We see lots of animals and boats go by but only a few stop for a while.

The sea lions have been growling recently, not sure why. This one circumnavigated our little island a few times and has become less shy.

The whale population has certainly increased. At any time we can see four to eight blows on the water. Doesn’t mean I can catch them on camera but I know they are out there. The sure way to see a whale leap out of the water is to put your camera down.

Even the Coast Guard only passed by. The light was automated in 1984 when the last crew left, after signing a wall in the basement.

And today, Tim ventured out and kayaked by. I’m too chicken. The whales and sea lions are huge and landing isn’t easy. I’m happy to remain behind on the little rock.

Busy, busy, busy. The first batch of 8 visitors plus 3 large dogs arrived by boat on Saturday. The bride, matron of honor, the officiator and a few more arrived by chopper on Sunday.

We ate all the king crab, dungeness crab and halibut and shrimp one could imagine. Now we’ll feast on leftovers for a while.

The founders of the Juneau Lighthouse Org. are getting married this weekend at the lighthouse.

I made a welcome mat from some old rope which was lying around. Luckily for me, I had saved a link to directions on Ravelry when I made one while living aboard Water Lily, our catamaran. Getting started is a little tricky. Here’s the link: http://www.summitpost.org/so-you-want-to-make-a-rope-rug-eh/263578

I plan to make more from climbing rope ehen I get home.

So back to the wedding. In Alaskan style, the bride will arrive by floatplane!

Whales’ breathing sounds like a snorkeler taking a breath before a dive. A blow to clear the snorkel and a deep breath in. All day. All around us! The wonder of it all.

Whales’ breathing sounds like a snorkeler taking a breath before a dive. A blow to clear the snorkel and a deep breath in. All day. All around us! The wonder of it all.

The day began cold with clouds, poor visibility and rain. We tinkered indoors until lunch when visitors aboard the Alaska Quest arrived.

They were greeted by a humongous humpback whale, which surfaced right next to their dinghy. For the rest of the day we were bathed in sunshine while we tracked whales, swimming, flapping their flippers, diving and breaching (sp?). I even managed to get a photo or two.

The evening was topped off by a beautiful sunset and a lone whale breathing audibly and swimming against the tide.

We could hear whales hyper-ventilating and smacking their bodies against the water all day.

And to top it off, our visitors brought us chocolate croissants and peppermint bark.

Just perfect. Here are some paltry iPhone photos. Now we have just enough internet for the laptops to check email. Saved by the smartphone.

I’m unable to share some of my fabulous photographs because the internet still needs tweaking. Patience paid off today.

I kept hearing a humpback whale breathe just offshore. I could see the ripples it left after a dive. Then it would remain underwater for an eternity. I would go off and do something else, only to hear it again. The last time I caught it including a beautiful dive shot and everything. Only not on this camera- my iPhone.

Next I went to look at the eagles and the harlequin duck I saw yesterday. One of the eagles was on a mission and flew right overhead and…I was prepared with my camera.

On the iPhone today, I have a quilt I am taking a stab, truly, at hand quilting; the cute little pigeon guillemot, which roosts in the cliff and a sock.

I have knit a pair of socks for myself at each lighthouse caretaking spot. I sourced this yarn in Juneau. I hope to find some Quiviet fiber on my return trip.