brookeinmn Posted August 8, 2014 Author #51 Share Posted August 8, 2014 We continued down towards the Northwestern Fjord and sometimes the Dall's porpoises would come and play by the boat. These guys are lightning fast and just barely poke their bodies up out of the water. I made it my mission to get a picture of them. I turned up the shutter speed, turned on burst mode and just took pictures whenever they got close. They are the fastest of all small cetaceans, so I felt really lucky when I was going through my pictures and found these: [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1030217.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1030217.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1030203.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1030203.jpg[/IMG][/URL] I love how they look like little mini killer whales. They were quite fun to watch darting around the boat. Next we arrived into glacier country. [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1030290.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1030290.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1030301.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1030301.jpg[/IMG][/URL] As we got closer to Northwestern Glacier more ice appeared in the water. It was covered with brown stuff. My husband thought it was just dirt, but I was convinced it was seals. This picture is really zoomed in. It was very hard to tell from the boat, but these are harbor seals that like to rest on the ice chunks. [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1030409.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1030409.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Then finally we could see Northwestern glacier. This is the left side: [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1030405.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1030405.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimAOk1945 Posted August 8, 2014 #52 Share Posted August 8, 2014 (edited) [COLOR="Black"]Your pictures are amazing! What type of camera and lens did you use?[/COLOR] Edited August 8, 2014 by JimAOk1945 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brookeinmn Posted August 8, 2014 Author #53 Share Posted August 8, 2014 Here is a view showing some of the right hand side of the glacier..although some of it is obscured from view: [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1030407-1.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1030407-1.jpg[/IMG][/URL] The right side close up: [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1030545.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1030545.jpg[/IMG][/URL] We all heard a loud crack and boom and were startled to see a piece of a glacier waaay up high above us breaking off: [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1030495.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1030495.jpg[/IMG][/URL] The glaciers put on a great show for us. We all got to see some calving and the really dramatic one from way up high. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brookeinmn Posted August 8, 2014 Author #54 Share Posted August 8, 2014 Here's a video of what we saw. The captain estimated that the chunk of ice that fell was as big as the empire state building. Your sense of scale is all off when you are surrounded by these giant glaciers...so who knows. But that was a lot of ice coming down that mountain. [YOUTUBE]cnyNXQcwt4w[/YOUTUBE] And the glacier calving: [YOUTUBE]vXRC7CiGEn4[/YOUTUBE] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Himself Posted August 8, 2014 #55 Share Posted August 8, 2014 Awesome pictures and memories to last a lifetime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brookeinmn Posted August 8, 2014 Author #56 Share Posted August 8, 2014 Here is another video of the first glacier calving from above us. What looks like water is actually tons of ice flowing down the side. (There is a regular waterfall to the left). You can hear the captain speaking in the beginning. [YOUTUBE]Vb_iX1PFrnw[/YOUTUBE] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brookeinmn Posted August 8, 2014 Author #57 Share Posted August 8, 2014 (edited) [quote name='JimAOk1945'][COLOR="Black"]Your pictures are amazing! What type of camera and lens did you use?[/COLOR][/QUOTE] Thanks so much! It's the Panasonic Lumix FZ200. No special lenses used. It has a range of 24-600mm. I did a little editing with Photoshop afterwards. Edited August 8, 2014 by brookeinmn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Himself Posted August 8, 2014 #58 Share Posted August 8, 2014 [quote name='brookeinmn']Here is another video of the first glacier calving from above us. What looks like water is actually tons of ice flowing down the side. (There is a regular waterfall to the left). You can hear the captain speaking in the beginning. [YOUTUBE]Vb_iX1PFrnw[/YOUTUBE][/QUOTE] Unbelievable! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brookeinmn Posted August 8, 2014 Author #59 Share Posted August 8, 2014 [quote name='Himself']Awesome pictures and memories to last a lifetime.[/QUOTE] No doubt about it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susie51 Posted August 8, 2014 #60 Share Posted August 8, 2014 Thank you for your review a lovely pics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktraveler2 Posted August 8, 2014 #61 Share Posted August 8, 2014 Great Post!! I'll be going NB Vancouver to Seward in just a couple of days. Your photographs are inspirational. I was nervous about the trip but you healed me and made me excited. Thank YOU! