Inian Islands, 5/17/2019, National Geographic Sea Lion
Aboard the
National Geographic Sea Lion
Alaska
We woke to dense fog at our morning in the Hobbit Hole and made our way to the anchorage in South Inian Pass. This was followed by a briefing on protocols for navigating in dense fog, including GPS and operating the some of the expedition watercraft in pairs.
In South Inian Pass we stopped to pay our respects to the crew of the Vagabond Queen at the old graffiti wall and then proceeded into the swirling currents that guard this amazing haven for wildlife.
Jeff Campbell fell in love with the ocean while attending boatbuilding school in Eastport, Maine. Since completing his MS in Marine and Estuarine Science at Western Washington University, he has worked for NOAA documenting the ecological impacts of t...
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Yesterday was a delightful day spent exploring the rich culture and natural beauty of Haida Gwaii! We began our adventure at the Heritage Center in Queen Charlotte City, where we immersed ourselves in the fascinating history and artistry of the Haida people. The vibrant exhibits and stories brought the local culture to life, setting a perfect tone for our day. Afterward, we hiked the stunning Spirit Lake Trail with our knowledgeable guide, Linda. Her enthusiasm was infectious as she shared captivating tales about the local flora and fauna. We learned how the Haida utilize various plants for traditional medicine, including the licorice root for soothing sore throats. The lush temperate rainforest enveloped us, with towering red cedars and vibrant ferns creating a serene backdrop for our hike. As we reached Spirit Lake, the tranquility of the water mirrored the peacefulness of the surroundings, making it a perfect spot for reflection. The day concluded with laughter and camaraderie as we enjoyed a hearty meal together. With Linda's stories echoing in our minds, we left feeling enriched by both knowledge and experience, eager for our next adventure!
We arrived in the charming historic Cow Bay in Prince Rupert Island. After several days of rain, the sun finally broke through, providing us with a perfect day for exploration. We set out on a series of short hikes around Cow Bay, where we were captivated by the area's rich history and natural beauty. The sunny weather highlighted the vibrant colors of the landscape, and the clear skies offered breathtaking views of the coastline and lush forests. During our hikes, our knowledgeable naturalists shared intriguing stories about the local wildlife and history, enhancing our appreciation for this unique region. The sunshine seemed to invigorate both nature and our group, as we spotted various bird species and enjoyed the serene atmosphere. As we returned to National Geographic Sea Lion , conversations buzzed with excitement over the day's discoveries. With clear skies and new experiences, our journey continues southward toward Vancouver with renewed enthusiasm.
Our last and final full day aboard National Geographic Sea Bird saw us Zodiac cruising and kayaking amongst the Desolation Sound, Marine Provencial Park. The morning was chilly, but as breakfast was being enjoyed, the skies began to clear and show a beautiful blue-sky day. Kayaking brought guests up close to the coast to explore the intertidal zone. There were some beautiful ochre sea stars above the low tide mark, harbor seals basking in the sun, and some of the best landscape views of the entire trip. After our activities, we got underway to head towards Vancouver. Mother Nature wanted us to have a few more memorable moments as humpback whales showed surface behavior and slowed our speed to take in all the grandeur.
