Alaskan Glacier Cruise

While in Seward, Shaun, his parents, and I went on a 7-hour glacier cruise. Don't let the clothing fool you, it still was in June, but the glacier's windy air required a few extra layers! We set sail on the Kenai Star and got settled in to watch the animals and amazing landscapes around us...

Our tour company for the cruise

This was the best evidence we had of the pod of humpback whales we saw. There was an occasional dorsal hump or tail that would break through the water, but it was impossible to time them. But this blast of spray is the best I can offer you. You'll just have to take my word for it.

The glacier was so cool... literally. Glaciers produce their own wind because of the temperature differences. It was surreal to have the captain shut off the engines and let us listen to the cracks and splashes as chunks broke off into the sea.

Can you spot the kayak right up there next to the glacier?

An otter!!

Puffins

So many sea lions! At one point, Dan counted over 70 of them. And this was just one of several spots where we saw a large group (called a raft) of sea lions.

Another raft of them

Our excursion was so much fun. Between laughing as we tottered around the rocking boat and marveling at the waiter balancing our three cups of hot chocolate up the stairs to our table, we found fun even within the confines of our boat. And we learned lots of new information for future trivia games! :)

For instance, why does glacier ice appear blue? Because the ice crystals absorb most of the visible light spectrum, but the blue light waves have more energy, allowing some of it to reflect off the crystals and appear blue. (If you win Jeopardy on that one, you're welcome.)

America's Last Frontier

Beware, this post has an abundance of pictures... It's going to be a long one! :)

Shaun's parents, Shaun and I all drove down to Seward, AK for a night. We hiked near a glacier and went on a glacier cruise before meeting up with Josh and Kelli in Cooper Landing, AK for two nights. This picture is from the drive out:

Photo ops from the drive out

In Seward, Shaun and I stayed in a yurt, which is basically a little tent set up with a sturdier frame. This is us in front of it and Shaun inside of it.

We went on the Exit Glacier hiking trail while in Seward. It was my favorite hike of the trip -- shady for most of the walking, waterfalls, and a glacier to cool you down when you're done! The trail started off with a convenient commentary on wildlife you might run into:

All packed up and ready to hike!

This plant is so lush and tropical-looking, not to mention TALL! All the plants in Alaska get huge because the sun is out for 22 hours a day.

Exit Glacier

Exit Glacier with the sunshine

The O'Bryants next to the glacier

Dinner post-hike, look at that view!

A little otter friend to entertain us from the window

The next day it was off to Cooper Landing, AK. We rented this house for two nights and took some time to see the area by land and by river!

Kelli found the rocking duck on the porch! :)

Josh caught it; Kelli cooked it; we loved it! Such a good salmon dinner!!

This wood-burning stove was in the middle of the cabin. Did someone say s'mores?

Kelli's idea of adding strawberries to the s'more was genius!

O'Bryant ladies

O'Bryant men

[Josh is O'Bryant by proxy] :)

On a hunt to find bears (and other wildlife), we took a river floating trip. Unfortunately, we didn't see a bear, but we saw lots of other animals, especially eagles!

On the raft with our guide Brad

Count the eagles that you see -- I see 3!

And what's an Alaska trip without some more wildlife encounters? Here's a couple of random shots:

This moose was practically on the side of the highway!

We saw them often from our cars, and even from our bedroom windows!

And to top this (extremely long) post off... a video of the salmon run!!