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare sprint180 Posted August 8, 2014 #62 Share Posted August 8, 2014 beautiful pictures! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brookeinmn Posted August 8, 2014 Author #63 Share Posted August 8, 2014 [quote name='ktraveler2']Great Post!! I'll be going NB Vancouver to Seward in just a couple of days. Your photographs are inspirational. I was nervous about the trip but you healed me and made me excited. Thank YOU![/QUOTE] I'm a nervous traveler too, so I understand that completely. You will have a great time. Enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Himself Posted August 8, 2014 #64 Share Posted August 8, 2014 How was the trip to Anchorage and the flight home? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nana51 Posted August 8, 2014 #65 Share Posted August 8, 2014 Absolutely beautiful photos. Great review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brookeinmn Posted August 8, 2014 Author #66 Share Posted August 8, 2014 (edited) Thanks so much for the kind comments! [B]Kenai Fjord Tour continued:[/B] After we left the glacier area, deep in Northwestern Fjord, we explored a few more areas. This little cove was really beautiful with sheer cliffs hundreds of feet up and waterfalls coming down. There was a sailboat exploring the area all the way from New Zealand. [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1030634.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1030634.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1030638.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1030638.jpg[/IMG][/URL] One thing the this captain did that was cool was pull right up to the rock face next to these waterfalls. If you didn't know it, you would think these pictures were from Hawaii. [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1030662.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1030662.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Next we visited some of the bird areas. These puffins were really cute: [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1030684.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1030684.jpg[/IMG][/URL] The gardener in me loved the gardens way up high on the cliffs that the birds has so efficiently seeded and fertilized. [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1030732.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1030732.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Edited August 8, 2014 by brookeinmn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brookeinmn Posted August 8, 2014 Author #67 Share Posted August 8, 2014 I found this cute litte mama bird protecting her babies from all the cameras! Do you see the baby between her legs? [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1030818.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1030818.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Then we visited more sea lions: [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1030900.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1030900.jpg[/IMG][/URL] I didnt take any pictures of the whales that we encountered, but we saw and followed several humpbacks throughout the day. The most exciting view came on the way back to Seward. A group of Dall's porpoises must have been hogging the herring because this whale made a very loud sound, then he did a partial breach. I didn't have my camera ready...bummer. It was still amazing to watch these giant creatures move like that. We had a lazy and sleepy ride after that back to Seward. So, was the 9 hr trip worth it? Yes. Is it long? Yes! Did the kids get bored? Yes, a little. They had their electronic devices to play on if they wished, but were warned that they may miss out on something good. My 10 yr old missed the partial breach of the whale. Boy was he mad. After looking at these pictures again, I realize just what a great trip this was. The scenery was just outstanding. If I had the chance to do it all on a slightly less crowded boat I would be ALL IN. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shrimpboat123 Posted August 8, 2014 #68 Share Posted August 8, 2014 [quote name='brookeinmn']Thanks so much! It's the Panasonic Lumix FZ200. No special lenses used. It has a range of 24-600mm. I did a little editing with Photoshop afterwards.[/QUOTE] I used the same camera last year when we did our 19 day CruiseTour. It was the best investment I made. Your pictures are amazing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brookeinmn Posted August 9, 2014 Author #69 Share Posted August 9, 2014 Thanks Glen. Yes, I am so pleased with the camera. We had a huge scare when we went through security in the cruise terminal. I had the camera out and placed it in a basket to go through the x-ray. The security person needed to rescan something and pushed the basket holding my camera all the way off the table. I was not a happy camper. But, obviously the camera worked just fine! [B]Visiting the Wildlife Conservation Center[/B] On Tuesday morning we decided to go for a drive to the Wildlife Conservation Center. We checked out of our cabins and drove about an hour and a half north to the Center. The drive was very scenic. The little valley where the Conservation Center was located was simply gorgeous. I highly recommend a stop here if it happens to cross your path. A few pics: [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1040003.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1040003.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1040024.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1040024.jpg[/IMG][/URL] It was a warm day and these brown bears were enjoying the water: [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1040125.