Valdez and onto Valdez, to get our sea legs.

There are two kinds of people in Alaska: those who were born here and those who come here to escape something. I wasn't born here. - Insomnia

Alaska is certainly a place if you want to escape. We camped last night, made a fire, on the side of the highway. Two cars went by from 1am until about 5am. I made a fire that quickly died due to the rain and snow soaked timber.

Our plans, like the snow crested mountains, change with time. We are no longer taking the ferry. We have elected to take a cruise, on an 80 foot chartered twin engine boat, and in our wake, leave behind the short cruise with the opportunity to hunt Moby Dick.

Last night, a long night from Tok to Valdez, at one point, 80 miles from civilization in both directions, we paused. No cell, no radio. Just the silence, with the snow banks mocking us with threatening avalanches.

We saw a porcupine; three actually. One was sleeping in the road. I tried to wake him but could not. The little creatures are fast. Two more mooses, together, were seen but eluded even the photographer trapped inside us. Then, we saw a pack of wolves. Friendly wolves. Too friendly. I believe they were dogs.

After the cruise, we disembark for the town of Whittier. A local who didn't speak fondly of it said "everyone lives in one building. I don't know what's up with that."

Micah will enjoy, or attempt to enjoy, a seven hour cruise around the Prince William Sound.

Tonight, we dine on King Crab. Maybe. I figure I'll need to at least try some while we are at port. Micah isn't into the fish food. Perhaps a spider will change his mind.