On our cruise up the coast of Alaska we visited Haines which is a short trip north of Skagway. It is one of the prettier towns and one with a road connection to the Alaska highway. It is next to the coastal mountain range and lies on a wooded peninsula. Here we were to go on the Bald Eagle Preserve Float trip through the Chilcat valley. We were kitted out with boots and life jackets and seated eight to an inflated raft.
"Where is the outboard engine?" I asked.
In fact the water is too shallow and we were guided down the swiftly flowing river using oars. The shallowness of the river causes the salmon to be visible to the eagles, which are present in large numbers. Soon there was one at the edge of the water. Personally I think "bald" is an uncomplimentary description of such a splendid bird. The white feathers over its head and neck give it a majestic appearance. They stand out in contrast to the black feathers over the wings and body.
Every so often the raft would ground on the pebbles and our guide became very energetic; heaving us off onto deeper water as we jumped up and down on the raft to release it. We passed under an eagle sitting 10 metres above us on a branch. The raft was anything but still and rotated here and there giving everyone a 360 degree view of the magnificent scenery.
Passengers not taking the excursions would find the towns suitable for walking. Alternatively there was a full range of activities on board. Bingo; entertainers in the bar or wine tasting in the Lounge. The fully equipped gymnasium was open from 7 am to 8 pm. Enthusiasts were to be seen exercising before breakfast even if they had been at the Disco until 3 o'clock in the morning. Our evenings were often spent at the theatre, the song and dance revues were as practiced and polished as I have seen anywhere. The acoustics also were excellent, you could hear every word in any part of the theatre.
The Hubbard Glacier was the event in the afternoon of the next day. We ventured slowly up to the ice blue glacier. Around us were miniature icebergs caused by the ice breaking off the end of the glacier as it slid down over the rock. Some were large enough to float a human being. The glacier is six miles wide and 75 miles long. It glows with this pure mellow blue which is characteristic of the light reflected from compressed ice. The deck was crowded with people looking for the photo opportunity. The scene had its own particular kind of beauty not seen elsewhere on this cruise, or any other in my experience.
Kechitan was our last stop before returning home. We went on the Mountain Lake Canoe Adventure for two and a half hours. It was not an excursion for the keen canoeist but is well suited for the first timer.
We could have taken the cruise in association with a tour of the Rocky Mountains but for us that would be another time.
Derrick Grover has travelled extensively. He has had numerous articles published. He is also an experienced photographer and supplies high quality images to support his writing. Further details and photographs are on http://www.travoto.com/alaska.htm.
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