We are posting this message from the Mariner and the Hubbard Glacier. We wanted to give you an update on Capt Larry. We have searched for whales in many places but we have never had the close encounters we had with Capt Larry. Let's start with his boat. We've been on several this trip and none are as smooth as Capt Larry's. No rough ride even when going extremely fast. He knew right where to find the whales and then was extremely patient in waiting for them to surface. He manuevered the boat around so that we were within 15 feet of a surfacing humpback. Twice. A close encounter of the Whale kind. If you have not had enough of whales we also had some very good encounters on the Sea Otter Quest in Sitka - as close as 20 - 25 feet. If you are interested in the Float trip down the Valley of the Eagles in Skagway you need to pack some waterproof gear. Like gloves and hats. It was quite chilly and rained on us the whole time. It has been a fabulous trip even tho it has rained each and every day. We don't want to leave!!