One of my favorite spots in the world is Prince William Sound in Alaska. A few years back, I had the opportunity to spend a few days enjoying the beautiful views and friendly wildlife found there. Joined by some of my best friends we drove from Anchorage to Whittier where we took a private charter boat ride to Blackstone Bay. Blackstone Bay was the backdrop for the final scene of the Adam Sandler film
50 First Dates and is worthy of being showcased on the big screen.
After unloading from the charter we set up camp then prepared for a day of paddling through this picturesque setting. Shortly after settling into our kayaks we saw a tour boat sail by, sharing the beautiful sights with their guests. When it finally fell of the horizon behind us, we were alone in this breathtaking setting for the next 24 hours, our only company came from the natural inhabitants including otters and harbor seals. The harbor seals began to poke their heads up from a safe distance then swam under our kayaks, popping up for a view from the other side. Each time they drew closer and closer, I think they were as entertained as we were. Also enjoyable to watch were the otters as they floated on their backs keeping a watchful eye on us.
The only real sound was a periodic thunderous crack of ice calving of the Beloit & Blackstone glaciers. Both glaciers are tidewater glaciers, meaning they flow directly into the ocean. I don't recall looking at a watch but I am sure we spent the better part of an hour or two floating in our kayaks, watching the ice crash into the water.
If you have the opportunity to visit the great state of Alaska. I recommend taking a few days to kayak through the Prince William Sound and highly recommend Blackstone Bay and its feature show, the Beloit & Blackstone Glaciers. I was lucky to have been traveling with an excellent nature photographer who captured some great photos of our trip which I will share below. Check out more of his great Alaskan photos at
Rock36Photography.com.
iExplore CEO Todd McClamroch was a guest on the Next Trip Radio program earlier this week. Todd and Next Trip Radio Host Melanie Cole talked about with Todd about iExplore, our tours and travel trends.
We invite you to take a listen to the interview:
After being closed to visitors for the second time this year, Tibet is set to re-open to tourists. The closures have been tied to 50th anniversary of the uprising that led to the Dali Lama's--Tibet's spiritual leader--fleeing to India where he has been in exile ever since.
