Finbacks are the second largest living animal

Archive for the ‘Whales’ Category

We have always been bombarded with the same question over and over, “Should whale tail bathing suits be banned?” In a world where nobody is as daring as we could have never expected, my answer to this question is NO. It should not be banned BUT there should be some restrictions when it comes to wearing it. I cannot blame those designers who created this kind of swim wear because they are just simply doing their job and that is to continuously create something new and sexy and daring in fashion. If they create something that is already expected and common then they would lose their job. They are here, I believe, to make the world more colorful and so they are free to create whatever it is that they want or else everything will be boring.

A woman is allowed to express herself through the clothes that she wears because that is what fashion is all about. They are the biggest clients of the fashion industry. Ask me I am also a woman. The argument continues as to whether the whale tail bathing suit be banned or not and I already made it clear that it should not be as long as there will be certain restrictions when it comes to wearing this. And what are those restrictions? This kind of swim wear is really beyond what we could imagine. I mean you are revealing almost everything there is in you. Others may find it sexy while others may find it somewhat insulting especially to those women who have high respect to them and I do not have anything against the wearers of this type of swim wear either. I mean we could not just simply judge someone by what she is wearing but the point is that we should also be considerate of our surroundings and just leave the imagination to our husbands and that means if it is possible just wear those whale tail type when you are at home with your husband and better if you have own swimming people too because you can wear them freely anytime of the day.

Whale tail bathing suits are already here so we really do not need to make more arguments about it. I am not asking people to completely embrace them either. We just have to be kind of neutral about it. You can still wear a pair and enjoy having one but if you can just be a little considerate then I think nobody will have to give up something.

Lam Bong is an Author living in Sydney, Australia. He is interested in reading and creating websites. His latest website is about thong bathing suits and finding the best bra bathing suits on the web today.

Author: Lam Bong
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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A dear friend of mine sent me an internet story about a whale. Just to summarize the story, a whale was stuck and trapped in lots of environmentally unsafe junk that was tossed into the sea.
An environmental group came and rescued her. After working for hours this amazing animal did not just float away when free. Instead the whale swam circles around the divers and nudged each one. It was as if the whale was saying “THANK YOU.”

I don’t know if the story is true or not. However, it was a powerful reminder to go back and say thank you to those who have untangled us out of a mess. A thank you should be communicated verbally and in writing if possible.

My computer hard drive died one year. After visits to a repair shop I was discouraged because they could not retrieve my information from the hard drive. I shared the crisis with a friend. That friend connected me to someone who recovered the information on my drive insisting on waiving his fee. That was a blessing.
I knew, however, to be like that whale and send him a gift that he really liked. Yet, he still said that a simple “Thank You” was enough. I will never forget him.

I encourage you to continue taking the time to express a thank you to people who have helped to untangle you from a mess. It may have been a listening ear or a loan of their time and/or talents. They may not regard it as anything but business as usual but for you it may mean freedom.

Thank You can be two of the most powerful words we can say to someone!

Rosie Horner If you need some powerful thank you and encouragement fine art cards go to [http://www.rayhorner.com] today and get free shipping for your order before Aug. 31!

Rosie Horner
Go to my husband’s site and get some great fine art thank you and encouragement cards to say thank you today!
Free shipping if you order before Aug. 31, 2007

Author: Rosemary Horner
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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One of the greatest things about Queensland, Australia is the sheer variety of attractions on offer in the area. Though plenty of time can be spent at the theme parks of the Gold Coast, one of the greatest adventures of your life can occur just a short trip out onto the calm waters of Hervey Bay.

Whale watching is an experience that you will never get bored of telling your friends about, and with Whalesong Cruises in Queensland, Australia you will be travelling with one of the best companies in the world.

Whalesong Cruises is owned and operated by Jason and Virginia Brigden who have run the company for the last 14 years. Jason will be your guide and as he drives the boat you will quickly find out just how vast his knowledge of the area is. He is passionate about what he does, and as a keen fisherman and photographer there is no better man for the job. Virginia works mainly in the office, but the two complement each other perfectly and while on the tour and in their company you really do feel less like a guest and more like family.

