Raven Spirit Talk: Orca Play's and Humpback Days, Breaching up for Love

Raven Spirit Talk: Orca Play's and Humpback Days, Breaching up for Love

Orca Play's and Humpback Days, Breaching up for Love

This is my third season working in for the Wildlife Tour company, and as many time's as I have been out and seen some pretty amazing things.. nothing can top yesterday. In fact. I was utterly one hundred percent speechless, and do not even know where to start. Encroaching upon Ice in the Northwest Fjord Firstly, the day started out gloriously with the most poignant turquoise clear skies... calm water and perfect South Central Alaska Temps of the low 50's. I know not exactly a heatwave. Usually Captain Mark commands the Alaskan Explorer on this tour, however today they needed to do an oil change and the boat was switched to the Orca Voyageur one of our dual hauled Catamaran's. Harbor Seals hauled out on the Ice.... Traveling at around 27 knots per hour we can cover a lot more area with a lot of time to spare as well. I will not elaborate on the details of of the twillions of birds we saw and a black bear racing up a hill in hopes maybe A Coastal Mountain Goat as left her youngin alone... there was just too much activity in respect to Whale love to even describe. Captain Tim headed into Agnes Cove where one of our Orca Family groups frequent's for tasty treats... and even though at the early morning hour they were no where to be found, we had our first Humpback Encounter of the day. What we thought was one whale turned out probably to be three or four and they were everywhere around us. Traveling along side the boat we could smell the fragrant scent of their breath, which Captain Tim claimed he needed to divert directions to escape the downwind of the smell.. ha ha.. I love it... and besides what can be more exciting that being along side an amazing creature breathing rainbow sprays into the air. The day transpired to be what would be countless humpback Whales, probably exceeding 25.. everywhere we looked there they were. Our final destination of the day, the Northwest Glacier which is cradled up into Granite Pass and harris Bay turned out to be an amazing turn of events. Firstly, something that is rarely seen here ... we encountered Sea Otter Rafts.... wait a minute, this is not Prince William Sound.. known for it's abundance of Otter Rafts.... Sea Otter Raft up Granite Pass into Harris Bay this is Kenai Fjords.. where you usually find Otter's alone or maybe two.. these were honest to goodness Rafts... and with a backdrop to die for... Snow Capped mountains and glaciers... and deep teal water's. As we traveled up into Harris Bay slowly approaching the Northwest Glacier in a Fjord that is filled with five tidewater glaciers, it was obvious there was a large amount of ice. in fact it was pretty plugged up and there would be no way of getting any closer than 1.5 miles away form it... Normally they can as close as 1/2 mile from the face of the glacier. Anyway, we enjoyed the scenery along with our lunch and observing Harbor Seals hauled out on the ice.... Luckily for the us the boat change turned out to be a blessing, and Captain Tim announced that he really wanted for everyone to be able to experience a tidewater glacier so we were going to head up Aialik Bay and to the largest glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, the Aialik Glacier. As we slowly cruised out of the area, not too too far in the distance we could see some large splashing... . Well an amazing thing was about to transpire.... and I got to witness an event I had yet to see here... A Baby Humpback in a continuous ballet of Breaching.. .. by the time we got nearer.. this little guy had probably breached 20 some time's and kept going. I was at a complete loss of words... my heart is full.. the baby just kept breaching and breaching and at one point Mom as well... it was magical... I could truly feel the love and everyone on board was mesmerized and i am sure gaining new reverence and respect for these amazing beings. Well excitement continued to stay with us throughout the day.... As we cruised through the Alaska Maritime Wildlife Refuge and the Chiswell Islands, observing Puffins, Murres and Sea Lions... Cap T said he had a surprise.. well my gut strings were pulling at me, and I had a feeling Orca's were close by. As were slowly turned the Corner around Cheval Island and back into Agnes Cove I could see the tall dorsal fins off in a bit of a distance near the shoreline... Get ready folks, because more magic was about to take place. Cap T announced he had the hydrophone and was about to put it in the water in hopes we could all listen to some calls. At first it was very weak and they were really not vocalizing... probably due the fact they were busy eating the King Salmon that was now running in the area... We stopped the boat... and there were Orca's everywhere... all of the sudden The Baby Orca began to breach and we had another amazing ballet of successive breaches, more than 20.. I was beside myself.. truly mesmerized... such exuberant youthful energy was everywhere today.... So at the beginning of the day I had put on my facebook status... that I was going to Dance With Whales.... My Heart was definitely experiencing a Dance with the Whales... and the power of these beautiful sacred creatures whose grace brings such joy. Orca Love My spirit is filled with love, and magic.... I would only hope that you my friends will someday be able to share this with me or on a trip of your own... i know that many of you already have.... and all my Whale Lover pals... whom I share space within this global pod.... And as an added note I would like to share. For me having this experience with whales goes way beyond Scientific Fact and Data... for me it is much more... I truly believe in my heart and soul they are here to teach us something very sacred. I feel they are here to help raise the consciousness of this planet and to bring the vibration of joy to the world at a much higher level. They are Higher beings in my eyes and I realize that everyone may not agree with me, yet that is okay. I just feel this in my heart. To see what has been happening to our Mother Earth and the impact of what human's have had on her I can only hope that the more people get to see these animals in their natural environment and when you experience this kind of magical joy it is like nothing else. My hopes are for more and more people to embrace this level of conscious joy and to take pride in our planet even more. I can see it shifting already. This is my hope I wanted to honor all my other Orca crazed friends and other whale lover's who also share their passion and joy with other's for I feel we are all here to help enlighten other's to feel this way as well. Truly it all began for me way back in the late 70's on my first Whale Watch trip in the Channel Islands off Santa Barbara... With the Grays and the Pacific White Sided Dolphins... and I am grateful and blessed that it continues to this day. I was fortunate while living in the San Juan islands in Washington to reignite this passion and became a Certified Marine Naturalist and was introduced to the Endangered Southern Resident Orca's of Washington and British Columbia. I hope I can continue to spread the love and joy.. Here is a little video I did.. Footage is not the greatest, yet you get the idea for sure.....

