Recent Trips: Southeast Alaska

Just returned home from an expedition cruise to southeast Alaska.  The scenery and wildlife had occasional spurts of drama, but overall the expedition was a reminder of beauty found in quieter subtle moments. Because our little boat required minimal water depth to navigate, we explored remote areas the big ships are not able to get to, including two communities almost untouched by cruise tourism. How refreshing.

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Meet NepuPalaoa, the humpback whale. We traced his name by putting his tail through an online identifier.
The only bear I found during the voyage, looking for salmon in the community of Kake.
Dawes Glacier calving. This was dramatic!
Walking within a forest, no trail. Port Althorp.
An adorable sea otter, Inian islands.
Humpback whale near Keku Islands at sunset. What a blow!!
Port Althorp--such clear water!
Dawes Glacier, Endicott Arm
Stellar sea lions crowding the cliffs, Inian islands.
Walking a meadow at Fern Harbor, Glacier Bay National Park
Pigeon Guillemot, looks like a young one. Keku Islands.
Zodiac cruising views, Fern Harbor, Glacier Bay National Park
Southeast Alaska lies at the heart of the largest temperate North American rainforest. Taken while walking around Port Althorp.
Cascade Creek, Thomas Bay
Bald eagle takes flight near the Cascade Creek area
Cruising around Fern Harbor, Glacier Bay National Park
We enjoyed watching the Sea Lions on the Inian Islands!
We encountered lots of flowers while walking in the Fern Harbor area.
Zodiac views while cruising around Fern Harbor, Glacier Bay National Park.
Walking in from the coast, near Fern Harbor, as the morning fog rises.
Port Althorp. We had to watch where we walked with such beautiful little gems everywhere.
Early morning views near Fern Harbor, Glacier Bay National Park.
Kake, small community and homeland of Tlingit people.. The population is around 500 people.
Two girls wearing Tlingit style of clothing, talking about Tlingit traditions, storytelling, and clan relationships. Kake is a Tlingit cultural center.
Traditional dancing and storytelling wearing beautiful handmade clothing passed down through generations depicting Tlingit Imagery.
Getting ready to perform dances, wearing traditional garb passed down within families. Kake community.
My indication of a truly civilized community--cappucino with soy milk. Kake made the cut:)
Walking around Port Althorp. Kelp seems to be everywhere, with mud holes. Was bored with editing so had some fun. Went with an old polaroid look.
A very tiny mushroom, Port Althorp
Lots of humpbacks where the Icy Strait and Chatham Strait meet--these two were so close we could see the markings on their backs!
Peterburg is a fishing village settled in 1897. The population is around 3000 people.
Lots of traps and other fishing related tools near the docks.
Of course there were lots of boats in Petersburg. Only other way to visit is by airplane.
Walked around Petersburg taking photos.
Main street in Petersburg.
Petersburg residential area
Yep, cappuccino with soy milk-Petersburg also made the cut:)
Five Finger Islands Lighthouse,between Stephens Passage and Frederick Sound. Walked to the top of the lighthouse:)
In the distance, I spy a breach by a young humpback!
What is this sea lion coughing out? Inian Islands.
Pigeon Guillemots on Five Finger Island.
Cascade Creek, Thomas Bay. That is Brady, our Nat Geo photographer and naturalist.
Still so cute, even while sleeping
The glaciers weren't the only things calving:) The water temperature was around 50 degrees, maybe a little less.
Bald Eagle, Inian Islands
Zodiac cruising in Fern Harbor, Glacier Bay National Park
Sunset near Endicott Arm
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