Today started in the middle of the night with a call from expedition leader Shawn Lucas, gently waking us up to come on deck to see the Northern Lights. The kaleidoscope of colors in the night sky was the first reminder of how small we are on this planet.
After clearing customs in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, the ship sailed through the narrow, glacially carved passageways, continuing the theme of how small humans are in this big world. I gave a whale talk in the afternoon, trying to set the stage for the real animals to appear. My trap worked, and the whales showed up just as I finished. We had the rare opportunity to watch not only humpback whales, but also fin whales and an elephant seal.
Our sister ship, National Geographic Venture, sailed by just outside of Grenville Channel, giving us a chance to wave at our friends.
Feeling small in this beautiful landscape is easy with such amazing scenery and wildlife.
Photographers: Amy Venema, Phil Chaon, and Patrick Webster
