Cruising the Fiords - Part 1

Clouds and fog in the mountains.









Two otters relaxing and watching us.





The northern version of the penguin.

A bay swirling with several types of nesting birds and sea lions on the smaller rock.

Sea lions up closer.


Wednesday, June 1

I am doing two parts to this as I can only post 5 pictures. So 5 more pictures will follow in part 2.

The drizzly morning found us socked in with fog. We got two channels on our little TV and one had the Today Show. It was a treat to catch up a little over coffee while we watched the seals play right outside our dinette window and we watched a smaller Regent Cruise Ship come into port.

It was cold, so we layered on our warmest clothes and went off to the local internet cafe to have breakfast and update the blog. Bob walked Ben and tucked him into the trailer and we set out for our 6 hour cruise with the Kenai Fiords Tour Company.

The harbor was foggy, but pretty with all of the fishing boats and yachts. Seward is a delightful, quaint little town. Our catamaran tour boat was very nice and spotless with tables and comfortable seats. There were heated upper and lower level cabins with outside decks. There was a snack galley and restrooms at the back. A sandwich lunch was served shortly after we got underway with warm chocolate chip cookies served later in the day. It was all so nicely done with a great and knowledgeable staff.
The captain narrated and explained things, giving lots of interesting information. The two young ladies and young man were everywhere keeping things clean, checking on people and serving. They were so efficient and fun to chat with and watch.

The recycled paper drink cups they used on board had wildlife pictures and the following, lovely quote - "Happiness comes when your work and words are of benefit to yourself and others." How's that for a thought for the day!

Even in the fog and rain, we had a great time with fabulous views and sightings of Otter, Stellar Sea lions, Humpback Whales, Orca Whales, Harbor Seals, Dall Porpoise and many birds including Puffins and Eagles. The islands were rocky and pine covered with beautiful formations. We were also able to get up close to a glacier and see it calve (large chunks break off and crash into the water).

Cutting across open areas was pretty rough with huge swells and big sprays. A few people got pretty sick. It was fun for us as long as I didn't think about being in the freezing waters of the North Pacific. We got wet and chilled, but we loved every minute of it and would highly recommend the splurge.

We got back to the trailer and as it was too cold and rainy to hike, we cranked up the heater, made soup and toast and were happy to stay in for the night. Tomorrow we'll see the Sea Life Center and hike to the Exit Glacier. We are in love with Seward.