Another Glorious Alaska Spring!

Don't you just love all this sunshine after such a cool winter? Nothing like long days and warm sun to dramatically alter the landscape... and brighten one's outlook! It was only a few weeks ago that the Upper Turnagain Arm was ice covered and now the Eulachon are already running!

The drive down to Seward at this time of the year has to be one of life's great experiences - no wonder it was voted one of the top 10 drives in North America last year!!.    On my way down to Seward last week I pulled over to reflect on just how very fortunate we are to be able to see these dramatic landscapes in all seasons and to be able to watch just how quickly life emerges in the spring.

While we are fortunate to be able to see how the seasons change on land, it is generally much harder to appreciate those changes at sea.  That is a pity, because the incredible productivity of the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea attracts life from all around the world.  However, on a recent weekend cruise out to the mouth of Resurrection Bay with Major Marine Tours Karla, and I were privileged to see thousands of migrating seabirds, hundreds of marine mammals and a small group of Humback whales, recently arrived from Hawaii! 

It was great to see so many visitors out there experiencing this riotous spring assembly - I encourage all staff and Center members and visitors to make the most of this wonderful (but all too short) season to connect with the nature of Alaska!