The narrow Esther Passage leads into a body of water called Port Wells, from which there is a view of Harvard Glacier at the end of Collage Fjord. We enter Barry Arm, an inlet that leads to Harriman Fjord. Where Barry Arm meets Harriman Fjord, three glaciers  (Cox; Barry; Cascade) are visible. Near here a sea otter relaxes on an ice floe with her pup. In Harriman Fjord we visit Surprise Glacier and also see a small flight of noisy oystercatchers; there are also lots of harbour seals here and a few more sea otters. We stop at Surprise Glacier and listen to the cracks and groans emanating from this wall of ice. It is very cold here, probably about 40F. Above and to the right of Surprise Glacier, we can see Detached Glacier.

Our numerous wildlife sightings include (towards the end of the cruise) a pod of orcas (above). After seeing this pod, the Tanaina heads straight back to Whittier, which we reach at 5:50pm. We have had a most marvellous trip: lovely weather, superb scenery, and lots of wildlife sightings. Prince William Sound has provided us with calm water surrounded by thickly wooded hills against a backdrop of steeply plunging mountains with their snow-capped ridges and clinging clouds.

 

On our return drive to Anchorage we make a stop to see two black bears climbing a tree. Nearby, fishermen are standing almost shoulder to shoulder where salmon are providing easy catches. After eating at the Downtown Deli we view a poor quality, but interesting movie regarding the 1964 earthquake.

After our short stay in Anchorage, we spend the next four nights exploring the Kenai Peninsula to the south of the city. Departing the hotel under a sunny sky, we first make a stop on the familiar road alongside the Turnagain Arm to purchase petrol (above) and muffins and pastries (to go) at the Bird Ridge Cafe & Bakery (right).

Just after 11am  we reach the Begich-Boggs Visitor Center on the shore of Portage Lake. After exploring the interesting Visitor Center we use a well-surfaced path alongside a mountain stream to head towards the nearby Byron Glacier. After about 30-minutes of walking we reach the permanently snow-covered slope in front of the glacier. This is a delightful spot with the crisp, clean, pure white snow glistening below the clear blue sky. With the whole area surrounded by craggy mountains, and the trail bordered by lots of attractive wild flowers, this short walk is one of the highlights of the whole trip.