We welcomed the morning by cruising through picturesque Chatham Strait on glassy seas with humpback flukes.
Voyaging into the heart of Chichagof Island via Tenakee Inlet, revealed Dall’s porpoise zipping by the vessel and bears feeding in the marsh flats. Passing by Tenakee Springs made us wonder what life is like in many of the other small, road-less communities of rural Alaska.
National Geographic Sea Lion anchored up in Pavlof Harbor where a harbor seal and brown bear watched kayakers paddle by throughout the afternoon. We went on pleasant hikes by a waterfall among wildflowers by the moss-covered forest, but for some it was epic. Hopping like frogs over beaver logs and wading through bogs, they were some of the rare few that have ever circled the lake. The lucky 13 may have suffered the wrath of insects and devil’s club while bushwhacking like bears, but their trekking adventure around Pavlof Lake was memorable to say the least.
In addition to the other excitement, Emily taught us about the history and ecology of sea otters in Southeast Alaska. And, Dr. Andy Szabo sped on his boat to meet the vessel to share his research on humpback whales and the conservation efforts of the Alaska Whale Foundation.
