This morning brought a change in the weather – wind from the south and some increasing cloud cover. So as we traveled down Chatham Strait, National Geographic Sea Lion was being gently nudged by wind and water. This morning was intended for cruising and looking for wildlife while on our way toward Lake Eva, and our afternoon activities.
The conditions made spotting wildlife a little challenging, but we did see a few humpback whales, and had a number of Dall’s porpoise sightings, with several of these beautiful cetaceans giving us a thrill with some “bow-riding.” Along the way, we were offered a presentation on bears, and another on Northwestern Native culture and art, both excellent subjects for Southeast Alaska.
Suddenly it was lunch time, as we were approaching our anchorage. Almost immediately afterward the operations started; staff to shore, then the long and aerobic hikers, next the medium hikers and last, but not least, the leisurely. The goal for the longer hikes was to reach Lake Eva, about a four-mile round trip, to see some of the huge old-growth trees that may be up to six hundred years of age. Mission accomplished! The other hikes didn’t make it quite that far, but they were still privileged to see some magnificent spruces and hemlocks along this well-kept trail.
Later in the afternoon kayakers had the chance to explore the lagoon and surrounding area, but the increased wind kept everyone relatively close to our landing beach. And that weather change I mentioned earlier? It finally hit just as we were winding up the activities; rain and cooler temperatures suddenly prevailed. Welcome to Southeast Alaska!