Where she goes,she blows, back home with the Whales

Seems like a zillion years since I last posted an update. Well as the old saying goes, "Better late than Never". Since my last post many things have transpired, and I am now back in my summer home on the shores of Resurrection Bay in Seward, Alaska. Once again, the whales were calling out to me so here I am at home with the Whales.

Just a quick recap for those I have been out of touch with. My winter included a wonderful road trip with a friend to Taos, New Mexico or should I say back to Taos. After spending a couple of months last fall working in Zion National Park in Southern Utah, I flew to New Mexico to check out the wide open skies and view the most majestic sunsets I have seen to date. I knew I would fall in love in love with it there, and I did, so circumstances led me there twice. After leaving Zion in late November, I spent a few weeks volunteering at a horse rescue forty mile north of Phoenix in New River, yet after witnessing some abuse by her farrier, I opted to leave as the energy was unfortunately not very healthy. I loved the horses and fell in love with Annie, A grey flea bidden Mare of 24. For the most part the animals were taken care of, yet after enlightening the owner to this unfortunate abuse, it sadly flew over her head, as she was fried on prescription drugs due to health problems. I only hope and prey that the animals stay safe, and that karma does it's magic on the abuser. Anyway, I do not want to focus on that... I am back in a magical place of deep blue Fjords, animals who dress up in black and white and snow capped peaks all around.

Kenai Fjords National Park is indeed a gem among gem's.

Flanked by the Chugach Mountains to the east where the 2nd largest National forest in the U.S. holds fame, and the Kenai Mountains to the west.

This part of Alaska is one of the largest temperate Rain Forests on the planet, thus bringing high concentrations of precipitation which of course is why it is so stunningly beautiful. With the warm currents coming from Japan which collide with the Arctic air from the north, thus creating all this precipitation and why this area has so many glacier's. In the summer with the increased light, brings increased amount of food source for all the migrating animals who return here every summer to feed and raise young. The most known of course is the North Pacific Humpback Whale . Humpbacks are the fifth largest of Baleen Whales, those who have plates in their throats that act like strainer's, gathering largest amounts of water containing yummy treats such as krill, then straining out the water and swallowing the food. Females can get up to 52 feet. They spend their winter's in Hawaii breeding and giving birth and go months without eating, so after several months without any food, they come here and pretty much just eat. Humpbacks are also known for their incredible song . So I have been fortunate many times to go out on our boats and experience these amazing beings which is truly a gift. Orcas (Killer Whales) are here year round and despite their name are really not whales, yet the largest member of the dolphin family. For me seeing Orca's is truly magical and I really cannot explain how my heart feels when I see them. Word's cannot describe this, and I feel extremely grateful to be able to go out on my day's off and be with them. Alaska host's two types, Resident's who are fish eating and transients who prey on other marine mammals. Right now in one of the coves of Kenai Fjords National park

there are King Salmon running so one of the resident orca pods known as the AD8's have been spending a great deal of time feeding.

It is promising to be a busy summer, although we have been plagued with Weather warnings... which is highly unusual for this early in the season... Meaning the Sea conditions are not cooperating so we have had to convert of few of the glacier trips into bay tours... Hopefully we will begin to see calmer day's and I plan to go out again on my next day off. Besides working for Kenai Fjord tour's, I am also working for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines on my friday off at the cruise ship dock so I only have one day off. I never thought of myself as a cruise person, however after you complete a season with them it entitles you to a cruise for around 20.00 a day pretty much anywhere. I have my eye on one in South America, or possibly the Panama Canal or Greece/Turkey. I can take up to three friends with me, however since it is standby it could be challenging since they often only give you a few day's notice if you made it on.. which mean's you really need to be near the port where you will embark. Anyway, something to think about.

