Fun in Alaska
This last September, my dear Husband, Frank and I went on
our third cruise to Alaska. Can you tell be really like it? It is so amazing to
see the beautiful landscapes carved from advancing glaciers. Be prepared for rain or drizzle if you
decide to go there. Why? Because I
learned on our first trip that Alaska is a rain forest! I bet you didn't know
that fact about our 49th state.
All three visits, we charted a fishing boat out of Juneau.
Chris, the owner of Rum Runner Charters, is solidly booked throughout Alaska’s summer
tourist season. 1st trip, I
caught the first and last silver salmon and overall we caught four. We had them processed and shipped to us. We
had 35 pounds of fresh salmon and enjoyed it for two years.
From our first trip, we went by charted boat to get a close up of the North and South Sawyer glaciers. While there, we witnessed a fantastic glacier calving. So large that even the boat pilot and guide had not seen that big of a calving and they had been doing this excursion for many years. The section of glacier behind my head, that looks like a door, is what fell and created wonderful memories for those aboard.
On our second trip, the fishing was a bust because the area
was full of Orca – the killer whales. Since Orca consume fish like salmon, we
caught none. Zero. I was not happy.
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But Chris made it okay for that disappointment to interact
with another of Alaska beautiful wildlife. The Bald Eagle. He explained that
our trip was in the start of tourist season (early May) and eagles are trying
to feed their young. Fish was scarce ( remember, the Orca) and finding food was
considerably hard on the eagles. He threw out pounds of animal fat strips and
‘called’ out and within a minute, we had no less than a dozen eagles swooping
in around us aiming to grab the food. All I can say is OMG! They are such
majestic creatures. No wonder why they are the National Emblem.
On this last trip, fishing was okay. This time, Frank caught
the first and last and I got one. We decided to not bring home any of the catch,
so we donated the food to some of the locals.
So my question to you is: Have you ever been to Alaska?
19 comments:
Hi Phyllis. We took an Alaskan cruise four years ago. Loved it. We were walking through Totem Pole Village and I wandered off from the tour, as I have a habit of doing. Anyway, I looked up at this one Totem Pole and thought, "Wow, that eagle looks so real." About that time he turned his head. I watched him a minute or two and then he took off right over my head. Awesome!
We also joined the spa on board and the day we went through Glacier Bay, we saw one glacier calving. There were lots of whales too. Pretty amazing trip. Never gone fishing though.
Oh Phyllis, this looks like so much fun. This is on my bucket list of places to visit and I'm hoping that maybe this next summer we can go. So glad that you had fun and how neat to donate your fish to the locals. My husband loves fresh salmon and my brother-in-law likes to smoke it. His is my favorite, though I will eat some salmon, it's just not my favorite. Glad you had a fun trip. Beautiful pictures.
Hi Pam!
I also went through Totem Pole Village. Amazing craft work. Isn't it cool to see so many species of wildlife there? We saw bear, eagles, hump back whales and the orca whales. I never got to see any moose though. Thanks for dropping by and reminding me about those totem poles!
Sylvia, when you think you might be ready to go, get with me first. My husband has a wonderful knack at getting our cruises at bargain prices! I bet you will marvel at the landscape.
The closest I get to Alaska is watching Alaskan State Troopers on TV. I would love to go Salmon fishing out there. It looks so beautiful and I love that it's still so Wild and untouched by over commercialism. Thanks for sharing with us. Sounds like a great time with the Hubby. Kudos on donating your catch, that's very generous of you. :)
Never been to Alaska, but after seeing your photos, it's on my list!
Hi, Phyllis! I have been to Alaska and it is majestic. My son would have hopped on the boat again as soon as he could. We hiked in a rain forest and saw where bark was stripped for gliders in WW2 and canoes. OMG. The best cruise.
I'll take your salmon :)
wow that looks amazing! and cold ! LOL And who knew it was a rain forest! Thanks for sharing Phyllis
I really need to take a vacation, and Alaska has always been on my list of places to visit. It looks like you had so much fun! Thought I'm not a fan of the cold, so I might vote for someplace a bit warmer than Alaska in the wintertime! LOL (And I like to fish, so this would be fun.) Great pics, Phyllis!
Hi Karla! So glad you stopped by to see my post. I highly recommend that is one place you should see. Taking a cruise is the best route for your first time. They have the tried and true excursions to give you a taste of the country side safely.
Kelly - Hi there! I HIGHLY recommend that you make this trip! Once you've been there, you want to go back ASAP. Our Charter Captain told us: "If you make a third trip to Alaska, you may as well move here."
Hi Vicki.
We didn't hike in the Rain Forest, but we took ATV's on a zig-zag mountain trial going up a mile and a half.
Kathy - It's not really cold as you would think during "tourist season", which is summer there. Cruises travel from May with the last cruise around the second week of September. During summer, the temps are around 60's and 70's, nice and comfortable.
Chris, we bundled up because of the drizzly rain. Of course, with rain, a chill can come up. I note that we have traveled on the first and last cruises and these are the best times for the 'chill'.
I've never been to Alaska, but it's on our list of places to go. Looks like you two had a great time and you're both accomplished fisherm…uh….fisherpeople!
Hey there, KB!
Yes, we really enjoy the fishing. It's very relaxing until you hook that fish, then it is an exciting battle.
You and Rick just HAVE to go!
Hi Phyllis! I loved hearing about your trips and seeing the pix. I've never been to Alaska, but have always wanted to go. Maybe one of these days. :)
Hi Karen!
There is no time like the present to plan that trip for next summer! Thanks for stopping by to say hello.
Wow, Phyllis, what an excellent vacation. Sorry about the orcas, but they must serve some function or they wouldn't exist.
The glaciers--what gorgeous colors! Did you see the Northern Lights?
Oh, yes, an Alaskan vacation would be something to remember!
Lyn Washington
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