A week in Alaska, day four...whales ahoy!!

Morning four we enjoyed low tide at "Sandy Beach". 

It's a small world!

When we told Grandma we were going to Sitka, 

she said we had a cousin who lived there. 

Thanks to facebook, 

we were able to connect with Rod and Patty 

even before we got to Sitka. 

You seriously could not find nicer relatives! 

One night in Sitka they brought pizza over 

and we had dinner together. 

They also gave us salmon and halibut that they got from their neighbor

and told us how to cook it their favorite way - yum!! 

Scott and April had a connection in Sitka too, 

a family in their church group that

 ran a whale watching tour. 

Scottie made reservations several months ahead 

so day four we got to look for whales!

We headed for Silver Bay and 

I don't know what I was expecting, maybe this?

(photo credit - Rudee Tours)

Turns out that whales are quick breathers! 

They're up, sucking air, and back down in just seconds! 

You can hear them before you see them 

but by the time you see them 

they're back down again! 

Scottie got some fluke shots when the whales would dive.

We saw a little sea lion family too.

Wasn't that so nice of him to show me his teeth! 

He knew I'd like that. ;)

I'd love to clean those teeth if Mr. Sea Lion was asleep.

This fishing boat was interesting...

they spread out a big net, 

then pulled it in 

and dumped their catch onto the deck of the boat. 

The white critters left over in the net are jellyfish.

This little otter was pretty oblivious to us,

just floating along.

Our captain heard there were more whale sightings out in Sitka Sound

and cautioned us that it would be much rougher water. 

Everyone headed inside to watch, 

everyone except these hearty souls that is!

They were hanging on tight, getting totally drenched, 

and laughing the whole time!

After a wave would pummel us, 

the captain would clear the windshield with his wipers

so you can just barely see the whale in the middle of this picture. 

It was a blast!!

Whales ahoy!!