Alaskan adventure Aug/Sept,2016. part 1

We started planing this trip in late Jan 2016. Made our ferry and Denali  reservations also a couple campground ones. Then started putting together ideas on places to visit and camp. It took a lot of planning for this 6 week trip but all worked out great.

Aug 3rd,we started out north on our 5th Alaskan trip.We are to board the Alaska Marine Highway,  MV Kennicott in Bellingham Wa. on Aug 6th.This is our first time traveling on this ferry.
After boarding about 5:30 that afternoon we made our way to the pursers office to get out cabin
assignment.

The Kennicott is one of two ocean going ferries the Marine Highway has. This one has a lot of special features and can be used as a command post when needed for emergencies. With a hello pad and special vehicle loading system.

First night was sailing through the passage between Vancouver Island and mainland BC.
Next morning we were sailing across the Queen Charlotte Sound,open water straight from the ocean.
Nice smooth ride and started seeing humpback whales and salmon.
The first stop is Ketchikan,Ak for about 3 hours.We got off the ferry and had a great breakfast at the Best Western motel across from the ferry dock. After a nice walk toward town we headed back to get
back on the ferry for our next night and Juneau the following morning.
Had a longer stop here so we got to take a longer walk off the ferry.
Next stop would be Yakutat Ak,a fishing community on the coast of the Gulf of Alaska.
Whittier would be where we get off the ferry to start driving  the  Kenai  peninsula.
First was a glacier tour where we saw 8 glaciers but non touching the water.

Our first night was at Willawaw CG after driving the "road/train tunnel" out of Whittier.
Nice camp where you see glaciers and spawning salmon from the walking trails.
Oh I didn't mention the RAIN,well mostly heavy at night but during the day just sprinkles.

Next morning we're off for 2 nights in Seward and a wildlife tour out on Prince William Sound.
Saw a lot of birds,some humpback whales and I got my first and only picture of a Puffin. We saw a lot of them but they are shy birds and as the boat gets close they fly away.Did see some in the nesting area but the light not strong enough to get good shots.

Also walked to the Exit Glacier,along the trail there are year dates as to when the ice was at that spot.
Very popular spot especially when there is a cruise ship in.
Rain lets up a bit so we do get some walks and see the area without clouds.

Off to Homer for a few days but stop along the way to check possible camp spots on our return route.
There are lots of places to camp between NF and AK state parks.
 Arriving at Homer and the rain was pretty much gone with just some little sprinkles.

A nice homemade trailer/camper from Texas

Driving aboard the ferry

A super huge cruise ship in Ketchikan,there were 3 in that morning.

A Kingfisher perched in one of the mooring lines

We had extra time in Yakutat due to some equipment failure.

Loading vehicles with the ramp and elevator.

An eagle and raven in a showdown.

They were filling the plastic tubs with Sockeye Salmon than ice on top . A lot of good meals.

View north as we leave port

Sailing the Gulf of Alaska about 20 miles off the coast. The mainland is full of glaciers.

Two glaciers from the tour.This is part of the Kenai NP

The 6 mile train/auto tunnel,under the mountain that has the Portage glacier on it.

The rain brought out a lot of banana slugs.

Sockeye in the redds (spawning beds).

A Dog/Chum Salmon,same stream with the Sockeyes.

We watched the salmon as they made their way to the spawning area.

This is the Portage glacier.

Great frest wild salmon meat and great view from out camp site.

We had a nice spot right on the shore of Resurrection Bay

Our entertainment during dinner.

Finally got a Puffin picture. They are very shy and fly off when the boat got close.

We walked the trail to the Exit glacier.Along the way were date markers.The face is about 100' across.

This info shows where the ice was at given dates.

The Orthodox church in Ninichik,a small native town on the way to Homer.

Two juvenile eagles practicing their skills.

The sigh says it all. Great coffee.

Our spot in Homer.Thanks to Ted for the suggestion. We had a great view and a nice walk to town.

This is the Beluga wetlands that attracts a lot of birds and moose.

Three Lesser Sand Hill Cranes.

I could have stayed here and eaten everything they made. .Great backed goods and coffee

Just a sample of the breakfast items. Savory croissants ,YUM.

This is a "sticky bun" once a year food,so good.

Two eagles hanging around the Beluga wetlands area.

We tried to eat here but never found it open.Such an interesting place.

To be continued in part 2....