On day three we head out bound for Hoonah. Again we spot more humpback  whales. Later in the day I notice many sea lions and seals swimming past us an not looking back. Salmon too are shooting past the kayak. Ten minutes later the reason is clear. You can hear the exhales echo long before you see them. You know they are around but where. Then, off the port side the pod is spotted. The Orcas move fast unlike the humpbacks. They swim with purpose and grace. They looks as intimidating as they are legendary. The experience is captivating. One that you willl never forget. There are no glass walls protecting you from the creatures and you are in their world not SeaWorld. As fast as the orcas arrive they leave. Behind they leave memories and respect. We forge on to Hoonah. We have had many distractions today and have fallen behind schedule. The tide starts to head out as we approach the small canning community. We arrive at 4 in the afternoon weary from the paddling. We paddled many miles extra checking out the coast and observing the  whales. From Hoonah one can catch the ferry to Haines or Juneau or if lucky catch a flight from the local airfield.-Eric Belaski |
