Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Traveling with children by itself can be a difficult task. Finding activities and attractions to entertain the children can be an even more daunting feat. Petersburg, Alaska and the surrounding area offers nature, fishing and beachcombing.
Finding a place to stay which appeals to children, as well as adults, can make a vacation easier and more enjoyable for all involved. Two-room cabins, camp sites and RV campgrounds will provide entertainment for everyone. Take a cabin cruiser from your resort to LeConte Glacier or whale watching. Some resorts offer guided fishing trips, while you can rent a boat if you stay in a Forest Service Cabin. Camping or staying at an RV campground brings the family closer to nature and will give the children hours of entertainment.
During the summer months, the song of whales can be heard over the water of the Inside Passage of Southeast Alaska. Frederick Sound is home to approximately 500 whales. Herring and krill thrive in the water, providing food for the humpback whales. In addition to the whales, Stellar sea lions, harbor seals, Dalls porpoise and orcas can all be seen within the waters. Sea lions and humpback whales share the same feeding grounds and the interaction between the two species can make for an afternoon of entertainment. July and August are the best months for watching the humpback whales, while orcas can be found year round. Dalls porpoise can also be found only during the summer months. The charter companies for these tours follow all Federal guidelines in their movement around the animals and will in no way endanger their guests or the safety of the mammals.
The Stellers sea lions have been protected since 1972. Since then, the population in Alaska has stabilized and some scientists believe it has increased. The sea lion is called this because the males remind observers of an African lion. Travelers can see the Stellers sea lion quite easily. It is said the sea lions will come to the traveler. In the summer months, the mammal follows the fish at high tide into the harbor to eat. Unexpectedly, the sea lion will lift its head above water and blow like a whale. This allows the sea lion to clear its nose so it can breath by blowing the salt water out. Often, when you think you are the one watching the sea lion, you may be surprised to find them watching you instead. The sea lions like to play while they feed and take the time to meet those who are observing them. Just remember, do not try to pet them. They are quicker than they look and not only are they protected by Federal law, but they could become startled and try to defend themselves. If a traveler does not want to wander the beaches in search of the sea lion, having a meal at the Northern Lights Restaurant may give you the opportunity to observe the mammal on its search for food. A visitor may also see harbor seals, bald eagles and waterfowl sea birds.
Boat rentals for fishing, hiking or camping gives travelers the opportunity to experience the real Alaska and allows them the chance to live as the locals of Petersburg, Alaska do. Local waters include the best areas for halibut fishing, king and silver salmon fishing and places to set crab and shrimp pots. Some rental companies offer maps of the best locations for fishing, rental equipment and suggestions for the best places to walk the beaches. Proper safety should be followed and the better rental companies will also help you with providing safety gear so the trip with your youngster does not end in disaster.
Combing the local beaches will give the children the opportunity to see marine life they may not have seen before. Clams that squirt foot high streams of water can be found, as well as seashells, driftwood, sea stars, sea anemones, shells and other life. Items lost off nets from boats will also draw the attention of beachcombers. By visiting local business, travelers can find out the best times to comb the beaches, such as during the daylight hours in the summer months. Minus tides offer the most exposure of the beach, revealing the most sea life. Challenge your children to find as many examples of sea life they can by purchasing a sea life chart and marking each species found while you wander the beaches.
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