Greetings to one and all:
As my plane descended into Juneau, we passed through a narrow valley with snow covered mountains so close you could touch them. After a brief detour to do some shopping, I was whisked away in a small fishing boat for the 'three hour tour' to Elfin Cove....my home for the next four months.
We headed west, through the Icy Straights, past Glacier Bay National Park to the northern tip of Chichigof Island. The water was like glass, the skies blue and filled with sunshine. It was about an hour out of Juneau when we spotted our first whale, a good omen.
There were several more whales to watch, along with dall dolphins, sea otters, a rock covered with sea lions and more. Harsh mountains jutted out from the sea, the sun shining on white glossy snow.
About two hours into the ride, I felt myself decompressing, the stress of the city lay behind me and I could feel the majesty of Alaska flow over me. It is going to be a good summer!
Not far from Elfin Cove, the Fairweather Mountains loomed large with the Brady Glacier spilling into the sea, a massive expanse of snow and ice. We pulled into the cove, unloaded our gear, and life began at Fishmaster's Inn.
From high on my perch, I can see the Brady Glacier from our bay window and in the background, the Fairweather range. Whales play in the aqua green water, just steps from our door. I'm on eagle watch, but so far, no luck. However, we have a zillion hummingbirds fluttering around the bird feeder, swooping in and out, I'll try to snap a photo soon.
Speaking of photos, I had wanted to post a few from the ride out here, but alas, I am having serious internet challenges and had to borrow a computer for this post. I promise pictures in a few days (keep your fingers crossed).
Until next time...Bon Voyage and Bon Appetit!
Wow! Seems like you've been to a lot of places I would love to go! I love the idea of traveling and seeing new sights. If I could, I would go on some sort of sabbatical and travel around the world! Alaska seems so beautiful too! My dad worked on a commercial fishing boat in Alaska back in his prime. Just reading and hearing about it makes me want to visit its places. Sorry to hear about your internet. I hope you get that all sorted out :). Anyway, great blog! I can't wait to see more pictures!
ReplyDeleteI had a friend who spent almost a year up in rural Alaska working as a tour guide or sorts around all the huge glaciers. I remember from what he spoke about and the photos the beauty and isolation. Your post reminds me of that, and gives me the desire to got to Alaska!
ReplyDeleteI love traveling, but I have never been to such a place_Alaska. I like the photo of Elfin Cove, so peaceful and picturesque. Live over there is like a dream, we almost leave the rat race behind, and nature becomes our friend.
ReplyDeleteI hope the internet over there get better soon, I long to see more photos.
We had econ together last quarter, as well, and I love hearing about all of your adventures. I hope as I go forward into the culinary world, that I will also get to have many adventures as you continue to do.
ReplyDeleteThe way you describe Alaska makes me want to go back. I never thought that I would want to. I went to Anchorage. For a theater competition. In February. It wasn't pleasant at all. We were waist deep in snow the entire time and the roads were terrifying to be on. The most exciting/beautiful thing we saw was a moose on the University campus and I went to my first Wal-Mart.
I can't wait to see more pictures of your adventures in Alaska. I bet summertime there is a sight to behold.
Thanks for your blog post - I know you are having problems with the internet so please keep me up to date on your situation. Good luck! Rebecca
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're going to have a majestic summer in Alaska. I'm sure you will see plenty of wildlife as well as nature at it's best. Your pictures really capture the beauty of what you're able to experience. Thank You, for sharing these photographs. I love how you are able to include us on your journey. Cheers!
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