The marquee whale watching tour that Whalesong Cruises put on features that majestic Humpback Whale. This up close encounter is like nothing else you will see in Australia because the still waters between Fraser Island & the Fraser Coast/Hervey Bay are where the animals thrive.

Humpbacks are huge animals that can grow up to 16 metres in length and weigh in excess of 34,000 kgs. While most are shy some have been known to swim alongside whale watching boats for minutes at a time seemingly enjoying the attention!

Though the Humpbacks are the star of the show you will get to see a wide variety of marine life on a Whalesong Cruise. There are four different species of dolphin in the area along with sea turtles, the endangered dugong, four other species of whale and fish and marine birds aplenty. The tours are fun and exciting because they are never the same twice and each trip will result in new and different animals being seen.

Between mid July and early November Whalesong offers two cruises each day. For $125 you get to see all the wonders of the ocean while enjoying either breakfast and morning tea or lunch and afternoon tea depending on which tour you take. Both options include a variety food and treats which make the day even more memorable.

Whale watching is an adventure anyone should jump at if the opportunity is there, and on any South Eastern Queensland holiday, Australia, Whalesong Cruises are the company to choose.

My name is Mark Gwilliam and I’m an adventurer who loves to write. I have lived, worked and travelled all over the world…from Changi to the Cook Islands, from Hamburg to Hawaii, and from Agra to Auckland, where I have now “settled” down as a freelance writer.

I write to inspire my readers to pack their suitcases and scream “I want to go there” or “That sounds like my kind of place”. My love of New Zealand and Australia inspired me to write for http://www.thenewzealandtravelguide.com and http://www.thequeenslandholidayguide.com

Why not come and join me “down-under” and see what I write about?

Author: Mark D. Gwilliam
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Puerto Madryn is a wonderful place, located in the Atlantic Patagonia, Argentina and the entrance to the amazing Peninsula Valdes. This city was founded in 1865 by a colony from Wales, and for years was an industrial town, with railway and harbor activities. After close of the factories, Puerto Madryn starts to develop its enormous touristic attractive and becomes the home of the wonderful frank whale.

Year after year, thousands of frank whales arrive to Puerto Madryn coast to breed and take care of their offsprings. From June until December, the visitors can meet and amaze with these water giants, with more than 12 meters of longitude and 50 tons of weight.

One of the greatest spectacles of the world is to watch the incredible jumps of frank whales in the ocean and how they play with their offspring. In Puerto Madryn the visitors can find boat excursions which lead to the ocean, to experience the sensation of being beside these enormous animals.

The best place for enjoying of frank whales is Doradillo beach, located 17 kilometers away from Puerto Madryn. The deep waters of its bay allow the whales to stay close to the coast and the visitors can see them from the shores. Another observatory is Punta Flecha, located in the cliffs of the zone.

Puerto Piramides is another attraction of Puerto Madryn. It is located at Golfo Nuevo, 100 kilometers away from the city. The name of this port is given by the pyramidal shape of its rocks and cliffs. This is another important place to observe frank whales during their mating time. Puerto Piramides is also the only town with inhabitants on Peninsula Valdes, and was named Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO in 1999.

Peninsula Valdes is a natural reserve in many aspects. The erosion in its landscape let us see marine animal fossils that used to live in this zone and the current cliffs are now the habitat of hundreds of species which nest on Puerto Madryn, such as penguin colonies, sea lions, marine elephants, cormorants and many others.

Puerto Madryn has many places for enjoying nature, discovering wonderful animals or relaxing on its five kilometers of coast and its seven beaches. One of is zones is Punta Tombo, which is the shelter of a huge Magellan penguin colony. Here, these marine birds create their nests, take care of their offspring and feed themselves swimming on the ocean.

Another great place to watch the fauna of the zone is Punta Loma, the shelter of a colony of sea lions. This was the first natural reserve of Puerto Madryn, created to protect the environment of these animals.

