Creeping out of the fog. That is how we began our day in Alaska. We searched for the largest animals we could find in the productive waters of the archipelago. We found them! Humpback whales! It doesn't matter how often you see the Long-winged New Englander (their Latin name translated) it still impresses the brain and stirs the soul. A creature so large and even more important so unconcerned with human activity. We watched as the whales fed and frolicked.
Creeping along the water. Creeping in the forest. Our morning was spent kayaking and hiking a bay called Fox Creek. There were signs of animals both terrestrial and marine. The trees, plants, and paths of Fox Creek told the story of passing brown bears, some a month ago, some an hour. The waters of the bay a more current story of waters ebbing and flowing. Gulls, murrelets, Steller sea lions, cormorants, harbor seals and the above-mentioned canaries of the sea (humpbacks) all playing out their appointed lot in life. The eternal search for food. Are they so different from us when the meal announcement is made?
Creeping along the boardwalk. The afternoon was spent cruising towards the open Pacific Ocean. We stopped just short of it in a small town (Many of us have been in a city bus with more people) known as Elfin Cove. A hamlet started in the thirties by fishermen who wanted to be as close to the sea as they could without feeling her vengeful bite. The skipper did an excellent job of putting our "large" ship next to the diminutive dock along side the elfish fishing boats, all with their own story to tell. After some time to walk the main drag, we ventured back to the ship and out towards the coast to find sea otters, the cutest weasels you will ever see.
Creeping into the fog. After dinner the Sea Lion went back to the spot of the mornings activities to once again find the patient humpback whales. While we traveled many miles to see the different parts of Southeast Alaska, they were happy to stay in the same spot all day. Eating and eating and eating…….remind you of anyone?
Creeping along the water. Creeping in the forest. Our morning was spent kayaking and hiking a bay called Fox Creek. There were signs of animals both terrestrial and marine. The trees, plants, and paths of Fox Creek told the story of passing brown bears, some a month ago, some an hour. The waters of the bay a more current story of waters ebbing and flowing. Gulls, murrelets, Steller sea lions, cormorants, harbor seals and the above-mentioned canaries of the sea (humpbacks) all playing out their appointed lot in life. The eternal search for food. Are they so different from us when the meal announcement is made?
Creeping along the boardwalk. The afternoon was spent cruising towards the open Pacific Ocean. We stopped just short of it in a small town (Many of us have been in a city bus with more people) known as Elfin Cove. A hamlet started in the thirties by fishermen who wanted to be as close to the sea as they could without feeling her vengeful bite. The skipper did an excellent job of putting our "large" ship next to the diminutive dock along side the elfish fishing boats, all with their own story to tell. After some time to walk the main drag, we ventured back to the ship and out towards the coast to find sea otters, the cutest weasels you will ever see.
Creeping into the fog. After dinner the Sea Lion went back to the spot of the mornings activities to once again find the patient humpback whales. While we traveled many miles to see the different parts of Southeast Alaska, they were happy to stay in the same spot all day. Eating and eating and eating…….remind you of anyone?
