SEA WOLF ADVENTURES » alaska

Glacier Bay Humpback Whale Report

Kimber — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:07:25 +0000

192 Humpback whales in Glacier Bay and Icy straits in 2010. We sure had some amazing whale sightings. We counted 27 breaches by one whale and I saw my first ever 4 whales breaching at one time. Of course I did not have my camera. Click below to read the whole report.

Humpback whale report from Glacier Bay National Park.

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Flight of the Tufted Puffin

Kimber — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 02:09:36 +0000

Tufted Puffins are active at their nest colonies during the day and can often be seen sitting on rocks in an upright posture. Once airborne, they fly well but they need a running start to take flight. They dive and swim underwater, using their wings to paddle and their feet to steer their way through schools of small fish, which they catch in their bills. They can be seen carrying fish crosswise in their bills (sometimes 12 or more), which they take back to their young. Studies have also shown other reasons why natural selection favored small, pointed wings in many aquatic birds. Apparently birds with small, pointed wings are adept at high-speed, long-distance flight, essential for rapid movement between habitats. But, small, pointed wings cannot generate lift at low speed, so rapid vertical takeoffs are impossible. This is not a big problem for most diving birds because their open aquatic habitats prevent close approach by undetected predators. In addition, when the birds slow down to land, their small wings stall easily and lose lift. Fortunately, high-speed hard landings are more acceptable on water than on land. Here is a takeoff sequence. We see them on our adventures at their nesting areas or out at sea.

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May-September Weather in Glacier Bay

Kimber — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 17:25:55 +0000

Glacier Bay’s weather is greatly influenced by the N. Pacific ocean currents, mountains and the rivers of glacial ice that cascade down the mountain sides. If we have misty rain down bay then many times when we get up bay there is a giant sucker hole of blue over the glaciers to enjoy a sunny paddle. Each fjord you slip into can offer its own weather pattern. I love May, June, Late August and September-crisp, cool, so very few people, returning whales, bears grazing on the intertidal and less chance of rain. Late June, July and August offer spectacular wildflower blooms, scrumptious berries, cavorting whales and bears foraging on the hillsides. Sockeye, Pink and finally the Coho salmon start pooling up in front of streams waiting for the summer rains that give them the fresh and higher waters that they need to make their way upstream to spawn. We are a rainforest and need rain for this fragile ecosystem to flourish-so rain is welcome, although my dream 24 hours is a sunny 65 degree day and a gentle soaking rain while we sleep. So if you are dressed for the weather, layered clothing and good rain gear, it is all wonderful!

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Crazy Storm

This is the first time I have Lenticular Clouds build in our skiies. Thunder boomed in the near distance and lightening rent the sky in brilliant jagged flashes of light. A very unusual event for SE Alaska and definitely held us in awe. When the clouds reached the cold glacial winds it turned onto itself and then quickly dissapated.

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And warm enough days for some folks to go swimming.

On warm days some, not many of our hardy guests decide a polar bear dip is just what they need to perfect their day.

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Rainbow after the rain

Rainbow after the gentle misting rain. Paddling in Tarr Inlet.

Marjorie Glacier

Cruising up to Marjorie Glacier

Beautiful sunshine and clear skies create beautiful reflections.

Paddling at Marjorie Glacier, Glacier Bay

Kimber — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:20:22 +0000

Paddling by a Bald Eagle perched on an ice berg- May in Glacier Bay

One of our favorite paddles is at Marjorie Glacier in Tarr Inlet. You paddle at a safe distance across the face of the glacier hoping for giant chunks of ice falling from the face with a resounding cannon like boom and huge splash of ice and frigid water. An added bonus is the kittiwake and puffin rookeries filled with thousands of nesting birds. So were we ever over the top with sensory input when an eagle landed on an ice burg next to us as we were paddling back to the Sea Wolf. I would love if people who have traveled with us can tell about their experience paddling here-it is an epic event.

Sea Wolf Guest Memories of the Day!

Kimber — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 21:36:29 +0000

What a Day!

Cruising up Wauchusset Inlet on a spectacular sunny day. I remember the stroll up to a waterfall and an odd rock that looked like a bear with this very fun group of Michiganders from Leland County.

Travel Adventurously: Alaska Ferry to Gustavus-great way to start your Sea Wolf Adventure

Kimber — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 19:23:24 +0000

The Alaska Ferry is another great way to get to Gustavus. Come a few days before your Sea Wolf Adventure begins. Fishing, biking, hiking, whale, bird and wild life watching-it all happens in Gustavus! Then a Bush plane back to Juneau after your cruising adventure on the MV Sea Wolf-now that’s Alaskan Adventure!

