Puffy columns of mist lingered over the glassy, featureless water as humpback whales rose then descended beneath the surface. We could hear the "whooshs" of their breaths in the still air. The most amazing sighting was that of several killer whales, including T87, a male with a distinctive dorsal fin. Seeing these magnificent animals would have been exciting enough, but suddenly two individuals accelerated and leaped clear of the water in pursuit of a couple of Dall's porpoises. The whales discontinued their chase as quickly as they had started, apparently without getting breakfast this time.
Southeast Alaska is known not only for its wildlife, but also for its spectacular scenery. We entered Kelp Bay by mid-afternoon to explore by kayak and by foot. Snow-capped peaks embraced the densely forested slopes and protected bay, where boaters paddled past waterfalls and harbor seals. Hikers entered the lovely meadow in the photo and wandered through the lush sedges splashed with purple irises and geraniums, bright reddish-orange paintbrushes, and creamy white cow-parsnips.
It seemed that the day had been complete, and that it should be bedtime, but more humpbacks appeared, this time a cow and calf. The calf repeatedly rolled and breached, a fitting ending for a fantastic day.
