We aren’t National Geographic – you’ve seen photos far more amazing than these. We can share our experiences, the delight of being astonished, the peace of a quiet, beautiful world of mountains, trees, snow, ice and the occasional critter.
We departed from Juneau which we explored and found the governor’s mansion – can you see Russia?
Our 80 passenger ship was fitted out for adventure. No stops except mid-fiord for activities. Here’s the E-Z dock off the back of the lowest deck where one could step into a kayak on a flat surface and then be pushed off – and pulled up upon return. SO CONVENIENT Always home in time for the next (extraordinary) meal.
Glacier Bay National Park was a bucket list item. The Margerie Glacier is 200′ high and a mile wide…calves often and park regulations require keeping a “respectful” distance. It is awesome hearing the explosive sound ring when it calves.
Creatures – we were a shipload of folks with binoculars looking for Orcas, Grey Whales, Sea Otters, Harbor Seals, Grizzly bear and cubs, mountain goats, so many eagles and the most fun – playfully adorable Dall porpoise of Alaska frolicing in the wake of the bow. They look like an Orca – see the video of them shooting like gunfire below. We were told their protective coloring looks like baby orcas so they are not eaten by orca adults.
Our ship should have sported a We Stop for Whales bumper sticker – the captain adjusted for critters and if a planned stop had a yacht already there, we went elsewhere so were always alone.
Beach “hikes” meant 10 of us slipping and slogging – either on moss covered rocky beaches or climbing muddy, tree covered mountainsides. The naturalist/guide would call “Hey Bear” to avoid surprising bear or moose. Salmon not running yet so bears weren’t everywhere, though we did see a mom and cub.
Hiking meant discovering salmon ladders, waterfalls galore, breathtaking literally. Tidepooling found many new creatures, our favorite a 24 arm starfish.
Skiff rides: critter hunting or glacier viewing were easy to do and safe for photographing cameras . The black spot – us in a skiff boat – felt very tiny near the face of the glacier – note the black pinpoint below – one of our skiffs.
Our ultimate was the last day skiff ride – dodging icebergs as we approached the Dawes Glacier – even larger than the Glacier Bay’s Margerie Glacier. No National Park regulations meant we got within ¼ mile of the blue ice wall – which was the minimum safe distance as it calved several times while we sat mesmerized drinking hot chocolate spiked with rum (they kept spoiling us). Here we are w/ brother John at our favorite moment.
This area is near our Alaska expert friend’s camping spot – thanks, Richie, for sending us to Un-Cruise. More of Jerry’s photos of our day in Juneau, and other memorable moments are here.