Chatham Strait & Sitkoh Bay, 6/3/2019, National Geographic Sea Bird
Aboard the
National Geographic Sea Bird
Alaska
The day began with an up-close view of a mother humpback and her calf. They quietly surfaced together several times as they slowly moved down Chatham Strait. Bald eagles peppered the trees and the call of a common loon enhanced the typical Southeast Alaskan atmosphere.
In Sitkoh Bay, groups of hikers set out down an old logging road among the red alder, Sitka spruce, and western hemlocks. A few kayakers and those who enjoyed the longer hikes got a view of a mother bear and her three cubs. The more casual hikers were rewarded with a close observation of a Sitka black-tailed deer in addition to a multitude of banana slugs.
I like to remind people that there are very few big surprises left in life, but if you are out in nature, with an open mind and a lot of time, you never know what you will find.
James Biscardi is a young, ambitious professional photographer and videographer. He is always on the lookout for the next big adventure and “telling the story” through film.
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Today was classic southeastern Alaska. A light rain greeted us as we woke and continued until we retired to bed. But rather than being annoying, it magically transformed the jaw-dropping landscape to a higher level. Three hikes were offered: casual, moderate, and strenuous. No one stayed aboard, all donned appropriate gear and humbly walked through the majestic coastal rain forest, closely observed by stately centuries-old Sitka spruce and western hemlock, as well as a diverse assemblage of understory shrubs, mosses, lichens, and fungi. Many of us also saw the often-overlooked rough skinned newt. The afternoon consisted of cruising for wildlife through Fredericks Sound and briefly watching a single humpback whale. During the mid-afternoon, we listened to two presentations on whales. Of course, a pod of Dahl’s porpoises ‘interrupted’ one of them, but in a most welcome manner. Several swam alongside the ship, affording a great view for those watching out the lounge windows. And before cocktails and recap, we encountered a solitary humpback that was actively diving and showing its distinctive fluke. After dinner, we participated in a trivia contest with subjects ranging from Alaskan history, natural history, ship characteristics, and the staff. It was a lively way to end the day.
Today is the final full day onboard the ship for this trip. It’s GLACIER DAY! It began with a delicious breakfast and then a beautiful pod of killer whales was spotted by the bridge team. We spent time with them as we sailed towards the glacier face. Iceberg after iceberg we passed, each one leaving us in awe. Once we found our spot, Zodiacs were dropped and off the face of Dawes glacier we went. We spent the entire day gazing at the beauty and power of this ice mountain. Afterwards we slowly cruised through the fjord looking for wildlife and soaking up our last bits of Alaska before our flights home tomorrow. This has been a beyond epic trip!
What a wild and exhilarating day we had in Haines, or “Deishú” as the Tlingit named this place, which means “end of the trail.” Our adventure began with a challenging hike as we attempted to summit Mount Riley, however the deep winter snowpack stopped us short of the summit. The crisp mountain air filled our lungs as we soaked in the splendor of the forest and its streams. Energized by our adventure, we wandered through the charming town to visit its colonial houses, quaint shops, and local microbrewery. We also enjoyed a cool float down the glistening Chilkat River. As we gently glided along the serene waters, we marveled at the sight of majestic bald eagles soaring overhead, their wings outstretched in a magnificent display of power. It was an extraordinary day that encapsulated the true spirit of Southeast Alaska.