Prior to boarding the boat for our "Whales, Wildlife and Mendenhall" excursion, we made a "photo stop" (above) where we got two spectacular views of the ocean and mountains.

At right, an example of the view from the boat as we went in search of whales and seals. Mountain ranges were in view throughout most of the cruise, adding to the grandeur of our vacation. (A map showing Alaska's fourteen mountain ranges can be seen here.)

 

I didn't get any good whale JPEG shots because I was trying to do my first little movie on my new digital camera. I won't get any awards for my photography--it was hard to hold the camera steady and know where the whales would pop up next, and I haven't yet learned how to edit these clips--but here's an idea of what it was like to "run with the whales." It was an experience I'll never forget. (The sounds include voices of those around me on the boat.)

Click to view WHALES video

(It will take a while to open this video, even with a fast Internet service.)

We saw a beach full of snoozing seals but didn't get close enough for a good photo. Spotted a few on this buoy, however, and saw an eagle here and there.

Related Pages:

Mendenhall Glacier

Sawyer Glacier

Great Salmon Spread Recipe, with more photos of Lighthouse, Totems & Eagles Excursion.

Fine Alaskan Art Sculptures (polar bears, brown bears, whales)

White Pass Scenic Railway Excursion

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