South to Alaska!
That’s the part down by the Pacific Ocean.
The Southern Coastal area of Alaska is the place to look for wildlife that prefers an ocean view.
— Kenai Fjords National Park —
The Kenai Fjords National Park is the home of the seven hundred square mile Harding Ice Fields.
Although the glaciers are receding at a faster rate, they are not going to run out of ice anytime soon.
The fjords themselves have been formed by receding glaciers.
Seward, Alaska is the port for a ten-hour catamaran ferry tour to Northwestern Glacier which is in Harris Bay and just around the corner of the Chiswell Islands.
Mile after mile of phenomenal coastal wilderness.
The Captain maneuvered the craft close to the shore of several islands along the way.
This provided a glimpse into the cave dwellings of the Tufted Puffins.
A face only a Tufted mother could love…
The birds thrive with a convenient food supply and a secure domain without predators.
The Horned Puffin is also prevalent.
There was some sort of emotional conversation ensuing on another island…
The Captain explained that these sea lions were so lazy they were literally waiting for high tide to carry them off the rock.
As we cruise into Harris Bay, we learn that many glaciers that terminate in water are named after universities.
The main attraction, Northwestern Glacier, comes into view.
Large blocks of ice begin to form around the boat.
The craft could only travel to the edge of the “ice debris” field.
Past that location you invade the space of the sea lions…
They are lounging on the ice floes and working on their tans.
If you want a closer look, there are some guides that will take you in by kayak.
The intense blue color of the ice is natural since the ice structure absorbs the red spectrum.
At one point we observed the “calving” of a large section of ice in the upper flow followed by thunder of the crashing ice below.
On the return trip there was time to stop by a particular island that has seen a dramatic increase in “pup” production.
This has led to overcrowding and a bit of tension.
On the last leg I was tracking this puffin in the lower right when I noticed this “bump” on the left.
The Captain apparently noticed the same thing and positioned the boat to the whale’s side. We didn’t get a “full monty” out-of-the-water splash but it was a dramatic finish to the journey.
— HOMER, ALASKA —
Homer is located at the mouth of Kachemak Bay near the base of the Cook Inlet.
The community has a thriving commercial and sport fishing industry.
Homer is also considered the “art and music’ center of Alaska.
From an excellent recommendation by Lewis Kemper, we booked a charter and guide from Coldwater Alaska.
We headed off across Kachemak Bay in search of eagles and otters.
The Kachemak bay region is famous for its eagle population.
Loud
and
proud!
They tend to have the upperhand in real estate disputes.
It was a slow journey into Halibut Cove. Once a thriving fishing community, it has become a haven for the rich and reclusive.
The locals don’t appreciate intruders but nobody told the otters.
This is a major breeding ground and the pups can rest on the mom for up to eighteen months.
It’s REALLY time for this kid to move out!
You otter be in pictures!
An occasional quick spin keeps the fur silky smooth.
After a long day of bouncing around on a boat you may want to relax at a Denny’s.
Or not.
Be sure to bring a warm coat -
or you could buy something local.
Keep Exploring!
…THANKS FOR THE LOOK!