Last night at Wood Spit, just as we were going to bed, a humpback cruised past us, spouting and lunge feeding as it made its way around the spit. The light was very low, but I took a few shots anyway. Super cool! Also, I forgot to post the video Kevin took while he and Taylor were out halibut fishing…several humpbacks breaching right behind them (mama and calf are first). … Read more
We had a couple days off (sort of) in Juneau between the flotilla and having friends join us…we also provisioned, did a bunch of laundry, picked up some supplies, went to the marine store, and also tried to do some sightseeing and touristy stuff with Andrea before she left. Wednesday: Once our friends Lauren and Taylor arrived, we were fully back in non-work mode. We stopped at Devil’s Cub Brewery … Read more
Yesterday we took a day trip up Tracy Arm to see some glaciers. The weather was perfect, and there was very little ice in the water. It’s about 25 miles up Tracy Arm to South Sawyer Glacier, and we were able to go our full cruise speed all the way to South Sawyer Glacier, which mostly never happens! This post is mostly photos, for reasons that will become obvious. Seals … Read more
We departed Taku Harbor this morning around 7am and made our way down a nice and calm Stephens Passage into Tracy Arm. There was no ice at all out in Stephens Passage, and hardly any as we crossed the Tracy Arm Bar. A couple of bergs as we made our way to Tracy Arm Cove. We anchored and then promptly launched the dinghies to go get a closer look at … Read more
We awoke to bright sun streaming in through every window and port light…a glorious morning in Cannery Cove! Rubicon was pulling out just as we got up to take photos…they got an early start today to look for wildlife out by the Brothers Islands. The rest of the group headed out a little after 8:00a.m. and saw some wildlife along the way: sea otters (one with a baby on its … Read more
A few hours after we got to Auke Bay, two more friends arrived: Erika, who we went to college with, and Josh, her partner. The next day, with six of us aboard Akeeva, we headed to Endicott Arm, Dawes Glacier, and Ford’s Terror. Even after 15-plus visits, this little section of Alaska delights. The combination of moderate travel distances, protected water, magnificent fjord scenery, wildlife, solitude, and a tidewater glacier … Read more
The weather during this flotilla hasn’t all been great, but when it has counted the most (in the most beautiful spots), the weather weather has cooperated unusually well. Few experiences during a summer cruise in Alaska rival visiting a tidewater glacier, and being able to do it on a sunny day is a huge bonus. Somehow, we lucked into wonderful weather for our trip up Endicott Arm and into Ford’s … Read more
Juneau, like most towns in Alaska, launches 4th of July fireworks as the clock rolls from 11:59 p.m. on July 3rd to 12:00 a.m. July 4th. This is because during summer in Alaska darkness is short-lived. In order for the fireworks to occur on July 4th under maximum darkness they must be launched in the wee hours of the morning. This year, the fireworks show wasn’t a sure thing. Southeast … Read more