The extensive coastline of Southeast Alaska contains hundreds of small bays and coves that are accessible only to small vessels. Before breakfast this morning our Captain brought the Sea Bird through the narrow and serpentine entrance to Red Bluff Bay. Located on the eastern side of Baranof Island, this narrow bay cuts back into the island for only a couple of miles but the steep sides are lush with the growth of the temperate rainforest and the greenery is cleaved in a hundred places by waterfalls. As the bottom drops away quickly from the shoreline, Captain Short was able to bring the bow of our small ship ever closer to the base of these falls. Many of us posed for photos with the cascade in the background. Our time spent in Red Bluff was perhaps less than one hour but the serenity and beauty found here set the stage for the remainder of our day. A brown bear foraged along the edge of the water as adult and immature bald eagles cut the low clouds above. Later, as we cruised the waters near Yasha Island, humpback whales entertained us for an hour or more. Eight to ten whales surfaced and dove all around the ship followed by both Dahl's and harbor porpoises. A full breach by an adult humpback close to the ship left us all in awe. Each expedition here in Southeast Alaska unfolds at its own pace and brings with it new sights and wonders. We satiate our senses on this day and eagerly await the morrow.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 12 Jun 2001
From the Sea Bird in Alaska, 6/12/2001, National Geographic Sea Bird
- Aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird
- Alaska
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