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1040125.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brookeinmn Posted August 9, 2014 Author #70 Share Posted August 9, 2014 (edited) I forgot to post this picture of the eagle at the wildlife center. He had been shot and had to have a wing amputated. [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1030990.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1030990.jpg[/IMG][/URL] I can't believe I got things out of order...oh no! Early on Tuesday my two boys and I went to Seavey's Ididaride in Seward. We had a great time. The way they raise dogs is very different from your average domesticated dog. Some may find the conditions of living outside, chained up with a barrel for a shelter to be on the cruel side. But rest assured these dogs are cared for by a team of loving people who dedicate their lives to the dogs. These dogs are bred for just one thing: to RUN The first thing we did was go on the dog sled ride. That was soo fun and exhilarating. You can easily see how people get addicted to this sport. In most of the videos we were giggling and screaming like school girls...so I posted the one where we were quiet...haha. [YOUTUBE]GpBJKV1VO2A[/YOUTUBE] [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1030936.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1030936.jpg[/IMG][/URL] After the ride we went to a room where they have a retired dog to demonstrate a few things as well as a sled and winter gear. It was very interesting learning about everything. [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1030962.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1030962.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Most of the dogs are a little leery of strangers and children..except for this guy. He was so sweet. He quickly showed submissiveness by rolling on his back. I had to reassure my son that him showing his teeth was just a big smile. [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1030956.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1030956.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Still to come...the train ride! Edited August 9, 2014 by brookeinmn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brookeinmn Posted August 11, 2014 Author #71 Share Posted August 11, 2014 Ok..wrapping this up now! After we visited the Wildlife Conservation Center we headed back to Seward to turn in the minivan and catch the train. We loved the Gold Star train car. The seat and legroom were very comfy and the windows all around were great. We decided to just eat on the train. We had no trouble being seated and enjoyed the scenery. The food was ok. We had the pot roast and it was very very salty. [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1040355.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1040355.jpg[/IMG][/URL] The scenery between Seward and Girdwood was really beautiful. I would definitely recommend the train ride to/from Anchorage. [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1040476.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1040476.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1040524.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1040524.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s280.photobucket.com/user/brookehanna/media/P1040550.jpg.html][IMG]http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk181/brookehanna/P1040550.jpg[/IMG][/URL] We stayed in the Embassy Suites, which had terrible service. They failed to tell us what time breakfast would be served (and we were too tired to remember to ask.) My husband went downstairs at 8:45am to check on breakfast and they only served till 9:00. My poor DH played dining steward and made 2 big trays of food for all 6 of us and brought them up. We had a good flight home and got lots of hugs and kisses from our kitty and dog when we got home. ------------------------------ Final thoughts on the cruise: We loved it. Alaska was great, our cabin was great, HAL was great. As you've read we had a few little things go wrong, but nothing that kept us from enjoying the trip. The staff on the cruise were really great. My favorite moment from the trip was as we were disembarking. They had staff from numerous areas of the ship (entertainers, CD, chef, stewards) and they all stood in a line by the gangway to send you on your way. They were so appreciative of our thanks. My kids were laughing and saying they would be back soon and the staff just ate it up. Even though we were leaving, we were happy and smiling and looking forward to the next time we could board another HAL ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thetexasaggiecruiser Posted August 11, 2014 #72 Share Posted August 11, 2014 This has been the most interesting review! I've become so much more interested in cruising to Alaska next year, because of this and other reviews. Thank you for taking the time, and like others have said - the pictures were just amazing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Himself Posted August 11, 2014 #73 Share Posted August 11, 2014 I enjoyed your whole review. Thank you for taking the time to share your whole experience with the readers of the HAL board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brookeinmn Posted August 13, 2014 Author #74 Share Posted August 13, 2014 Thanks so much. I really enjoyed reliving our wonderful vacation. I hope others will find this helpful in the future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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