When you think of Alaska, you might picture towering glaciers, vast stretches of wilderness, and rugged coastlines. But nestled among the majestic landscapes of this wild frontier lies one of the most awe-inspiring, yet often overlooked, gems: Prince William Sound. Known for its breathtaking scenery and abundant marine life, the waters of Prince William Sound have become the playground for Nelly Hand, a passionate adventurer and marine conservationist whose connection to these pristine waters runs deep.
For Nelly, it all started as a young child. Growing up on the edge of the Sound, she developed an early love for the sea—its powerful currents, its unpredictable nature, and its profound beauty. Over the years, that fascination turned into a life’s mission. Now, as a seasoned sailor, diver, and advocate for ocean conservation, Nelly spends most of her time exploring the intricate waterways of Prince William Sound, sharing its wonders with the world, and working tirelessly to protect its fragile ecosystems.
The Majesty of Prince William Sound
Prince William Sound is a vast inlet of the Gulf of Alaska, stretching over 3,800 square miles. It’s a place where towering glaciers meet the sea, where humpback whales breach the waters, and where the iconic green-blue hues of the water shimmer under the Alaskan sky. The region is home to a complex network of fjords, islands, and deep, rich marine habitats that support an incredible variety of wildlife. Bald eagles soar high above the water, sea otters float lazily on the surface, and orcas glide effortlessly through the cold, nutrient-rich waters.
For Nelly, these waters are not just a place of beauty—they are a sanctuary, a realm of learning, exploration, and stewardship. Every time she ventures out, whether on a solo kayaking expedition or with a team of researchers, she feels an overwhelming sense of responsibility to preserve this unique environment for future generations.
A Day on the Sound: Adventures with Nelly Hand
On any given day, Nelly can be found paddling her kayak through the tranquil fjords, gliding past massive icebergs that calve off the distant glaciers. With each stroke of the paddle, the crisp mountain air fills her lungs, and the rhythmic splash of the water beneath her boat is a reminder of the pure solitude that only Alaska can offer.
Nelly often shares her adventures with others, taking tourists, students, and fellow conservationists on guided excursions into the heart of Prince William Sound. One of her favorite spots to visit is Blackstone Bay, known for its towering cliffs and stunning waterfalls. As she leads groups through the bay, Nelly explains the intricate geology of the region, pointing out the ancient volcanic rocks that line the shoreline and the tidewater glaciers that descend dramatically into the water.
“Every rock, every ripple of the water, tells a story,” Nelly often says. “The landscape here has been shaped by forces far greater than us—glaciers that carved the fjords, tectonic movements that raised the mountains, and the power of the sea that continues to shape everything.”
Aside from the stunning scenery, Prince William Sound is a vital part of the ecosystem. Nelly is deeply involved in marine conservation efforts aimed at protecting this delicate environment. Whether it’s tracking the migratory patterns of humpback whales or monitoring the health of local salmon runs, Nelly is on the front lines of research. She often works alongside scientists and environmental groups to raise awareness about the ongoing threats posed by climate change, pollution, and overfishing.
The Thrill of Wildlife Encounters
For those lucky enough to join Nelly on one of her trips, the wildlife encounters are always a highlight. Prince William Sound is renowned for its diverse marine life, and Nelly has had countless encounters with its residents—some of which are truly unforgettable.
One of her most memorable experiences occurred while she was kayaking through the waters off Homer Spit, when a pod of orcas suddenly appeared on the horizon. The sleek black-and-white whales seemed to be on a mission, cutting through the water with a grace that belied their size. Nelly paused, watching in awe as the orcas hunted together in perfect harmony, the spray from their blowholes misting in the air. “It was like witnessing a perfect choreography,” she recalls. “They were in sync with each other and the rhythm of the water.”
But it’s not just the large animals that fascinate Nelly. She has an equal appreciation for the smaller creatures that call Prince William Sound home. Sea otters, for example, are a constant source of wonder. Nelly can spend hours observing these playful animals as they float on their backs, cracking open shellfish with rocks, or teaching their young how to swim. The sight of a mother otter holding her pup on her belly as they glide together through the waters is enough to warm anyone’s heart.
The Environmental Challenges Facing the Sound
Despite its beauty, Prince William Sound faces numerous environmental challenges. Climate change has had a significant impact on the region, with glaciers retreating at an alarming rate and sea ice becoming less predictable. The warming waters have also affected the migration patterns of many species, including salmon, which are vital to the local ecosystem.
Nelly has made it her mission to not only explore these waters but also advocate for their protection. She’s been an outspoken critic of industrial activities that threaten the Sound’s delicate balance, particularly the oil and gas industries, which have a history in the region. As a survivor of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill—a catastrophe that devastated the Sound’s ecosystems—Nelly’s commitment to safeguarding the waters of Prince William Sound is personal.
“The Sound will never be the same after the spill,” she says solemnly. “But it’s still a place of extraordinary beauty and resilience. We have a responsibility to make sure it’s here for future generations.”
A Legacy of Stewardship
As the sun sets over Prince William Sound, casting a golden glow over the water, Nelly reflects on the journey she’s been on and the work still ahead. Her connection to this place, and to the ocean as a whole, is profound. She’s dedicated her life to preserving these waters, not just for their beauty, but for their intrinsic value to the planet’s health.
For Nelly Hand, the waters of Prince William Sound are more than just a place—they are a calling, a source of inspiration, and a reminder of the delicate balance between nature and humanity. As she continues her work, both as an adventurer and a conservationist, she remains steadfast in her belief that these wild, pristine waters deserve our respect, care, and protection.
In the end, Nelly’s mission is clear: to inspire others to discover the wonders of Prince William Sound and to protect its waters for generations to come.
