Whale watching

PIC #1
PIC #2
PIC #3
RESERECTION BAY, KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK - - The sun was out but the temperature was hovering just above 45, the wind was blowing and they were selling tickets to a Gray Whale Watch Tours. The tourist season really starts on Saturday so we were lucky to get in ahead of the crowd. We boarded the Glacier Explorer (pic #1) which was berthed next to sister ship Glacier Express. In the background is a 100' Coast Guard Rapid Response vessel. Seward is lucky to have the berthing as not all port towns receive the full CG treatment.
AS we moved outside the breakwater jetty, our high-speed catamaran passed a freighter being loaded with coal from mines nearly 300 miles away. The area near the freighter was congested with seagulls who took our passing as a sign to take flight (pic #2). You can see Seward in the background. It is a town whose economy revolves around the water with tour boats, fishing vessels, fish processing plants, charter fishing boats and pleasure craft for the high rollers.
THERE'S relaxed and then there's just plain wiped out. These seals, with the exception of one, were not interested in us or anything else unless it was food. (pic #3).
NOW, the real question is: "where are the whales?" We saw plenty, but most were too far away to get a good picture although if you check out Lydia's blog you should see the results of our efforts. The tour was well worth the $69 each (plus tax) which included a snack and plenty of coffee and cookies. Not even the rolling seas near the Gulf of Alaska, which brought forth plenty of calls to "Hold On" could mess up a fine day.