A storm with very strong winds was expected to reach Haida Gwaii, so we decided to change course. We sailed east across Hecate Strait and found refuge around Princess Royal Island. In true expedition style, we had a wonderful opportunity to explore this area in more depth. We stopped at Butedale, was long-time small village supporting a cannery. Along the way, we saw multiple humpback whales exhibiting behaviors such as tail slapping. Elsie, our cultural interpreter, gave us a great singing performance and continued to enlighten us about the Haida way of life. She told interesting stories that have been passed down for generations. We had a chance to kayak, cruise by expedition landing craft, and take photo tours in Goat Cove, a secluded area with beautiful waterfalls, ochre sea stars, marine mammals, and old-growth forest. In the evening, the photo team held a photo critique and feedback session for guests.
5/7/2025
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Daajing Giids, Haida Gwaii, Hecate Strait
After an evening cruising from SG̱ang Gwaay, National Geographic Sea Bird made one last stop this morning in Daajing Giids to drop off our cultural interpreters, DeeDee Crosby and Grace Garvie. At dock, we had two unique opportunities. The first, our daily morning stretch class had the opportunity to meet on land, and second, we welcomed the incredible artisan, Aay Aay, aboard. We were familiar with Aay Aay, who we had met two days prior as an interpreter at the Haida Heritage Center. His specialty is a revival of traditional Haida weaving. During Aay Aay’s time on board, he shared with us his personal story about discovering and mastering his art with spruce root, cedar, and wool weaving. He taught us how to hand spin the warp threads that would be the beginnings of a wool piece. After an artistic morning, we embarked on our journey across Hecate Strait to reach our next destination along our expedition, Alaska. This evening, I write as we make our way into Dixon Entrance preparing to wake up to the scenery of the famed Misty Fjords in the morning.