This morning the National Geographic Sea Lion explored the shores of Baranof Island and the beautiful arms of Kelp Bay. A sow and cubs at the first landing steered us to our second option and on the way we had an incredible look at humpback whales feeding along the shoreline. It was so amazing to see such large mammals swimming right up along the edge of the bay with the beautiful temperate rainforest behind them. At one point all four whales surfaced simultaneously and the pink roofs of their mouths provided an incredible contrast to the surrounding temperate rainforest.
After lunch we kayaked and made a landing in the South Arm of Kelp Bay. A meadow full of wildflowers in bloom welcomed us to the shores of the 4th largest island in the archipelago. Walking up alongside Glacial River the sediment in the river was a tell tale sign of it’s glacial origins and helped shape the image of the forces that carved the land which we travel through. Exploring the meadows and forest the presence of river otters was everywhere in the form of dug up moss and scat (aka spraint) full of crab shells. The introduced red tree squirrel also was ever present as large middens full of Sitka spruce cones were piled up at the base of trees covered in moss from apical stem to bole. Both on land and from kayaks bald eagles soared overhead while humpbacks swam close to the ship as we reveled in the awesomeness of Alaska!
Back on the ship during cocktail hour, a sow and two brown bear cubs were spotted on the shore….making for the perfect ending to a perfect day in Southeast Alaska!
