Sea Kayaking (May 25, 2012)

Bridal Veil Falls

moss growing on a tree branch

Caines Head

On Friday we took in one last hoorah to nearly end our Alaskan adventure. Since first coming up to this incredibly large state, we have wanted to go sea kayaking, so we finally took advantage of the opportunity. We participated in a 7 hour kayak trip on Resurrection Bay in Seward. Our destination was Caines Head State Recreation Area, accessible by boat or hike (but only at low tide). Much of the trail is covered during high tide. Because we were such "strong paddlers" we were able to make a stop along the way at Bridal Veil Falls before reaching Caines Head. While at Caines Head we ate lunch and then took in a short hike. Normally we would have hiked all the way to the top of Caines Head, but with all the snow this year we only made it about a third of the way. At the top is Fort McGilvry, an old fort from WWII. Seward was the main port for supplies during WWII and the most accessible so they were on constant watch for any Japanese intruders. It would have been cool to see the remains of the old fort, but we had a great time anyway. Our paddling expedition got us up close and personal with Dall porpoises, sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters. They were all very curious as to what we were. Some came within 20 yards or so to our kayaks, close enough to hear them release and take in oxygen, nibble on food, and submerge beneath the water.

 The day was rainy but the wind was calm. I will take rain over wind anytime I am on the ocean. Although wet, the lack of wind made for some smooth paddling. We also had some wildlife sightings on the way to and from Seward. On the way to Seward we saw our first baby moose of the season. It was so small it could stand right underneath its mom. We also saw an adult moose after leaving Seward walking through the water of a river. The days have been long and bright here and just continue to get longer and brighter.

Memorial Day:
dawn= 3:31 am
sunrise= 4:55 am
sunset= 11:09 pm
dusk= 12:33 am
day length= 18 hours, 15 minutes