This is a side note to my last post. After hearing all about these amazing whales yesterday, I find out today that a cruise ship hit one while trying to get through the channel. There aren't many details, but you can click here for the story. I do know that the same ship hit a whale last year too. Now that's bad luck.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Movies & Whale Watching
Matt and I went to dinner and a movie last weekend. It's always fun to take time out from work and school to do this. We saw Inception and were not let down after all the rave about it. We loved it!
Yesterday seemed to be our first weekday off together so we had to make the most of it! (Okay- we had ONE other this summer, but it was crappy weather. No bueno.) The forecast called for an excellent day, so we booked a tour whale watching. This is something I have really wanted to do. I was SO excited! Especially just to have a whole day with just Matt and I. Those are the very best.
The morning was a little chilly at Auke Bay(where we took off). But, no need to fear because they were serving hot chocolate and donut holes! Mmm.. I just couldn't get enough. We took off and the day just got better and better by the minute. We saw tons of whales- some were very close to our boat. Of course, we just couldn't capture this on camera. So sad. I will show you the little we did get though. I even saw a whale breech, which is rare out here. It was amazing. It's hard to imagine just how big these animal really are. Especially since we mostly only see their back ends. These whales feed up here in the summer and head down to Hawaii in the winter to breed. This pic below is a small island with a bunch of houses that have to supply their own water/electricity. Not to mention they have to take a boat to get anywhere. You can see the solar panels- they also have windmills. To me it sounds like a lot of work just to live here!
We then made our trip to Colt island where we had a delicious lunch and played on the beach side. Matt enjoyed his grilled salmon while I opted for the chicken. Afterwards, Matt had fun skipping rocks with "the perfect skipping rocks" and I was just still enjoying the perfect day. The way back was so informative about the lives of these whales and how amazing they really are!
We were so lucky to have a day off together where it didn't pour rain on our plans. Hopefully this happens again soon!
Yesterday seemed to be our first weekday off together so we had to make the most of it! (Okay- we had ONE other this summer, but it was crappy weather. No bueno.) The forecast called for an excellent day, so we booked a tour whale watching. This is something I have really wanted to do. I was SO excited! Especially just to have a whole day with just Matt and I. Those are the very best.
Left: Stellar Sea Lions fighting to keep their spot on the buoy Middle: A look at the Mendenhall Glacier Left: Checkin' out the lighthouse and more
The morning was a little chilly at Auke Bay(where we took off). But, no need to fear because they were serving hot chocolate and donut holes! Mmm.. I just couldn't get enough. We took off and the day just got better and better by the minute. We saw tons of whales- some were very close to our boat. Of course, we just couldn't capture this on camera. So sad. I will show you the little we did get though. I even saw a whale breech, which is rare out here. It was amazing. It's hard to imagine just how big these animal really are. Especially since we mostly only see their back ends. These whales feed up here in the summer and head down to Hawaii in the winter to breed. This pic below is a small island with a bunch of houses that have to supply their own water/electricity. Not to mention they have to take a boat to get anywhere. You can see the solar panels- they also have windmills. To me it sounds like a lot of work just to live here!
We then made our trip to Colt island where we had a delicious lunch and played on the beach side. Matt enjoyed his grilled salmon while I opted for the chicken. Afterwards, Matt had fun skipping rocks with "the perfect skipping rocks" and I was just still enjoying the perfect day. The way back was so informative about the lives of these whales and how amazing they really are!
We were so lucky to have a day off together where it didn't pour rain on our plans. Hopefully this happens again soon!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Fish, Frogs, and Bears
Last weekend I was so excited to go on a fishing trip with my friend Amanda. We went with a small group to Echo Cove(aka "the end of the road"). It was about an hour away and really is the end of the road for these Juneau-ites. It was a beautiful day and my expectations were high as far as bring home a trophy or two. I really didn't know what to expect though- as it was my first Alaskan fishing so far. We ended up at the "Cove" and it was a little different than I expected/hoped for. The water was still, when I was more accustomed to the moving rivers. There were lots of people and boats around- camping and fishing. There was too much noise for my liking.
