A Whale of a Tale

If you get this reference, you'll be my best friend forever. (Eric for sure knows it...and he also happens to be my best friend forever...works out.)

Got a whale of a tale to tell ya, lads.

A whale of a tale or two

‘Bout the flappin’ fish and the [boy] I’ve loved

On nights like this with the moon above,

A whale of a tale, and it’s all true.

I swear by my [nonexistent] tattoo.

I mentioned in our last post that Fridays are adventure days.  Yep, yesterday was pretty crazy.

We were able to “comp” (get on for free) a tour through our second job that takes passengers from the cruise ships on a whale watch and a hiking trail.  This specific tour is named “Whales and Trails.” (Totes adorbs, huh.)

Our boat, the “Explorer” met us at Auke Bay, one of the major bays around here. 

What our boat looks like.  The humpbacks are larger than
this vessel by a little bit.

Here's Cap'n Jeff. We were told by a
coworker that he's the best to get a tour with.

Side note from a tour guide:  Celebrities often dock in Auke Bay when they travel up in their yachts.  Some pretty big names come up here often, such as Johnny Depp, Harrison Ford, and Bill Gates.

Just a random boat in Auke Bay.
Nothing of  importance to this post.

The ride to the whale spots was breathtaking and beautiful per Juneau fashion. 

Bald eagle, eleven o'clock.
(You may have to click on the picture to zoom up on it.
Look for the "golf ball" head.)

"...never need an American look beyond his own country
for the sublime and the beautiful of natural scenery."
Washington Irving (only one of the best writers ever)

Our first “whale” sightings were technically not whales.  Say “hello” to Shamu in real life!

Hello, Shamu-in-real-life.

Close up on our little buddy.

After that bit of excitement, they took us to a buoy that sea lions like to hang out on.  According to our guides, they always “put on a show” for the passengers. 

And they did just that.  Apparently, a way they show dominance is by pushing each other off of the buoy.  Watching the sea lions was like observing a preschool playground.  Lots of shoving and lots of whining by those being shoved.

They kind of remind me of my siblings...

Eventually, we did see some real whales.  Kind of.  This is the best shot I caught of one of the buggers. 

Fun fact:  Hunchback whales come up to Alaska for the sole purpose of feeding.  Because they like to be loners and travel in solitude, it’s not as easy to spot them as it is to spot orcas which travel in packs.

Despite only catching whale tails, it was fun (as always) to spend time with Eric and to see the other creatures of Juneau.

It's all true; I swear by my tattoo.