Humpback Whales in Ketchikan!

Today started off sad because we had a reserved a skiff for some ocean fishing and woke up to a pretty big storm and had to cancel those plans. So we went and fished until we could no longer feel our fingers and then wandered around downtown one last time before tourist season sends it into utter chaos.

On the way home I got on FB real quick and saw the local marina posted that the whales were in the marina bubble feeding! I figured they would be long gone before we got there, but we went anyway. I am so grateful we did! We got to to watch them swim and feed for about 10 minutes before they headed back out to the deeper waters. I only got one quick video because I was too into the moment to worry much about a camera, but wanted to share it with y'all!

For some more amazing pictures and videos from today, check out:  Knudson Cove Marina Facebook Page

Happy Saturday Y'all!

Hiking to and Fishing at Upper & Lower Silvis Lake

Today we decided to explore the southern part of this Island we live on (and can't pronounce) here in Alaska. We consulted our USFS Trail Book and after a quick stop to pack a picnic lunch, we headed to where the road ends and parked our truck to begin hiking to Lower Silvis Lake. We donned all our rain gear, grabbed our packs and headed up... at a pretty good incline!

The biggest problem with the incline is the amount of heat it causes our body to produce.. We had piled on layers because it was early morning cold and raining, but we quickly had to stop and adjust and start packing away clothing. Our packs were also heavier than usual as we had brought our fishing gear.

We saw some amazing waterfalls and made our way to Lower Silvis Lake. We tried our hardest, and Archer tried his best to swim and scare off the fish, but the fish were not eating what we were throwing down here.

After hiking two miles (to get to this point) on a wide road/foot path used by the Ketchikan Public Works to get to the power plants, we got to do some "real hiking", getting across running water, climbing rocks, using branches for balance, and getting more brisk air as we rose in elevation. The sights at Upper Silvis Lake were worth it, and a perfect place for lunch (and more unsuccessful fishing)

On the way back down from the Lakes, we decided we needed to stop by some of the waterfalls and climb up so we could help give some perspectives on the massive size of these beauties. These pictures don't begin to do them justice, they came all the way from the top of the mountain and there were probably 10 huge ones like this and many more that still made us stop in wonder.

Ward Lake & Perseverance Lake near Ketchikan, Alaska

So despite some ups and downs on our first week here, we were ready to get out and explore. We loaded up our pups in our borrowed car (seriously, who lets strangers borrow a car, thank you so much, guys!!!) and headed out to Ward Lake. According to the wonderful trail book we got this week from the US National Forest office, there is a nice paved trail around the lake. So off we went!!

That is the view we were greeted with, and it was glorious. So we wandered down the trail with the dogs as happy as can be. The furbabies have been cooped up all week since our truck is in the shop and we have relied on the kindness of strangers for carpooling which led to long days and us being physically and mentally exhausted by the time we got home.

Not too far around the lake we saw the sign for Perseverance Lake Trail head and decided to head up the mountain a bit. About 1/2 mile in, we saw a wooden sign that said the lake was only 2 miles up, so we decided...Why not?!

The amount of green and freshness of the air up here makes me speechless at times. About a mile and  half up we heard what sounded like rushing water, though Brad tried to convince me it was rain or wind, I knew it had to be a massive waterfall. Thankfully, I was right on this one! It was well off the path but we were able to hike out in to the bush a bit and get a few pictures and video.

When we finally rounded the last corner and came to the lake, we both just stopped to stare in disbelief. I have never been to such an isolated, remote lake where there are no human noises or disturbances.

Without fishing gear or a hatchet and with the crazy dogs, we didnt try to get too far past here where the trail ended. We just set down our rain jackets and enjoyed our water and trail mix, taking in the view of Alaska! 

Don't feed the wild animals!!

And lastly, I will consider every picture of us together an "engagement" picture for the foreseeable future, so here is our second ever engagement picture on the shore of Perseverance Lake outside Ketchikan, Alaska!!! 

We sure are loving the style of life up here, so thankful for this opportunity!