Alaska Ferry at Gustavus Dock

Alaska State Ferry

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Spring is coming :)

Kimber — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 23:00:17 +0000

Thoughts of spring in Glacier Bay, AK can only make you smile with anticipation of May. The short summer comes to life with a burst of energy in spring. Trees flush out with new growth, rocky shore plants start sending out shoots, Morels peak out from leaf debris and of course the wildlife ventures out with their new young. Calves, pups, cubs, kids, nestlings, goslings, fingerlings, kits and thousands of other type of young spring forth on land and sea. Here are a few pictures to celebrate the fun of being young!

Bald Eagles

Bald Eagles nest

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The ice worm cometh

These worms live just inside the surface of the glacier, with a hand magnifier you could see hundreds even smaller

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Jessies Raven shots

These ravens are all about being fed :)

Harbor Seals

Harbor seal pups are born on the ice.

Humpback whale and calf

Humpback whale and calf practicing tail lobbing

Humpback Whale Calf

Frolicking Calf

This spring calf breeched 19 times in a row before napping

Sea Otters

A raft of sea otters

River Otters

A Family of River Otters

A Family of River Otters out foraging and playing.

Moose Cow and Calves

After the swimming lesson: Moose Cow and calves

It was hot and somewhat buggy when we saw this cow pushing her calves into the water over and over until they learned to dunk their heads to rid the flies.

Brown bear sow and her 2 cubs-Tidal Inlet

I paddled around a cliff face corner and there they were. She was as unhappy as I was at our proximity. Look at her guard hairs standing up-my were too. We backed off until they were happier and enjoyed them a while.

Wolf Pup

Wolf Pup venturing onto beach. The others in the pack are gliding through the beach grasses behind the pup.

Mountain Goat and Kid

May is when these kids are bor. I hold my breathe as they gamble up the sheer cliff faces

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2011 is here-Only 107 Days until…

Kimber — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 22:15:29 +0000

the Epic Adventure begins with our first of the season Glacier Bay expeditions. If you are thinking of joining us for an adventure, you may also want to consider chartering the whole boat for a private family or friend adventure. Singles, couples, friends and groups all have amazing adventures on the Sea Wolf. I very much look forward to a new exciting season and meeting all the fun adventuresome guests cruising with us in 2011.

Tania Lewis, Glacier Bay National Parks bear biologist sent us a picture from one of the webcams by the dead whale- shows a wolf by the whale carcass and the Sea wolf drifting behind. It will be a very interesting report on who gorged on the carcass, species interactions and how it will affect the 2011 population growth and survival. I promise to share when I hear.

Wolf feeding on whale carcass

Looking Back at 2010…What an Amazing Season!!!!

Kimber — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 23:23:20 +0000

Our 2010 season was chock full of exploring, discovering and learning. Early in April a dead Humpback whale was discovered near the Skidmore Cut-cause of death still unknown. This provided bonus food for all manner of critters-Brown bears, Wolverines, Wolves, Eagles just to name a few. Each time the Sea Wolf cruised the Skidmore cut area we were treated to incredible wildlife viewing of at least 3 bears and as many of 7 at times, enjoying a meal. It was wonderful having the opportunity to watch pecking order, courtship, mating and play behaviors.

Bear Eating on whales carcass

This season was amazing for marine life as well. We saw more Humpback bubble netting than I have ever seen as we had a few great herring runs that encourages that feeding strategy. We could even hear whale songs through the hull of the Sea Wolf. It was the summer of Orca’s as well-with many sighting of both salmon eating residents and marine mammal hunting transients. Great clients, unbelievable wildlife, wonderful weather and terrific vistas all made this a summer to remember. As I get my photo’s sorted I will share some of these special times. Hopefully some of our clients will comment and share as well. Thanks to all. May your days be filled with nature! Kimber

Whiskey plank placed :)

Kimber — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:21:40 +0000

My head was spinning at all the projects dovetailing throughout the week. Thanks to Greg and Josh for setting the rhythm and managing the do-se-do’s. This week Gregg and Martin completed planking and after the whiskey plank was set we all had a toast to the crew and the Sea Wolf. The term “Whiskey Plank” comes from shipwrights of old. When the last plank of a hull is set, alas the most difficult of them all, whiskey is passed around and a toast is made to the completion of the planking work. In concerto Roberto is rebuilding a section of deck, Diana and Kelley are prepping the walls for painting- taping off and priming, and Josh is braising off the bottom zincs while Crystal and Jeff are cementing seams and priming the hull. Let’s not forget Keith and Mike working on engine and mechanical system maintenance. Walt is working on getting our wheelchair lifts in good working order…full crew, lots of laughter and working hard. Click on the individual photo for a complete description. Thanks for visiting! by Kimber