Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise

# 2 on our list of four must-do activities while in Alaska.  It was a cool cloudy evening but the cruise was very nice.   Within 15 minutes of our departure from Seward, we were served an Alaskan wild salmon, prime rib buffet aboard the boat.  It was delicious - even had a cranberry-horseradish sauce for the prime rib (which I could get well-done for my preference).  We didn't linger after eating.  It was out on the deck for wildlife viewing.  We were dressed for the coolness and since it wasn't bright sun, it was easier on the eyes to see wildlife on the water.

Sightings of American bald eagles became almost common place, as well as puffins.   We did see a few mountain goats up high on cliffs above the water.  Viewing of several colonies of sea lions was really a treat.  I got a glimpse of a Humpback (?)  whale coming out of the water, but it was so quick,  it was hard to tell what kind.  We sailed among a grouping of Dall's porpoise  that were engaging with the boat for about 15 minutes.  That was delightful, seeing them up so close and how fast they swim thru the water.  They put on the best show, jumping and leaping around.  There was a forest ranger aboard the boat to explain the fjords, the glaciers and the wildlife.  He was informative, but didn't try to talk the whole time.  Just the right amount of info.

Even without the wildlife, seeing the terrain itself was awesome.  Bear glacier with its terminal lake and icebergs was at the furtherest distance from Seward on our trip.  But the massive power of glacier in the formation of all the fjords was a sight to behold all along the 4 hour trip.  Just to sit or stand and enjoy the immense landscape, hear the sounds, and take in the wildness of the surroundings of our boat in northwest pacific waters 700-1000 feet deep....well, I could go on and on....

And then to hear Marv tell of where he camped along the way, memorable fish catches, and what boats he used to maneuver these wild waters....I was very impressed.  After seeing the whale surface, I could really relate to his tale of being in Katchemak Bay and having a whale breech next to his inflatable boat and how that must have felt.  I know a person can drown in any depth of water,  but there is something really crazy about maneuvering a skiff in water that is that deep and wild.

 Linda enjoying the view of sea lions among the shore cliffs - photo by Marv