irst part of the trip with rain. Of course that doesn't slow us down so we grab a quick breakfast at the Windjammer and head to the pier to find our tour company. After the usual sign in and wait we headed to the marina. Along the way we were able to get a glimpse of Menhenhal Glacier about 5 miles northeast of Juneau. Then we climbed aboard a 52 foot jet boat and headed out with Captain Larry (as seen in the picture with Janie) and with helper Jeff and Jim. The captain has been doing whale tours for almost 30 years, so knows his stuff.We quickly found a whale and then another and watched them blow ou
t their air a few times and then dive. This is the feeding season for them in Alaska before heading towards Hawaii for breediing season. They are massive even though we can't get closer than 100 yards. As I'm sure many have seen the Wild Kingdom or Animal Planet whales open the mouths wide to take in Kril and Herring their preferred meal. They can take in 15,000 gallons of water at one time to feed. They eat up to 2 tons of food a day. They can stay below for up to 45 minutes, but typically only 6-9. The average panned out to be pretty helpful in spotting where they would be next. Without a doubt there were no gadge
ts or modern equipment used. Simple know how of the whales habits and years of experience by the crew.
t their air a few times and then dive. This is the feeding season for them in Alaska before heading towards Hawaii for breediing season. They are massive even though we can't get closer than 100 yards. As I'm sure many have seen the Wild Kingdom or Animal Planet whales open the mouths wide to take in Kril and Herring their preferred meal. They can take in 15,000 gallons of water at one time to feed. They eat up to 2 tons of food a day. They can stay below for up to 45 minutes, but typically only 6-9. The average panned out to be pretty helpful in spotting where they would be next. Without a doubt there were no gadge
ts or modern equipment used. Simple know how of the whales habits and years of experience by the crew.Then we saw a bald eagle with sea lions on a bouy. There were even several more sea lions in the water.
Then more eagles, more whales and sea lions. No bear yet, but a whole lot of wild life we get to check off the list for this visit.
After some snacks and several more whales we headed back to shore. On the way we had a school of black/white porpoise come up on the bow and swim/jump around us until they moved off to play/feed somewhere else.
After some snacks and several more whales we headed back to shore. On the way we had a school of black/white porpoise come up on the bow and swim/jump around us until they moved off to play/feed somewhere else.
Then the bus ride back and another trek up to the Windjammer for lunch. Drake being tired headed out for a nap, while the rest mushed on to do some shopping. A few t-shirts were acquired and then after some so-so Gelato, Janie, Sara and Logan headed up the Mt Roberts Tram to the top of the mountain. Dad headed back to the room (has a head cold today) for a little R&R before the early dinner show and din
ner.
ner.The Tram gave a pretty good view and some nice trails to hike. Everyone wanted to hike down the mountain, but not enough time was left in the day. Needed to get back to the ship for the 7 p.m. show before dinner.
The show was fun with a lot of dance and music. Then everyone met for dinner. The selection was a selection of fish and other unique food. Dinner went by fast for sure and some even skipped desert.
Then we headed for the upper deck and another round of Scrabble. Quite the fun and when we started the next game we were interrupted by the Quest game. An adult version of a scavenger hunt. After that we all headed off for bed and yes we get to sleep in the next morning!!
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