This morning, we awoke to a glorious sunrise and a sunny day in Desolation Sound. Desolation Sound, named by George Vancouver in 1792, is far from desolate and instead felt full of life as we explored the islands and inlets of the area. We cruised in Zodiacs over abundant oyster beds and moon jellyfish blooming across the channels. After a lovely morning cruising around, we set out for afternoon hikes on West Redondo Island. We followed trails to a lovely freshwater lake and got to know the giant evergreen trees that make up the coastal temperate rainforest, from giant Douglas firs to western red cedars. We returned to the ship for cocktails and presentations as we watched a beautiful sunset over the mountains of British Columbia. What a way to start off our week exploring the Salish Sea!
10/21/2022
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National Geographic Venture
Sucia Island, San Juan Islands
On our final day aboard National Geographic Venture , we visited Sucia Island and explored its incredible geology and fossils. Formed through thousands and thousands of years of sediment accumulation from glacial silt washing downstream, Sucia Island is home to stunning sandstone sculptures and fossils trapped in time. Located on the northern part of the San Juan Islands, Sucia Island is home to various marine mammals and seabirds alike, with harbor seal haul-outs, gulls, and great blue herons galore. The morning was spent kayaking and taking Zodiacs around the “dirty” waters that give the island its name. Despite the rain, spirits were high, and the feeling of adventure and excitement continued as it has all week. Too bad we will not be back soon to discover all the fungi and mycelium networks that flourished from today’s rainfall! Our afternoon and evening featured hiking to Fossil Beach to observe traces of the ancient life that once thrived in this region. With emotional and pun-filled recaps, a final delicious dinner, and one last trip down memory lane during our guest slideshow, we couldn’t have asked for a better voyage to complete our Pacific Northwest itinerary. What a treat!