Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands, 10/11/2024, National Geographic Venture
Aboard the
National Geographic Venture
Pacific Northwest
Welcome to Friday Harbor. Welcome to my home. Today we learned how the San Juan Islands became American territory in 1871 by visiting the remains of two camps once occupied by American and British troops during the infamous Pig War. While Lieutenant Roche was scouting places for British troops to set up their barracks at the start of the Pig War, he discovered a lime deposit on the northwest corner of the island that now bears his name. This began a rush on lime manufacturing in the area and what remains of those kilns are part of what led to the establishment of Lime Kiln Point State Park, which we visited today.
What a pleasure to be home while still on the job!
Eric began work with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic in 2006 as a means to see the world, work with great photographers and engage his environmental studies degree beyond the classroom. His initial years with the company were spent working t...
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This morning, National Geographic Venture cruised north to the tip of Vancouver Island through Seymour Narrows. It was a misty morning full of birds migrating south and Pacific white-sided dolphins bow-riding the ship. It was a great start to the morning. After a delicious brunch, guests disembarked to walk along the bay to the U’mista Cultural Centre. This is the First Nation’s homeland of the ‘Namgis Nation, who welcomed us with their regalia and museum, gifted with rich history and culture. It’s always a blessing to be welcomed into the hearts and spirits of this community and to witness their dances and songs in their big house potlatch ceremonies. After leaving the dock, National Geographic Venture cruised back south and saw humpback whales off in the foggy afternoon, along with gulls and seabirds galore. Thank you for joining us on another great day in the Pacific Northwest!
A stunning sunrise split the crisp morning air as flocks of scoters cut through the mirrorlike Salish Sea surface as we parted them on our day's ad-Venture to Victoria, British Columbia. We arrived at this ancestral home of the Lekwungen people (turned historical gold-rush boomtown turned British colonial capitol) on Canada's fourth National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Orange shirts, community gatherings, and half-flown flags surrounded us during our visit to this special place celebrated by its inhabitants since time immemorial, which looks to exist now with its modern history fully examined-to dispel the myths of "Canada," "British Columbia," and "Victoria" to understand their truths. May this contemplative spirit guide us forward on our voyage into the wilderness overseen by its ancestors both old and becoming. Onward!
Today we had the privilege of going to Alert Bay. Alert Bay, located on Cormorant Island off the northeastern coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, boasts a rich history rooted in the indigenous cultures of the region. Traditionally inhabited by the 'Namgis First Nation, part of the Kwakwaka'wakw peoples, Alert Bay has long served as a cultural and social hub for these indigenous communities. Totem poles, some of which are the tallest in the world, dot the landscape as silent witnesses to the intricate stories and traditions of the Kwakwaka'wakw. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries the town grew as a fishing and cannery center, attracting settlers and industry. However, it also became a site of cultural conflict during the era of residential schools, institutions aimed at assimilating indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture. The U'mista Cultural Centre, established in the town in the latter half of the 20th century, now stands as a testament to the resilience and revival of Kwakwaka'wakw culture, showcasing repatriated artifacts and hosting cultural events. Lindblad guests had the opportunity to visit this site in addition to attending a Big House Ceremony. Big House ceremonies are an important part of Alert Bay culture, from weddings to deaths. While guests had a delightful ceremony, the undersea team submerged themselves under the dock for a successful dive! Here they were able to see an abundance of giant plumose anemones that covered the pier columns. They were also greeted by a delightful group of sea creatures including candied striped shrimp, basket stars, decorator crabs, and coon stripe shrimp. It was overall a very enriching visit to Alert Bay.