For its beautiful landscapes and the presence of its incredible fauna, Puerto Madryn is the perfect place for the lovers of nature, who want to relax in an almost unexplored land, with many of charms and adventures.

Puerto Madryn is also the ideal zone for nautical sports like kayak and scuba diving, where the visitors can discover the riches of the marine soil and its fauna. Besides, there are many interesting paths and cliffs for trekking, sandtrekking and other excursions.

Mariel Lizana writes about Puerto Madryn tours and about Puerto Madryn hotels. Visit my website at http://www.exploreargentina.com for more information.

Author: Mariel Lizana
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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One animal that you do not see a lot of stuffed animals of would be whales. There are probably a lot of reasons for this, but they are an animal that some children really like. That has led to companies like My Pillow Pets creating a My Pillow Pets Splashy Whale. This fun item is becoming really popular with children because of its great looks, and it uniqueness. Here is the basic information you will need to know about this item to decide if you would be interested in purchasing one or not.

For starters, the look of this item is fantastic. The body is mostly black with a couple of white patches on it. It has some nice looking fins and a smiling face that kids seem to like. The material it is made from is also very important. It is made from a very soft plush material which kids love, and it also makes this item very soft and cuddly. Those are two things kids love to see in a stuffed animal.

The big thing that kids love about My Pillow Pets is that they can be both a pillow pet and a stuffed animal at the same time. This occurs because of some Velcro on the bottom of the stuffed animal which when attached creates the stuffed animal look. When that Velcro is undone, the stuffed animal instantly turns into a flat pillow that children love to use. This is a simple but unique concept that has really garnered a lot of support, and made these items very popular.

As for other important information, the My Pillow Pets Splashy Whale is for children ages three and up. There are a few small parts on this stuffed animal, so it is always important to check the recommend ages. This item is also machine washable, which I know parents like because these items do tend to get dirty. They are also very reasonably priced, and an item that is going to last a long time because they are durable. Those are all great factors for parents looking to purchase a stuffed animal.

All of these great qualities have added up to make this one of the more popular items currently on the toy market. These are gift idea for most children, and something that parents do not mind spending a little extra money on. So if you are looking for the perfect stuffed animal for a child you know, this might be one of the best options for you to look at.

And for more information about My Pillow Pets Whale, please visit the link provided. Additional information about all of the different great My Pillow Pets, including Magical Unicorn, can be found by clicking on the following link: My Pillow Pets Magical Unicorn.

Author: Johnny Tepp
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Hermanus, a quiet little town in South Africa, is best known to the rest of the world as a whale capital. Indeed, seeing whales up close and personal, something most people can only dream of, is a reality in this part of the globe. The town becomes a hive of activity most especially every last week of September when it holds the famed Whale Festival. But whatever time of year you plan to visit and whichever Hermanus accommodation you choose, the town promises to give you viewing access to different whales: the Great White Sharks pass by Gansbaii all year through while the Southern Right Whales are in the area annually throughout the months of June to December.

From a sleeping fishing village, Hermanus is now a favorite among locals and tourists alike. An adventure-packed holiday awaits you; there are a number of activities you can do while on vacation. Aside from the chance to observe magnificent whales from arguably the most advantageous land-based location, you can also participate in a wide range of adrenaline-boosting activities such as shark diving, micro-light flying, horseback riding, treetop sliding, cycling, quad biking, and kayaking. If you’re the laidback type, you may opt to pass off the abovementioned activities and instead go for hiking, bird-watching, and sightseeing.

Of course, in order to enjoy the many offerings of Hermanus, you need to find the best Hermanus accommodation. For this, you’ll find the award-winning 138 Marine Beachfront Guesthouse more than suitable. Heralded as one of the finest in the entire town, the guesthouse is both an ideal refuge from the hustle and bustle of the busy town center and a fitting complement to the place’s vibrant atmosphere. It also pays homage to the town’s historic roots and, at the same time, celebrates its modern vibe.

