Bill & Jim's Alaska Trip

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We took a boat cruise to Blackstone Bay on Prince William Sound. It was an unusually clear day on the sound (so they said). It was pretty much cloudless. We first traveled past Tebenkof Glacier. Next, we slowed near the shore so that we could see a bald eagle perched on the top of a tree. Later in the cruise, we got to see another bald eagle looking over its nest that had two chicks in it.

The first glacier we got close to was Northland Glacier. This is a hanging glacier (it doesn't come down to the water). It did have a huge waterfall in the middle of it, however.

Next was Beloit Glacier. We were able to get within about 1/4 mile of the ice. The captain had to drive to boat through the ice, bumping some of the larger pieces to get that close. There were groups of harbor seals laying about on the ice near the glacier. It would have been nice if there had been some calving action, but we were not so lucky.

After that, we traveled to another arm of the bay to get to Blackstone Bay. Pretty much the same story as with Beloit - no calving. In addition to the ice, we got to see many waterfalls and other sights. One area had a 'ghost forest.' The 1964 Good Friday earthquake caused some of the earth to settle, allowing salt water to get at the roots of the trees, killing them in place.

Near the end of the cruise, we were slowly passing a group of kayakers, when they started shouting "Cheesecake! Cheesecake!" The captain brought the boat to a halt and they kayakers drew up along side. One of the hands handed them a box with the remains of the all-you-can-eat dessert bar.
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