Today was a cold and rainy day. Fortunately we previously booked a wildlife tour and were able to cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park. The tour took us through Resurrection Bay and into the Gulf of Alaska. We saw wildlife almost immediately. Secveral otters were floating on there back and the captain spotted tow Mountain Goats (nannies) with the kids. Farther south we came upon a pod of about 6 Orkas. We followed them for about 30 minutes as the caught king salmon. They were identified to be part of the AD16 pod. One of several pods in the area. As we rounded Cape Aialik, there were several small islands where Steller Sea Lions and Harbor Seals were relaxing on the rocks. Past the cape we entered Aialik Bay and saw tree whales which were firswt identified as Fin Whales but on further analysis they were determined to be Sei Whales. Sei Whale's numbers have been declining and are nearing extinction. There were many birds including American Bald Eagles, Horned Puffins and Common Murres, who look like small penguins. The ship took us to the back of Aialik Bay to see two large glacires, Holgate Glacier and Aialik Glacer. Aialik Glacier was calving so the crew netted some glacier ice and used the ice in drinks given to the passengers. On our return trip to Seward we found a second pod of Orcas but were not able to stay long since we were due in port. Tomorrow will be a day to relax and see the shops and restaurants in Seward.
1 comment:
Amazing photos!! Words have yet to describe.
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