First, the count. At last “official” count, I had 3, 77 to go. To be fair, I’ve seen so many whales in my 70’s that I should just count days of whales plus species. From Baja February/March that would be at least 12 days of Humpbacks and their babies slapping their fins and tails (oh what a sound), breaching, blowing, etc. The bubble-net feeders in the Gulf of Alaska out of Seward (see previous post) get their own point, however, plus Orcas and Humpbacks on the same day. Whales out of Skagway–Humpbacks and a rare Orca sighting in the same bay. That’s 17 whale points.

On our way home from Alaska and the Sacramento Airport, we were graciously hosted by my dear friend and chi buddy Carolyn and hubby Paul. As wondrous friends do, she desired to help me with my 80 by 80 goal and had planned waffles for breakfast and a walk to a nearby waterfall. Oh my! We took great pleasure in our breakfast (mini tree waffles, blueberry pancakes, fruit, tea), then walked a lovely mile to the fall. We blessed the cool, clear water and wiggled our toes in its blessing for us. 2 more points.

In all, previous 3 + 17 whale + 2 thanks to Carolyn. Oh, and I had a waffle cone with gelato in Vancouver. = 23. 80 – 23 = 57 left to go. AND I haven’t even discussed the glaciers and waterfalls out of Whittier and the Mendenhall Glacier and Nugget Falls. Stay tuned! Because I think glaciers are just frozen waterfalls so they will be counted….