A finalist in the 2010-2011 South African Tourism Accommodation Awards, 138 Marine Beachfront Guesthouse is considered the perfect venue for romantic getaway. It is close to two golf courses and located right at the gateway to the town’s wine route, which leads to one of the finer things to do on the coast: wine-tasting. The guesthouse’s stylish designer suits spare no attention to detail, easily satisfying word-class standards. If you wish to incorporate gastronomic adventures into the trip, you’ll be happy to know that the breakfast menu changes every day. The rooms also give you breathtaking views, whether you’re looking at the sea or the surrounding mountain ranges.

For instance, the Oyster Room has four windows and a balcony, all of which offer panoramic sea and mountain views. It has a king-size bed, shower basins, and a designer bathroom carrying a freestanding slipper bathtub. The Seastar Room, on the other hand, focuses on sea views from three windows. It also has a king-size bed and a designer bathroom. The Coral Room and the Abalone Room also provide sea views from their exquisite open bath plans.

With its luxurious interiors and unparalleled service, it’s not hard to understand why 138 Marine Beachfront Guesthouse is a must-try Hermanus accommodation.

Are you looking for more information regarding Hermanus Accommodation? Visit http://www.travelground.com/ today!

Author: Ervin Kraker
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger

Animal and Human Culture

Of course, Humans have culture. In fact we have many different and extremely complex cultures. But do animals have culture?

The answer to this question depends on how you define culture. If you use a definition that requires specific Human characteristics, you automatically exclude animals.

However, there is little doubt that some groups of animals have something like culture in the sense of learned behaviour passed on by learning from one generation to another. This is quite separate from things being passed on genetically.

A Cultural Revolution

In considering animal culture we need to accept that our understanding of some animals is rudimentary.

We do not know why Whales sing. We do know that their songs are complex and not random.

The Humpback Whales of in Australian waters suddenly changed their song. Apparently a Whale came up with another song that was so popular that soon all the Whales were singing it. We do not understand the significance of this at all.

Human Dolphin Culture

Dolphins catch and eat fish. One of their normal strategies is to herd a school of fish and trap it against the shore. One group of Bottlenose Dolphins has taken this basic tactic a little further.

At Laguna in Brazil the Dolphins chase schools of fish towards the shore. Then they signal to the waiting fishermen to throw their nets. The Dolphins feast on the fish the Humans miss, and the fishermen and their families get a good meal.

This has been going on since at least 1847 and has become part of the culture of the fishermen and their families of the area, being passed on from one generation to the next.

However, it must also have been passed on for a greater number of generations of Dolphin in the area. It is now part of the cultural tradition of both species.

Different Dolphin Cultures at Shark Bay

In Human societies there are many overlapping cultures. These can be of different generations, people of different ethnic origins of simply different groups of friends. Can similar things happen with animals?

At Shark Bay in Western Australia two different groups of Dolphins have come up with completely different novel ways of fishing. One family group catches fish from the seabed with the aid of pieces of sponge.

Another Group has learned to catch fish in water only a few centimetres deep by building up speed and aquaplaning the last little bit, catching the fish. Although the Dolphin is then in very shallow water, they seem to be able to judge it well enough to avoid being stranded.

If one did get stranded they would have to hope that some of the many tourists who visit this area would help them back into the water. The tourist culture mostly does not include the eating of stranded Dolphins.

Some Dolphins use tools, see: http://stevechallis.net/Animal-Tools.php.
Steve Challis also has fish Fact Sheets on http://www.bettatrading.com.au.

Author: Steve Challis
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Just two days into this year’s expedition and the first acoustic tag has been deployed. Two whale sharks were spotted and one tagged. The small sound-emitting devices allow for researchers to detect and track of fish and can learn more about whale shark behaviour including their migration paths, survival studies as well as observing predatory / prey dynamics and more.

Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world. The researchers are tagging the whale sharks to establish when they are present in the Kenyan waters of if they are indeed resident.

