Day 3

August 16, 2010


“Good morning, tourist!” We had slept in until around 9 and got a lazy start. Deciding to eat a hearty breakfast, we went to Nellie’s. (Nellie was a pioneer of a woman, who didn’t mind killing her share of animals.) Aunt Pam had biscuits and gravy, sausage, and eggs and I had (get this) a reindeer omelet!! With toast and hash browns! It was delicious!

With our rain coats on, we walked down to the Seal Life Center (where they rescue, take care of, and release marine wild life). The puffins were one of our favorites because they are so interesting looking, but cute and funny! The resident sea lion was 1,700 pounds and looked it! We watched a video about Alaska wildlife and a little boy narrated it (so cute)!

With time to kill before our horseback ride, we decided to go check out Exit Glacier. The short drive was beautiful. Unfortunately, the rain had flooded the road so we couldn’t go up to it. If only we had the proper weather proof hiking gear. (But there was no room in our suitcases)! We saw it from afar and took pictures, of course.

At Pony Cove, we got regrouped and headed to our trail ride around 2:30. Since we were experience riders, we got the more feisty horses to our delight. With Aunt Pam on Orca (black and white paint) and me on Lamoure (copper coat and flaxen main and tale), we started off. Through the muddy trail we rode beneath a canopy of forest. Coming out into the open we crossed the river. Bree or Max (her horse) pointed out two bald eagles perched next to each other high up in a tree. Riding a little further, we saw at least eight eagles swooping around or sitting in the trees. It was amazing and I was thrilled to see the most majestic bird ever in the wild. We crossed stream after stream. Riding along the water, the view was amazing. On one side, we could see the water and mountains with clouds shrouding the details for a mystical effect. On the other side, we could see trees ranging from pine trees to bright green trees with low-hanging clouds interspersed throughout. Noticing varying animal tracks, salmon head, and eaten bird, we kept our eyes peeled for wildlife, but those were the only signs.

The horse ride was an amazing experience and I loved it despite the cold and clouds. (Lucky for us the rain stopped for the majority of the ride).

At the hotel, we regrouped and hung out until it was time to go to dinner. Since yesterday was so packed full, today has seemed slow, but still good.