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It was hard to wake up this morning but we had to be ready at 8.15 am for our 'Whales and Mendenhall Photo Safari' during which we will have the opportunity to explore Stephen's Passage!
Steve and I were slightly perturbed when we saw the array of photographic equipment carried by some of the others. We were armed with dad's little Canon and my iPhone. Shortly after the boat docked in Juneau, we were met by our guide, photographer David Sheakley. During our short bus ride to the dock, he produced his little camera and told us a few things about camera settings. It was so useful to find out about those things on the camera that you never use.
While we waited on the dock, David pointed out a huge eagle sitting atop a lamp post. We boarded our custom built boat and headed out at 30 knots to find the whales. We were a very small group which made the trip even better. On the way we could see the salmon jumping out of the water in their hundreds. It wasn't too long before word came over the radio that whales had been sighted up ahead. It was so exciting to see that blow and watch the hump-backs gently rolling over the waves. We saw a mother and baby side by side. The mother repeatedly flipped her tail but the baby wasn't able to yet. There were so many whales, the boat weaves backwards and forwards tracking their paths and competing with the other boats for the best position. Another bald eagle sat on a rock observing our progress. Little porpoises were diving and playing along the shore. Another bald eagle took flight overhead showing off its huge wingspan. We spent a good couple of hours on the water before returning to our bus for the short trip up to the Mendenhall Glacier.
David warned that we might meet bears as we walked a little way along a Tarmac path which led us through pristine bush of the Tongass National Forest to the mighty Mendenhall. He pointed out some of the incredible flora, including the spiny 'Devil's Club'. It was so beautiful as we approached the glacier which is 12 miles long from its origin in the Juneau Icefield. John Muir originally named the glacier “Auk” for the local Tlingit Native people. The glacier was renamed in 1892 in honor of Thomas C. Mendenhall, Superintendent of the U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey. At the base of the glacier is the beautiful Mendenhall Lake, dotted with floating ice. To the left, dropping 377 feet, is Nugget Falls. There are many trails to wander but, as usual, we don't have enough time to explore. We do manage to stroll down to the lake.
On our return to Juneau, we strolled round the shops and I treated myself to a little silver whale tail as a memento. The lovely lady in the shop spent ages putting it on to my bracelet for me.
Since 1906, Juneau has been the capital of Alaska, even though there are only 3 ways to get there. You can fly, travel by boat or you can be born there!
Ship's Log
07.53 Zaandam safely docked
21.00 Vessel undocked and underway to Ketchikan, AK
Weather Partly cloudy, south easterly, moderate breeze 19c
Steve and I were slightly perturbed when we saw the array of photographic equipment carried by some of the others. We were armed with dad's little Canon and my iPhone. Shortly after the boat docked in Juneau, we were met by our guide, photographer David Sheakley. During our short bus ride to the dock, he produced his little camera and told us a few things about camera settings. It was so useful to find out about those things on the camera that you never use.
While we waited on the dock, David pointed out a huge eagle sitting atop a lamp post. We boarded our custom built boat and headed out at 30 knots to find the whales. We were a very small group which made the trip even better. On the way we could see the salmon jumping out of the water in their hundreds. It wasn't too long before word came over the radio that whales had been sighted up ahead. It was so exciting to see that blow and watch the hump-backs gently rolling over the waves. We saw a mother and baby side by side. The mother repeatedly flipped her tail but the baby wasn't able to yet. There were so many whales, the boat weaves backwards and forwards tracking their paths and competing with the other boats for the best position. Another bald eagle sat on a rock observing our progress. Little porpoises were diving and playing along the shore. Another bald eagle took flight overhead showing off its huge wingspan. We spent a good couple of hours on the water before returning to our bus for the short trip up to the Mendenhall Glacier.
David warned that we might meet bears as we walked a little way along a Tarmac path which led us through pristine bush of the Tongass National Forest to the mighty Mendenhall. He pointed out some of the incredible flora, including the spiny 'Devil's Club'. It was so beautiful as we approached the glacier which is 12 miles long from its origin in the Juneau Icefield. John Muir originally named the glacier “Auk” for the local Tlingit Native people. The glacier was renamed in 1892 in honor of Thomas C. Mendenhall, Superintendent of the U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey. At the base of the glacier is the beautiful Mendenhall Lake, dotted with floating ice. To the left, dropping 377 feet, is Nugget Falls. There are many trails to wander but, as usual, we don't have enough time to explore. We do manage to stroll down to the lake.
On our return to Juneau, we strolled round the shops and I treated myself to a little silver whale tail as a memento. The lovely lady in the shop spent ages putting it on to my bracelet for me.
Since 1906, Juneau has been the capital of Alaska, even though there are only 3 ways to get there. You can fly, travel by boat or you can be born there!
Ship's Log
07.53 Zaandam safely docked
21.00 Vessel undocked and underway to Ketchikan, AK
Weather Partly cloudy, south easterly, moderate breeze 19c
- comments
Chris Hickey This sounds like a fantastic day. I envy you seeing all the wild life. R
Chris Hickey That is spectacular. R
Chris Hickey Good enough to enter a photo competition. R
ceebie If it was real!