Well I will be sure to keep all posted as much as I can.. yet not promising too much..... Meanwhile I am enjoying all the awesome wildlife, birds to boot as well, and my other favorites, Puffin's who dress up in black and white as well are here as well.

Who knows maybe at some point we will all meet up and watch Whales together... Whale hugs from Alaska.

On that note take time to enjoy the view outside and reflect

Raven Inspired Gifts from Zazzle and Etsy

Raven Hallowen tee shirt from spirit of the Raven Creations at Zazzle

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Raven stars and Moon mug from Spirit of the Raven Creations At Zazzle

Okay for all you Raven Lover's I have put together an ensemble of Raven gift items. Raven's have followed me around for years and I have embraced Raven as my totem animal symbol. For the Native's of the Pacific Northwest, Raven's are the creator, the trickster and also one of the major clans of the Tlingit tribe of Southeast Alaska. I am sure you will find many of these gifts delightful and full of magic and myth, perfect for people who love these magical birds.

Just for Soul Mates Mug

Raven's during the Gothic period were sadly depicted as a negative spirit, fortunately we have come along way since then. I love Raven's and hope that these gift's will touch other's who also love Ravens.

Great Fantasy art Travel mug from Spirit of the raven Creations

raven's in love Ipad Case

Romance is in the air Raven Necklace

Spirit of flight raven tee shirt

Unique White Raven Fantasy Messenger Bag

White Raven Fantasy Ladie's long sleeve tee shirt

Antique pillow




Northwest Coast Native design shirt by Selenemoon1022

Raven Moon Necklace by LittleDevilDesigns at Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/listing/56833763/raven-and-triple-moon-pendant-sterling

Raven Cabochon Ring
http://www.etsy.com/listing/94153369/swallow-cabochon-ring-rockabilly-vintage

green felted Crow bag by Felted Fantasies At Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84347193/felted-purse-raven-alpaca-crow-green

Raven Crow Topper by Bungalow glow at Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/83610100/raven-crow-cake-topper-nevermore-wedding

Felted Raven Moon Purse by felted fantasies
http://www.etsy.com/listing/95482885/felted-tote-purse-raven-and-moon

Brass Etched Raven Odin thought and Memory Earrings by TigersandDragons at Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/listing/91176426/odins-ravens-earrings-brass-etched

Raven Vintage Pendant by Shimmer Creek At Etsy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/93932061/raven-pendant-vintage-raven-art-pendant



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Where has this summer gone...My Summer in Whittier Alaska

Firstly, I have been terribly lazy and not motivated to keep this blog up as I originally promised. With work keeping me busy, and lack of online time I have been focusing on other things and did not feel my usual

inspiration to share my experiences this summer. In any case time is passing by so I will share a few things about my summer working on Prince William Sound in Whittier, the Strangest little town in Alaska.

I have endurred endless rain, wind and fog this summer, yet also on a high note, countless lovely days of glorious sapphire skies and breathtaking views. Staring out my living room window at 5o waterfalls I count my blessings even with the challenges. I took my chances this summer deciding to work in Whittier, often referred to as the weirdest little town in Alaska. Once a thriving Military base, now abandoned, the railroad owns pretty much everything. Home to roughly 186 or so year round residents, who some how manage to survive hilacious winters of 30 foot snow drifts and 100 mph winds, I feel grateful to just be here for the summer.

The gem is that it is the gateway to Prince William Sound, a protective inland sea bound by Islands and the Chugach National forest, the second largest national forest in the US.

A northern temperate rainforest , which accounts for the high level of rain, and roughly 110 inches or so of precipitation a year. It is also why this area has the highest concentration of tidewater glaciers in North America or the world for that matter. Surrounded by waterfalls and breathtaking beauty all around literally makes this one of Alaska's precious gems, and probably one of the most beautiful places in the country. However, the infrastructure of the town itself, which really isn't that much of a town does lack character and charm. Abandoned buildings, railroad tracks and the junk boat yards give it a rather funky run down charm all it's own.

