So Bill & I are walking up a bank to step over the edge and onto the beach.  This gorgeous spider was just sitting there hoping some lunch would hop or fly into her web.  To give you some perspective – it was the size of my hand.  I didn’t have the nerve (or maybe I’m not a big enough idiot) to put my hand near for the perspective shot.  A couple of our friends walked the same path as we fished together for the afternoon.  They didn’t notice this spider…how could you miss it?

Aren’t they beautiful?  Anyone visiting Alaska near the water is going to see Humpback Whales.  On a cruise ship you can look out and almost always see them next to the boat, curious about humans and keeping us company. When fishing in Old Harbor on a quiet afternoon bottom fishing, you see and hear them spouting water. If you are lucky to look up at the right time  – a breach.  Even the locals never tire of their activities or company and are still in love with the gentle giants.

I was describing a Humpback in Cabo San Lucas that was smacking it’s fins on the water to Conrad Peterson, a local and guide at Kodiak Sportsman’s Lodge.  The Cabo sailboat captain was explaining what the human scientific theory is behind that particular activity…however ending with “but no one really knows”.  Conrad, who has been with these whales his entire life, gave me a little smile with the best explanation…”they’re just having fun”.   I think that says it all.