September 27th - Dutch Harbor, Unalaska, Alaska

Sunrise was not until 9:01 AM this morning, so we headed out in the dark to
explore this beautiful and remote area. A curious seal followed us as we
made our way along the shoreline.

The people here were so friendly - we were walking into town and several
cars stopped along the way to make sure we did not need anything and to
offer directions.

Fishing is the industry that supports this area and according to the Chamber
of Commerce, for the 24th year in a row they are the "number One Fishing
Port" in the nation for seafood landings.

There are old WWII sites all over the landscape and Dutch Harbor was
attacked by the Japanese in 1942.

After making a stop in town we hiked up to Bunker Hill to take in the
promised 360 degree views of the town and surrounding waterways.

Did not find many flowers along the way - I am sure that if one could find
an economical way to ship them here you could make a fortune with a florist
shop - especially in the dead of winter. Fresh produce is also scarce with
one bell pepper bringing up to $9.00.

The landscape was so beautiful that if it were 50 degrees warmer one might
think they were in the South Pacific.

September 25th - Kodiak, Alaska

We arrived at our first port this morning and were treated with a beautiful
sunrise.

The day started out a little cold, but by noontime, one no longer needed a
jacket.

I took a high-speed boat ride through Kodiak's main channel looking for
wildlife, to see the World War II fortifications and enjoy the scenery.

I did not see any bears, but did see whales, eagles, sea otters and harbor
seals.

The photo of the lone sea otter is "Oscar" who does not reside on the
"tenement", but has his own private island. He wraps the seaweed around his
tail so he can lay in the water without drifting out to sea. When he thinks
it is time for the ladies to come visiting, he will quit eating so he can
"set a better table" for their arrival. He wants to make sure he will have
enough food to offer so they will not want to leave.

On the way back to shore we came upon a group of harbor seals who were just
as curious about us as we were about them.

Spent some time walking around the town before heading back to the ship.

Could not of asked for better weather for late September in Alaska. That
said, I do not think I would like to spend a winter here!