The tags transmit a sound signal which sends location information about the tagged fish to the hydrophone receiver. The researcher can calculate the 3D position of the fish by determining the sound’s time of arrival at each hydrophone. Unlike radio tags, which are typically only detected within the first 10 m of the surface, acoustic fish tags detect fish movement up to to ten times further than radio tags. This year’s expedition runs from 20th February to 15th March 2009.

Whale sharks can grow up to 12.2 m. (40 ft.) in length and can weigh up to 13.6 tonnes (15 short tons). Believed to have originated as a species 60 million years ago, the shark is found in tropical oceans and can live for up to 70 years.
The annual expedition is held at the Diani beach in Kenya. This year, Leisure Lodge Beach and Golf Resort is offering favourable rates for those participating in the expedition. So get to South Coast and meet world leading marine videographers and scientists.

This is an annual expedition so mark it on your calendar – happening at the end of February – the beginning of March.

Nyaruita is the Marketing Director of Journey Kenya. http://www.journeykenya.com is the leading online booking and payment site for luxury and boutique hotels in Kenya. The website has stunning photography to give you a glimpse of the holiday of a lifetime that awaits you. Discover new experiences – deep sea fishing, extreme sports, hot air ballooning! And visit the Maasai Mara for the great Wilderbeest Migration – a seventh wonder of the world. Enjoy some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches and enjoy the vibrant Nairobi city life. The cuisine is the best kept secret – a foodies paradise. The variety of fresh vegetables are the envy of any forager in a Michelin stared restaurant.

Journey Kenya features the best in restaurants, lounge bars, theater and the most luxurious boutique hotels in the most amazing locations. Journey Kenya has the most comprehensive selection of holiday destinations from Lake Victoria to the historical island of Lamu.

Author: Nyaruita Mwaniki-Gateri
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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As a life long Midwesterner there is no denying my landlubber status. A “dozen raw” at my favorite local seafood restaurant is about as close to the ocean as I can get without an investment in airfare. In my case, sea-legs and sailboats have never been an option. Therefore any journey to the coast whether for business or pleasure has always been a special experience for me. Over the years I have seen much of the US shoreline and marveled at the diversity and beauty of our many beaches and unique costal geography. Truthfully though, I was unprepared for the splendid beauty of the Maine coastline, specifically the area around Bar Harbor and particularly the rugged and dazzling scenery found at Acadia National Park.

Encompassing over 47,000 acres Acadia National Park is the country’s first National Park located east of the Mississippi. Comprised of magnificent scenery and a spectacular ocean shoreline, Acadia boasts 17 granite topped mountains located on Mount Desert Island. The tallest Cadillac Mountain at 1532 ft. is the tallest mountain on the Atlantic seaboard. The view from the top of Cadillac Mountain is unforgettable. The panoramic views of the Park, Bar Harbor, Frenchman Bay and other out islands are breathtaking. Wildlife and hiking trails abound, the forests and lakes are pristine and wild Maine blueberries seem to be everywhere.

Whether your plans for the day include local site-seeing, tramping along the many hiking trails in and around Acadia National Park, or meandering the streets of Bar Harbor behaving like a typical tourist searching for the perfect souvenir, you will quickly fall into the rhythm of this quaint vacation city.

An early morning stroll along Bar Harbor’s renowned Shore Path can be an inexpensive and pleasing self-tour. Postpone your ritual sit-down breakfast, grab a “hot coffee to go” and amble along this famous, over one hundred year old, shore path. The path follows the coastline of Frenchman Bay and is a great way to experience the sights and sounds of early morning Bar Harbor. At Bar Harbor, the difference in height between high tide and low tide is about 10 feet. If you happen to be on the Shore Path at low tide, it is interesting to look for small creatures left trapped in the tide pools or tiptoe out to Balance Rock, one of the many coastal sights along the path. The views of the four porcupine islands at this time of the morning are beautiful, especially when enhanced by the fog that so often accompanies daybreak. Biscuits and gravy just can’t compare.

