Roadie: Whale Watching

7:30 a.m. heading toward the Tracy Arm Fjord and the Dawes Glacier. (7/1/2019)

During our 7 day cruise of Alaska, we had two opportunities intended for whale watching. These were times during which we were all but promised to see humpback whales. While neither disappointed, we also numerous humpback whales while sitting on are balcony drinking coffee or simply walking on deck. The first chance was as our ship passed through the Inside Passage and took a pass by the Tracy Arm Fjord. Later tha day we took part in a three hour whale watching tour off the coast of Juneau. During this time we saw six whales including Flame (a mother) and Bunsen (her calf). Whales are identified by the notches in their fluke (shape of the tale).

The day before going to Juneau was an "at sea day" which meant there would be no leaving the vessel for about 24 hours. At 6:30 a.m. the following morning, guests were invited to go out on deck as the ship moved into the Inside Passage. In addition to getting close to the

Waiting for whales, seals and glaciers. (7/1/2019)

Seals were very common travelers on the pieces of ice--the did not 

stick around to pose too frequently though. (7/1/2019)

When whales are around, every inch of the boat including 

the heli-pad becomes a potential viewing area. (7/1/2019)

Many seals could be seen from the deck bathing in the early 

morning sun. (7/1/2019)

Lots to see... 360 degrees of beauty. (7/1/2019)

The very early morning seemed the best time to get better 

pictures of flukes! (7/1/2019)

Later that day we arrived in Juneau and headed out on a whale watching excursion. Tourism is the primary commodity of Alaska and that is never more apparent than when looking for whales. The captain of our boat chose not to crowd in with other boats of tourists so as to not startle the whales. We came across a number of groups in the same general area all awaiting a peek at the humpbacks.

In Juneau, the humpback's dorsal fin appears first followed ...  (7/1/2019)

.. soon thereafter by the fluke. (7/1/2019)

Television would have you expecting to experience a Free Willy moment wherein a whale jumps over the boat and you can raise your arm to rubs its belly. This is not whale watching but rather, fantasy. Our experience was equally rewarding but not nearly so photogenic at least my this not-so-good photographer. It was incredibly enjoyable to just watch for groups of birds close to the water (a sign of possible whale activity) and wait a glimpse of the amazing creatures.

Many tourist boats hoping to glance a whale. (7/1/2019)

Clean shot of humpback's fluke. Note the unique notching on 

the tail by which individual whales can be identified. (7/1/2019)

Humpback whale fluke just prior to turning up. (7/1/2019)

Humpback resting before diving. (7/1/2019)

Back to shore following three hours at sea... would have happily 

stayed longer! (7/1/2019)