Correction: A small herd or school of whales is called a "pod." Thank you Rick Feinstein.

We took off, after lunch, to the Musher's Camp. We entered the kennels and met some of the dogs. They were anxious to run even though there was no snow. Onto a wheeled sled - custom made for running during the snowless summer months. Fourteen dogs of many breeds did the pulling.

We received a lecture from a professional dog musher. He was so sincere and dedicated to his kind and benevolent treatment of the dogs which made us all feel warm inside. We then played with the puppies.

Next, we received a lecture on the two Alaskan dog and sled races, the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest. Fascinating!

Back to the Ryndam and off to Glacier Bay.

The next day we all stood on the deck and observed the glacier. Ice floated on the ocean and we were served Dutch pea soup to keep us warm. I do love thick pea soup. As we watched, we saw and heard the "calving" of the glaciers as it broke off huge chunks of ice. The crackling sounds were unmistakable.

Ketchikan was our next and last stop in Alaska. It is a larger town with 15,000 inhabitants, and has a summer temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Shopping, bars and totem poles along with salmon fishing were the activities of Ketchikan.

We boarded a huge, yellow, rubber raft with an outboard engine. Our captain was a typical hard-nosed Alaskan with a tough exterior and many tales to tell. We glided across the inland waters and the shore was tightly packed with spruce and pine trees.

The raft dropped us off at a deserted beach on Betton Island. A knowledgeable college student took us for a trek through the forest. He pointed out the nurse logs (trees that have fallen and become the soil and nursing ground for new trees), the skunk cabbage (a large leafy plant which the natives used to wrap salmon) and a 900-year-old cedar tree. Ravens above cackled and made disturbing sounds. The guide said they were so smart they could open people's luggage and take whatever they desired. From the shore the forests seemed impenetrable but this tour showed us what was going on inside the woods.

Eventually we reboarded the Ryndam and spent a glorious day at sea back to Vancouver. The ship's crew seemed sorry to see my grandchildren, Rachel and Eli leave. The last few meals were very touching.

We had only touched on Southeast Alaska but maybe someday we will return for a more extensive visit.