A short while later the Captain announced that he had spotted a sea otter just off the starboard side. By the time everyone arrived, it was gone. Patiently we waited to see if he would resurface and sure enough with a little bit of encouragement, he did. He entertained us all while swimming on his back for a few moments before returning to his responsibility of gathering food.
The captain also spotted a Stellar Sea Lion but few witnessed this event and we were reassured by the Tour Guide that we would see plenty up ahead thus we were content to let this one pass. Someone briefly noted the very swift passing of Dall porpoises. Far too quick for many to see.
It wasn't too long before our goal of viewing stellar sea lions was realized. Not one, not two, but too many too count!
It was getting time to serve lunch so tables were called numerically to ensure an orderly effort to distribute the food. True to their word, the food was more than one would expect on a small harbor cruise. Not being a fish lover, I gingerly tasted the first bite. It did not take more than that to convert me. The delicately spiced salmon melted at each bite. After that I might be willing to contend with the bears for their tasty meals. My love of prime rib was overshadowed that day by a fish! Fresh baked sourdough bread and a green salad with the chef's special recipe for dressing were an added delight to the meal. I ravenously devoured far more helpings than is typical for one who usually doesn't get their money's worth on “all you can eat” deals.
The Captain kept us in calm waters for the meal to minimize the potential for risk - in more ways than one. But now it was time to venture into the Gulf of Alaska. The waters were a bit rough, but a very capable crew kept us apprised of tips and tricks to enjoy our trip with minimal to no seasickness. We rounded the last stretch of mountains in Resurrection Bay while learning about and watching a variety of bird species from the Park Ranger.
We were all anxious to enter the deep waters of the Gulf in hopes of spotting a whale. Far in the distance someone announced they had seen a whale spray. Unsure if this was really the case, we moved closer and the Captain indicated he was communicating with a boat that was closer to the spotting and sure enough - it was confirmed. We were on our way to see a humpback whale. Spouting is a good sign, we found out, because it means they are close to the surface and coming up for air. Once you witness the popular splash of the tail, they are diving for food and chances are, they won't surface again for quite some time. Since we didn't see the tail splash we waited. The boat was turned off and we sat quietly in the water. Soon the Tour Guide announced that it had surfaced again at the 1 o'clock position. It provided the guests with ample photo opportunities before it decided to retreat for food.
By now most were ready to start our journey back to the dock. Before leaving the Gulf we enjoyed viewing the Harding Ice Field and Bear Glacier. We didn't take the boat in close at the Captain's request. Even from a distance it proved a sight worth slowing down to see.
After getting a valuable education on glaciers, their properties and the remnants left behind we rounded the corner and re-entered Resurrection Bay. Skimming close to the shore we were easily able to spot a few mountain goats, up close and personal. Another great photo opportunity!
The galley announced the call for dessert. This time those of us at the last tables were called first. What a treat. Being back in calm waters we could enjoy a variety of sweet treats without a thought of the consequences that might ensue.
A short time later we were once again docked in Seward and glad to have our feet on solid ground. A part of me was sad it was over. It left behind a taste for more and a desire to return. I wonder if you ever really get filled up with Alaska?
While on board the ship we were informed there was an active glacier nearby that might be calving. A few miles up the road from Seward was Exit glacier. We decided to drive by and check it out. The drive was nice and the glacier well worth viewing but we were tired and ready to get to our final destination of the day- Kenai.
To really enjoy your Alaskan experience - don't take the crash course that we did! Take time to smell the aromatic bouquet of wildflowers. The rewards of your trip will pay you dividends you can't soon forget.
That will be a return trip for another day later in the summertime. We are worn thin from our short adventure and ready to return to the lower 48. We quickly hopped down to the “Spit” in Homer before turning the SUV north to Anchorage. We had hoped to sample in large quantities some Alaskan King Crab, but they weren't serving it soon enough for my stomach's time table so we had the Mother's Day buffet complete with delicately designed desserts, almost too pretty to eat.
We stopped on the way off the “Spit” and purchased crab to be shipped home so others could enjoy it with us. This would provide a small taste of Alaska for those who couldn't come along.
While visiting a church in Kenai, the speakers shared two sentiments that sum up well all my Alaska experiences.
One - you don't come to Alaska because you like the taste of fish - you come to experience fishing! Come to Alaska to experience what you might not ever experience anywhere else.
And two - probably one of my most profound thoughts throughout this whole experience - the words to the hymn may change, but the theme remains the same. That's Alaska.