Of course who would opt for biscuits and gravy?…. when you could have a fresh Maine lobster instead. If you are a seafood lover, the accessibility and price of a Lobster dinner could be another great reason for coming to Bar Harbor. Every restaurant offers the delicacy and it is served up in many different forms. Prices for the basic boiled lobster plate are very cheap compared to the cost at any city on the Great Plains. Be sure to visit the Maine Oceanarium where you will see a lobster hatchery and learn all about the celebrated Maine lobster and other inhabitants of this part of the Atlantic.

A side-trip to Nova Scotia via “the Cat”, comes highly recommended. (book trips in advance) “The Cat” a tourist attraction in its own right, is a spacious and futuristically designed ferryboat. The Cat makes 2 trips a day to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia from Bar Harbor and has the capacity to carry up to 900 passengers and 240 cars. Powered by four 9500 hp jet engines “the Cat” can reach speeds of up to 55 MPH skimming along the Ocean. The 115km to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia can usually be traveled in under 2 hours.

On-board you will find a variety of food and drink options, a bar, a duty free shop, and a movie theater section. You can even try your luck at an on-board casino. The airline type seats are very comfortable and there is plenty of room to walk around during the trip. You will want to keep a sharp lookout for whales throughout the trip. They can often be seen “spouting” at a distance for the ferry. If your whale watching pays off, be prepared to holler ” Thar she blows.”

Some of the best whale watching available can be seen in the Bay of Fundy, off the coast of Nova Scotia. If, during your Maine vacation, you are lucky enough to visit Nova Scotia, by all means book your spot on one of the whale watching excursions. Small groups getting “up-close and personal” with the whales is what it’s all about. It is an incredible experience you will never forget Also, you will need a passport to enter Canada and if you plan on spending more than a day in Nova Scotia, advance reservations for accommodations are recommended.

Joseph Patrick, a reincarnated Bar Harbor inhabitant from the 1880’s, currently operates his successful website http://www.Triptactics.com, the traveler’s choice for great value in Hotel, Vacation and Travel products.

Author: Joseph Patrick
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The big black and white killer whale — his four-foot sail-like dorsal fin erect and rising from a long sleek black and white body — came slicing rapidly through the water, seemiingly on a collision course with our vessel.

Sort of a black and white torpedo with eyes, fin, flippers, and fluke!

The Kansas lady to my right gave a little gasp. “Might it hit us?” she asked
plaintively.

No time for her husband to answer. Seconds later, and only a scant four yards
from our starboard rail, the orca suddenly dove, his body and dorsal disappearing
from view. His course took him directly under (not into!) our boat. A mad scramble
ensued as all of us raced through and around the ship’s forward lounge to the port
side of the vessel. Most of us made it in time to see the great dorsal resurface. The
creature thrust mightily with his horizontal fluke and sped away at incredible speed.

“Oh my,” said Kansas Lady, “that was a sight.”

“Oh yes,” replied Kansas Man, “a sight indeed.”

But the great thing was, it was only one of many memorable moments that day
as we cruised the waters of Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park on an
afternoon excursion out of the historic Alaskan city of Seward. Our ship was the
Alaskan Explorer, one of several sightseeing vessels operated by Kenai Fjords Tours.
In spite of absolutely rotten rainy weather during some portions of the trip, we (wife
Marilyn and I) enjoyed one of the best waterborne excursions we have ever
experienced. Proof indeed that in Alaska one should never forgo the pleasures of an
outing just because of inclement weather; just dress warmly, in layers, for it.

The trip began about 11:30 a.m., shortly after we arrived in the Resurrection
Bay city aboard the Alaska Railroad morning train from Anchorage. After leaving the
dock we heard words of welcome and instruction from not one but two skippers,
Chris and Roy. They advised us:

“Keep your hat on your head. We don’t go back for hats unless you are wearing
one.”

“If you see any folks in the water, throw them a life ring – whether of not they
are from this vessel.”

“A few nautical terms: ‘Port’ means left, ‘starboard’ means right, ‘aft’ is toward
the back of the vessel and the ‘bow’ is the pointy end of the boat.”

And, “If you feel seasick, go aft to the rail on the lower deck. Repeat, aft!”

