This morning all of us on board National Geographic Sea Lion awoke to a beautiful misty view, typical of a temperate rain forest. Spruce, cedar, and hemlock trees peeked through the low hanging clouds behind the watery ocean seascape. The coastal area we passed was a mix of rock cliff shoreline and stony beaches.
We chose the Cumshewa Inlet to land for operations, but most importantly to visit the ancestral land site of Barbara Wilson, our cultural interpreter. She shared with all her stories of family and the rich culture of her people. Some lucky expedition craft cruisers were able to land and experience the site where small Sitka spruce trees were growing up through the mosses around ancient memorial poles of the Haida. There were many other activities, including kayaking and hiking ashore on a bear trail. The soft, springy moss covered the forest floor as if it were frosting on a cake. Nothing was exempt from the green lining on downed tree branches, rocks, and tree trunks, soon to be nursery logs. Some of the hiking groups reported seeing many different kinds of fungi, bear and deer scat, and eagle bones. Other notable highlights were the new Sitka spruce growth and the captivatingly pink calypso orchid.
After our morning exploring and a hearty lunch, we were dazzled by a presentation on the Alaskan fishing industry by our undersea specialist, Paul North. Some relaxed while we cruised; others reveled in the enchantment of the three days spent in Haida Gwaii – a place that will forever captivate the spirit of culture and love of nature, within our hearts.
