretching for hundreds of miles. Steep and precipitous mountains slope to the bottom of canals and channels that separate islands from mainland. Because cities, towns and settlements are located along the shoreline, most of the flying done in Southeast Alaska is accomplished over water.
Aviation is a way of life in Southeast Alaska.
Airplanes are used for such mundane chores as delivery of the mail, groceries, trips to the doctor and dentist, taking the kids to school, and so forth. Airplanes, as do automobiles, have their share of engine problems. Fortunately most problems can be coped with before an off field landing is necessary. Off field landings over water can be especially hazardous in an area of few beaches or emergency landing strips. With the exception of the Cordova and Yakutat areas, unless it is low tide, there is usually no beach available to land on.