Biggest Wildlife Day Ever

Saturday morning we got up early to go to Whittier for a day trip on the boat. Dan, Harper and I were meeting some friends from Houston, TX for an early morning tunnel and the plan was to get the boat in the water and go for a hike in Cochrane Bay. On our drive from Anchorage to Whittier, Dan and I saw a group of about 7 or 8 Dall sheep that fell off the side of the cliffs along the New Seward Highway. They were all okay, but looked a bit confused as to why the rocks they were standing on gave way. There were a number of people stopped along the highway to make sure none of the were injured too badly, but it was really neat to see so many up close. After we took the turn off the highway to get to the Whittier tunnel, we came across a black bear lumbering along the side of the road - we got a really good look at him! Then Dan saw another black bear just half a mile down the road from the first, walking along a paved pathway. We got through the tunnel, met up with our friends and got the boat into the water.

We drove the boat across the water to a large kittiwake colony and saw a ton of birds. Harper really enjoyed watching them fly around. We drove around Cochrane Bay and ended up back in Surprise Cove for lunch, Harper's nap and a short hike. We decided to drive the boat around in Blackstone Bay and check out the glaciers, and while we were discussing with our friends if locals ever got numb to the beauty of Alaska - a fin back whale breached right in front of us! We watched him for a bit and then we came upon a raft of sea otters...too many to count! We stopped in Shotgun Cove for dinner and watched a bald eagle fly around while the fish jumped around us.

Once we got back in the car and headed to Anchorage, we saw no fewer than five moose, including a big bull and what appeared to be newborns and a mama moose.

It was an amazing day - packed with much more wildlife than I have seen in a LONG time!! I love this place!

Unfortunately the photos are not representative of all we saw...I need to get better at multitasking & take more!

Lone goose on a rock in the rain at Three Finger Cove

Kittiwake colony

Harper loves to drive

Ice Cream and Iron

Happy Father's Day and Happy 6th Anniversary to my fantastic, wonderful, generous, happy and strong husband! I am so lucky to have him in my life! Six years ago today we were married and began our life together. It doesn't seem like much time, but I can't remember what life was like without Dan in mine. It's the iron anniversary, so we bought a new anchor for our boat! :)

We had a pretty relaxing Father's Day around the house - playing outside with Harper, going to the Alaska Zoo and then having ice cream before dinner...all of which I love to do! Happy Father's Day to my Dad too - I wish I could have also spent today with you!

Dan and Harper at the Zoo

Mmmmmm...ice cream!

We did take the boat out for a day trip yesterday - the weather was more what I expect out of Whittier, windy and rainy. The seas were pretty calm though and Dan had fun learning how the boat could handle. Mitch, the man we bought the boat from, came out with us to show us a few things about how she handles, and Dan got a lot more comfortable captaining her around. Now I just need to find the good fishing spots!

Rainy day in Whittier, lots of puddle stompin'!

Here are some photos from my sister's visit to Alaska last weekend...it was great having her here and we hope she enjoyed it! We didn't take any big trips - we just spent a lot of time hanging out and having fun like girls do!!

Fabulous weather for an outdoor lunch in Whittier

Eating fudge and stacking rocks in Whittier

Fun at the zoo with Aunt Darci

Ice cream in Girdwood - wish you were here Dad!!

Sunday morning Skype with Mon & Dad (aka Grandma & Grandpa)

Beautiful day

Cookies in Whittier

Having fun at the playground in Whittier

Harper waiting for Dad to come off the Government Peak mountain run