After the first hour, frustration sunk in. No one had even seen a fish. Some left while the determined moved to the other side of the water. Here is where all the action seemed to be. There they were! The pink salmon seemed to be putting on a show for us and this turned out to be the most amazing part of the day. I wish I could have captured it on video. Unfortunately, we found them too late and the tide was rising quickly, pushing us farther on shore. We got skunked :(
Next trip will be better. I won't be going home 'til I catch some of the Alaskan fish.
Matt is so good to help me with my labs. This time we had to dissect the frog and identify its muscles and such. I was not a fan of skinning mr. frog, but knew it had to be done. Matt set up my lab in our living room, close to the window for ventilation. I got all geared up and went to work. It wasn't so bad when all was skinned and done :)
As for the bears... I was doing my laundry the other day and when walking back I spotted a BEAR walking down the sidewalk! Okay people, no big deal. This happens all the time right? I ran in to grab my camera so I could show you all my sighting. Of course, a dumb dog had to come out and scare bear away. So sorry. Apparently at night there having been a few sightings this summer of bears at our apartment. But this is not an uncommon here and so I try not to get all excited... Because it's no big deal. Right??
After the first hour, frustration sunk in. No one had even seen a fish. Some left while the determined moved to the other side of the water. Here is where all the action seemed to be. There they were! The pink salmon seemed to be putting on a show for us and this turned out to be the most amazing part of the day. I wish I could have captured it on video. Unfortunately, we found them too late and the tide was rising quickly, pushing us farther on shore. We got skunked :(
Next trip will be better. I won't be going home 'til I catch some of the Alaskan fish.
Matt is so good to help me with my labs. This time we had to dissect the frog and identify its muscles and such. I was not a fan of skinning mr. frog, but knew it had to be done. Matt set up my lab in our living room, close to the window for ventilation. I got all geared up and went to work. It wasn't so bad when all was skinned and done :)
As for the bears... I was doing my laundry the other day and when walking back I spotted a BEAR walking down the sidewalk! Okay people, no big deal. This happens all the time right? I ran in to grab my camera so I could show you all my sighting. Of course, a dumb dog had to come out and scare bear away. So sorry. Apparently at night there having been a few sightings this summer of bears at our apartment. But this is not an uncommon here and so I try not to get all excited... Because it's no big deal. Right??
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
** HAPPY 4TH **
Our Fourth was spent in this rainy Juneau place. I missed my Utah Fourth very much as I dreamed of having a bbq with family and friends, cooling off by taking a swim, watching the parade in the summer's heat(not sure why, but I missed this too), watching fireworks on a blanket outside.. and so on. It just didn't feel the same, but we made do with what we had. Fireworks were canceled Saturday night and luckily the rain stopped enough on Sunday to have them. We started off our celebrations Sunday by running home from church to have some yummy strawberry french toast topped with syrup and cool whip. Mmm.
Later we hung out with some friends, watched the Testaments, and played games until fireworks(midnight). Lucky for us we had a perfect view from our apartment! .. Okay, our upstairs friends did. So we simply cranked the windows open in their apartment and delighted in the fireworks. The show took place over the Gastineau Channel. I was very much satisfied by their performance as I've never seen fireworks shoot above the water before. The reflection in the water was amazing and seemed to light up the city that night. Watching as the barge blew up was also exciting! :) (guess it happens every year) The best part about it was when they were done, all we had to do was go to bed! No walking through crowds, sitting in traffic, etc. Perfect.
I've been trying to post a video I took... having problems. Have to figure it out later...
Monday, July 5, 2010
passport? check!
Guess what we booked last week?? I'll give you one hint...
Remember this? When I won the GRAND PRIZE at the La Caille bridal fair in February?? If not, you should page back a little to that post :)
It's our honeymoon!! We finally will get the chance to go in October(2nd)- giving us just enough time to get back to Utah and pack our bags. It's so fun to have something to look forward to. It also gets us excited to see our families at the end of the summer. I can't believe we've already been here over 2 months! 2 1/2 more to go and I still have a lot I want to do!
Remember this? When I won the GRAND PRIZE at the La Caille bridal fair in February?? If not, you should page back a little to that post :)
It's our honeymoon!! We finally will get the chance to go in October(2nd)- giving us just enough time to get back to Utah and pack our bags. It's so fun to have something to look forward to. It also gets us excited to see our families at the end of the summer. I can't believe we've already been here over 2 months! 2 1/2 more to go and I still have a lot I want to do!
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