Seals and Otters and Whales, Oh My!

 After a day of high seas and a night where they were even higher it was a relief to arrive in the calm, protected waters of Sitka, Alaska. It was also our first tender port so we had to be a bit organised. The life boats do double duty

We had planned to do a walk to see the totem poles in the park, however, the weather was not nice so we wandered around the town visiting various shops. We started the day with all-American hotdogs - Matt had venison and I had elk.

 

Then we found out about the Alaskan salt panning industry and tried some local salt. Past the Russian Orthodox Churcxh and the pharmacy that had an old-fashioned Soda Fountain and in and out of shops with beautiful carved items we decided would probably be illegal to take back to Australia. And some items I don't even want to KNOW who would wear. Like the furry underwear.

Finally it was time to join our wildlife adventure cruise. I declared I would be happy if I could just see some cute little sea otters. Even better, while it was still bitterly cold we had clear skies.

what a different view to a few hours earlier! 

We were not even past the fishing fleet mooring when the Captain informed us there was a sea lion between some of the boats, and not much further again when they told us to see the otters. Firstly a mum and bub, and then a whole raft of the cutest mammals in the ocean.

photo from https://visitsitka.org/member/allen-marine-tours-sea-otter-whale-quest

Despite the chill we remained on the observation deck as just as we were getting excited about bald eagles, the grey whales showed up. Probably saw over 20 of them all of their tail wagging to quick for my camera skills and icy fingers. Then the first humpback of the season (named Greyson because he acts like a grey whale and the naturalists think he may have lost his mum and been raised by the smaller greys).

A very successful hunting trip indeed! 

Harbour seal or seal in the harbour?

Dinner was at SALT kitchen again, our pick of the on board dining probably because the menu changes frequently. Tonight was duck and venison. Guess which was eaten by whom?

We sailed away to a rainbow possibly ending just under the bows - but I wasn't going to risk the cold water or wrath of leprechauns to check for potential pots of gold.