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So to set the scene, there we were in the Dining Room finishing breakfast, chatting with another couple at the table when one of the expedition guides got on the microphone and announced "Orcas have been spotted. Go grab your jackets and cameras and join us on the bow". I heard the word Orcas and I was up out of my seat and racing out. This is the one thing I was hoping to see that could have been a bit more elusive. The couple we shared the taxi with when we first arrived had told us they saw Orcas abuut once every 3 weeks so don't get your hopes up.
What an amazing hour. There were probably around 10 orcas in the water, possibly more but there were a few that were closer to the boat. A big male and also a mama and bub. Saw the little baby do a tail slap, so cute. And then off in the distance, this orca just totally breached out of the water, not once, not twice but three times. So amazing. I said to mum I had a chat to dad last night and said he needed to pick up his wildlife game today and I guess he was listening. Just watching them in such a beautiful setting, doing their thing. Totally frozen hands and ears because I never grabbed my hat but it was worth it.
Back to the room to warm up and joys of travel, do some hand washing. Much prefer watching Orcas then doing hand washing that is for sure. We kept travelling to our next anchor point of Takatz Bay. We passed a beautiful waterfall so the Captain guided the ship up close to shore so we could have a look before heading into the bay.
After lunch, I had signed up for the Open Paddle which meant heading out in a kayak or paddle boat at your own pace in a designated area between 2-5 for as little or as long as you wanted. Mum headed out in a skiff. Being out in a kayak by myself was so peaceful. I could paddle, I could stop, I could take photos and I could just enjoy being surrounded by these magnificent mountains topped with snow, beautiful greenery of the trees and shoreline with salmon jumping out of the water all around. A seal even popped his head out and said hello and I thought of my client who loves seals so I named him Sammy in honour of her. We were able to paddle around into a bay and you could see the waterfall meeting the water and just more beautiful scenery. They had a rescue skiff out here in case anyone got into trouble and some staff out on kayaks so all very safe. We did have to stay 2 kayak lengths from the shore just in case a bear decided to come out and investigate.
Out on the skiff, mum saw a Mink on shore, juvenile and adult Bald Headed Eagles, Bearded Lion Jellyfish and and a River Otter. Unfortunately, the earlier skiff tour saw another bloody bear walking up and down the shore line for about 20minutes. Mum said the scenery was absolutely stunning and as they headed in and out of the bays, they went through a little waterway that cut between two islands and they weren't sure if they would get though because of rocks but they did.
So another lovely relaxing afternoon spent in the beautiful water ways of South East Alaska. During dinner they celebrated all the birthdays. I had put a request in to celebrate mum's as we will be in Denali National Park for her birthday and where we are staying they are unable to do anything unfortunately. So just before dessert was served the Hotel Manager called out names and a staff member presented each person with a Chocolate Cupcake topped with cream and strawberry and then everyone sang Happy Birthday. Mum was a bit surprised when they called out her name so it was a nice surprise for her. After dinner there was a talk on Whales and Dolphins and then the anchor came up and off we headed once again. The difference being that the clouds weren't too thick and we had a beautiful evening sky as the sun slowly set. I enjoyed the nature show from the hot tub from around 9pm - 10pm and it was still light when I went to the room.
- comments
Norma J Beautiful. The place name of Sitka takes me to the movie The Proposal. (Nothing wrong with me you know!!) What a fabulous sighting of the orcas. Great experience and one you will carry in your head for many a year to come. The hot tub and views from it is just the thing!! Good to read of your adventures. nj