Kelp Bay & Chatham Strait
In this awesome land called Alaska, today was a truly incredible day. Clouds dimmed the sunshine from yesterday but they could not dim our hopes for the day’s adventures that awaited us. Hiking, kayaking, and Zodiac cruising in the southern arm of Kelp Bay were offered for the morning. Those of us who explored the inter-tidal areas, meadow, and forest in the northeast portion of Baranof Island discovered an abundance of plant, marine, and wild life. Sleek harbor seals popped their heads above water to greet the curious cruisers and kayakers, then slipped silently below the surface. As the tide swiftly rose, it erased evidence of brown bears that had obviously foraged for breakfast earlier this morning. Amid wildflowers such as Angelina’s Bent Knee, Indian Paintbrush, Fireweed, and wild geraniums, hikers worked their way inland, spotting large paw prints, tufts of fur, and piles of scat from the bears. Those who joined the long hike got a bear’s eye view, tromping through thick brush, and enjoying a tasty mid-morning treat of salmon berries and blueberries. Emerging from the overgrown undergrowth, we found ourselves on the edge of the forest. The giant Sitka spruces acted as a finish line, of sorts. It was time to head back to the ship, and the tasty BBQ lunch that awaited us. Indeed, as one hiker exclaimed, “It was a berry good hike!”
As we cruised through Chatham Strait in the afternoon, Michelle prepared a presentation on “Forest Ecology of Southeast Alaska”. The talk was delayed, but for an excellent reason. Stationed on the bow, Pete sounded the call everyone was waiting to hear: “Breaching humpback!” But not just one breaching humpback, we had two! Simultaneously! In tandem! A mother humpback and her calf! This was incredible! Despite the stiff, chilly wind, guests and crew alike stayed out on decks, gasping in amazement and cheering with delight at each pectoral flap, tail slap, and rolling breach. This pair continued their antics tirelessly for over an hour. They were still at it as we turned the ship north, continuing on with our adventures. The cherry on top of our Alaskan sundae came appropriately after dinner. A killer whale was spotted off the bow of the ship. A perfect end to a whale of a day!