Shortly thereafter we had a tasty lunch, deli-style, consisting of breaded
chicken or breaded fish (or both), apple chips, choice of light beverage, and cookies.

Our meal was interrupted (we didn’t mind) by the sight of our first critter of the
day, a solitary sea otter who drifted by on the port side of the ship. (“Left?” someone
asked. “Yeah, left.”) The creature was reclining in classic sea otter pose – flat on his
back in the water, paws under his chin, with lower legs and tail tucked up toward his
tummy.

“He weighs about 100 pounds and he has,” said one of our captains speaking
from the bridge, “one of the densest coats on earth.”

We heard lots of “Oohs,” “Aaahs,” and “Isn’t he darling…” coming from all over
the lounge. One of our table mates, Pat Horner of New Jersey, was enthralled.
“Nothing like this in New Jersey,” she told us. Her daughter, Gayle Newfeld of
Kodiak, has seen plenty of sea otters near her Alaska home digs. But she, like us,
was thrilled as well.

Next on our mammal list came a Dall’s porpoise, about a hundreds yards to
starboard. “He’s one of the fastest swimmers in the North Pacific,” said the voice
from the skipper’s mike. “Flipper in a tux. He weighs about 300 pounds and can
travel upwards of 35 miles an hour.”

Then – highlight of our trip by any measure – came our romp on the wild side
with the orcas (killer whales), including the eight-ton male who threatened to
“torpedo” us.

Incredibly, during the course of our cruise not one but two separate killer
whale pods, a half-dozen or so animals in each group, joined us to frolic close by
our vessel.

Both groups paced us, raced us, and surrounded us when we slowed.
They rolled, sounded, made shallow breaches, and approached literally within
inches of our ship.

Once, ignoring the rain and looking straight down from my post at the forward
port rail, I found myself gazing incredulously into one creature’s “blow” hole! Thank
goodness he didn’t take that moment to exhale.

Another time the voice from the bridge announced the presence of Steller’s sea
lions, the first of several large or smaller sightings. A big bunch of them, maybe
three dozen or more, were sleeping, lounging, crawling, and climbing on rocky
beach ledges at the base of a steep granite cliff. A few were swimming in the water,
just off shore. Some looked dark gray, almost black; others were light rusty brown
in color. “Actually,” we were told, “they are all the same color. Their fur just looks
dark when they’re wet.” Whatever their coloration, these were impressive specimens,
weighing in at a ton or more for the bulls, but “only” 650 pounds for the more
diminutive females. Even from within the lounge of our vessel we could hear their
incessant growls and bellowing.

Throughout our cruise, in spite of the weather, we saw a goodly number of
seabirds including cormorants, American bald eagles, puffins (with little round
“football” bodies and parrot-like beaks, the most comical-looking bird to fly over
and dive into northern seas), black-legged kittiwakes, and (my personal favorite)
murres. These incredible alcids can dive while fishing to a depth of 300 feet below
the water’s surface or more. Wow! That’s equal to the height of a 30-story building.
Because of their black and white coloring some folk call them “penguins of the
north;” I prefer to think of penguins as “murres of the south.”

And what would an Alaska cruise be without glacier viewing? The ice river we
saw and photographed and ogled over that day was Holgate Glacier. Not the biggest
on the Pacific coast by any means, but a beautiful, classic tidewater glacier with
deep blue colors and an impressive face that calved a few small “growler” bergs into
the sea to the delight of all on board.

Our excursion ended about 5:30 p.m., just in time to board our rail cars for the
return trip to Anchorage.

It was, all agreed, a marvelous tour, one that Alaska visitors can put in their
memory caches as among the best trips in the north country.

Come this spring, summer, or fall you could do a lot worse than book one of
these tours. More information is available on the internet at http://www.kenaifjords.com.

Alaskan Travel Writer Michael Miller lives in Juneau where he writes newspaper and magazine articles as well as Alaska guidebooks. He also publishes a comprehensive informational website about Alaska cruising. Visit the site at http://www.AlaskaCruisingReport.com

Author: Michael Miller
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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