We rose early aboard National Geographic Venture to watch killer whales that made a sudden appearance off the bow of our ship as we traveled slowly north to Kelp Bay, our destination for the afternoon’s activities. We spent the first half of the day on hikes and photography sessions to one of the large beaver lakes on the island, and we reflected and perfected our photography skills. Returning to the landing beach we were given a choice of kayaking or stand up paddleboarding, all the while enjoying a day of sunny skies and perfect still waters. As the day ended we cruised for wildlife, encountering a number of humpback whales solo feeding in the deep waters of Chatham Strait.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 26 Jun 2019
Kelp Bay and Pond Island, 6/26/2019, National Geographic Venture
- Aboard the National Geographic Venture
- Alaska
Lynn Wilbur, Naturalist/Expedition Diver
Lynn is a marine biologist and underwater photographer whose passion lies in the intertidal zone. Lynn’s love of the ocean began when she was just four years old after experiencing a tide pool for the first time, and she received her first scuba cert...
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Southeast Alaska’s rainforest was verdant in the morning rain. Small whitecaps textured the surface of the sea as we searched for marine life. Then, ahead in the distance, a big splash. Then another splash, followed by another. The bridge team expertly moved our ship closer. The young humpback whale had unlimited energy for throwing itself out of the water and flopping back in. We watched this youngster breach over and over until we needed to be on our way. Our next off-vessel excursion was on Baranof Island in Kelp Bay. Bushwhackers and moderate hikers passed along animal trails, climbing through Sitka spruces and western hemlocks. Giant bear’s bread fungus sprouted from downed trees. Delicate flowers, including Jeffrey Shooting Stars, decorated the path. We made our way to the boggy muskeg where few trees survive the wet environment. Streams of snowmelt and raindrops were occasionally blocked by the busy work of beavers. The forest was quiet and warm while hardy Zodiac cruisers toured the shoreline to view waterfalls and gulls hitching a ride on a floating log. Once back on board, we felt the warm comfort of the ship and came to realize that in just a few days, National Geographic Venture has come to feel like home.
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