Today was another day of high adventure. We woke up early to join a kayaking tour to Aialik Glacier in Fijord Glacier National Park. Since we were early in the season, we had three guides and we were the only guests.
Our spectacular luck continued with flat seas and excellent weather. It got even better with the luck we had spotting wildlife on the 45 mile, 2 hour boat ride into the park before our kayak tour began.
Right at the dock we saw an Artic Turn. Apparently, we were lucky to see them before they started their journey back to Antarctica. They fly so fast, it was impossible to get a picture.
We saw a Humpback Whale, several Orcas, including a mom and juvenile and goats (on land of course) just on the way there.
Our kayak tour was 3 hours and 5 miles to within 1/2 mile of the Aialik Glacier. We had lunch in the kayaks being seranaded by the sound of calving glaciers. On the way home, we were accompanied by a black bear, heading along the shore at exactly the same speed for 20 minutes.
On our boat ride home, we continued to enjoy the plentiful wildlife in this paradise. We passed a colony of Steller Sea Lions. Unfortunately, we saw a dead Gray Whale, which was a reminder of the cycle of life here (and was a startling display of how large those creatures are).
Throughout the day, we were surrounded by knowedlable and interesting young people, sharing their passion for Alaska.
Whew, we are tired after 10 hours on the go. It is time to enjoy a gin and tonic, of course with glacier ice.
I don't think you can ever top this fabulous adventure. Thanks for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteWe have looked forward to doing this for many years. It was worth the wait.
DeleteWhat a day that was! So many experiences of a lifetime.
ReplyDeleteIt exceeded all our expectations
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