Traveler's and tourists come here from all over the globe to see the Glacier's ,and enjoy the Cruises and fishing charters that keep this area active in the summer months. This summer I have juggled working mostly in the office checking passenger's in, yet I have also worked on the boat's as a deckhand filling in here and there, although I love being on the boats I do not particularly like the food service part which takes up a lot of energy and time, cleaning and prepping, and as far as I am concerned distracts from the tour. So
on some of my time off I have gone out our boat for sheer pleasure and jus to enjoy the magic and scenery and our charming Sea Otter's who are the most common Marine Mammal seen here..., although I do not go out on my time off as much as last summer season, I have still snuck in a few times to enjoy myself. I have also fit in some hiking and just hanging out as well......

and have revered in the charm of Sea Otters floating in large rafts, icebergs floating in bays, icy blue glaciers and channels and passes where the water is the color of turquoise gems.

I even hopped over to Girdwood a couple of times, a small town that is the home of Mount Alyeska, Alaska's premier Ski resort. The town would be considered by some to be Alaska's hippy town with down to earth residents, cute cabins and beautiful flowers in the summer. They hosted a couple of festivals this summer and I attended the

Forest Fair which had amazing booths of local art, down home music and some tasty faire. All good fun and a lovely escape from life behind a tunnel. Yes indeed to access the town of Whittier you drive through a 2.5 mile tunnel which opens and closes every hour in each direction, one way on the 1/2 hour, the other way on the hour. Life is ruled by the tunnel here and you literally do feel you are living behind walls, tall mountain walls that is. I have managed to escape a few times to Anchorage, Alaska's big city to run errands and enjoy some culture.

A few weeks back I took a ferry voyage on the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry, the Chenega. A high speed catamaran to the little town of Cordova on the Southeast end of Prince William sound.

A charming little non tourist town which is primarly a fishing village and home to a unique glacier called the Child's Glacier which calves off into the Copper River famous for it's Salmon. The ferry was a 7 hour ride since I opted to travel on the day it does not go direct and makes a stop in Valdez which is on the road system.

Cordova is not on the road system, and is also known for the Million dollar bridge which was never completed. I enjoyed wandering the quaint little town with some art galleries and little hang outs that are typcial of Alaska's smaller fishing villages. Cordova is home to around 2,500 people or so and the only way there is by plane or boat. I stayed in local hotel above the town bar which had it's fair share of noise, yet embraced her own kind of charm. A lovely little place when you want to escape the tourist crowds and just get away. Another fact about Cordova is that this area of Prince William sound was the hardest hit by the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. Thousands of Marine Animals perished and it effected the area for a very long time after that. Thankfully this area has since recovered, and the Sea Otter's and other Marine Wildlife are starting to come back. Many of the Orca's (Killer Whales) that call this area home, had huge effects following the spill. Some of the larger males suffered damange to their hormones which effected their dorsal fins, and to this day some of these Animals have dorsal fins that curl over, and this is due to the oil effecting their hormones. Many died, yet the few that did survive retain the flopped dorsal fin. A very sad day for this area and the wildlife that call Prince William Sound home.

Now the season is coming to a closure in just barely two weeks and new adventures await me. I am excited for the new opportunites and surprises that are lurking around the corner, fun surprises and magical places.

Ice Castles, Surprise

I am grateful to be leaving this great state on a Cruise on the Zaandam, one of Holland America's smaller ship'S to the Southesast and through the inside passage to Vancouver, British Columbia. One of My long time Bff's from High school is flying up to join me and I am sure we are going to have blast, plus I will be celebrating my birthday as we sail through the passage on the 17th. It will be nice to have a vacation and enjoy the other side of the state for a week. For now I have just barely two weeks of work left, and will be spending my time packing and getting ready for all the new opportunites that await me.


Also be sure to check out the Bonus photos I have added as well... For now have a fabulous day and will catch up with everyone soon.

My digital drawing, Humpback Spring

Orcas at the Dock in May, one of the AE pod members

Moonrise over Whittier Glacier

Kodiak Bear Cub female at the Alaska Wildlife Conservaiton Center

Eagle Perched along the Turnagin Arm

Whittier on an early April Morning

Working on a Charter in Blackstone Bay, from the Wheelhouse

Otter Buddies floating out in Port Wells near Harriman Fjord

Otterly Family Affair

Reflection at the end of Ester Passage into Port Wells and Harriman Fjord

It's obvious "I heart Otters"

One of my digital drawings, Humpback Sunset

A cute Big Bear at the Girdwood Forest Fair

Signs were everywhere at the forest fair

Flowers growing outside a cabin in Girdwood

Cute Guy, Alaska Husky Dog in his Dad's truck, Girdwood

Bald Eagle perched high at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage

Some of my Sistah's hanging out in the Brown Bear area at the Center

Fireweed peaks in early August

Rescued Orphan Kodiak Brown Bear cub at the Wildlife Conservation Center

Reflection of Ice at the Surprise Glacier in Harriman Fjord

It's a Family Affair

Fireweed overlooking the Bay in Cordova

At the top, Portage Pass hike

Billings Glacier out of Passage Canal