Pavlof Harbor & Chatham Strait
Brilliant sunshine illuminated snow-capped mountains and lightly rippling water as the National Geographic Sea Bird made her way down Chatham Strait to anchor in Freshwater Bay, a large inlet that cuts deep into Chichagof Island. Low tide revealed a treasure of creatures along the shoreline as we spun out of Zodiacs to explore the small sheltered area of Pavlof Harbor by foot and kayak. Sea stars of all colors and sizes draped themselves over barnacle-covered rocks and seaweed-strewn mud, waiting for the rising tide to cover them once again.
Along the far end of the harbor, a stream gushed down in beautiful waterfall formation. Upon arrival this morning it was impossible for paddlers to navigate the very shallow rock-bottom bed; however, only a few hours later the rising tide permitted paddling close to the face of the waterfall. Robust trees in this old-growth forest indicated the nutrient rich soil from the salmon that will arrive later in the summer.
Hikers ambled at varying paces along bear trails just inside the forest edge up to the waterfall. Those going further trekked through boot-sucking mud and grassy meadows, where this boreal toad was found.
The beautiful day above extended to the water beneath, where Undersea Specialist Justin and Chief Mate Kendra donned drysuits and went on a very different journey. In this inverted world snow-capped mountains became rocks capped with white sea anemones (so fluffy!). Clear, still waters revealed an abundance of colorful wildlife... purple coral and algae, orange tunicate, gunnels, war bonnet, mating crabs, and prawns feeding on falling organic matter. Floating young moon jellies pulsated, indicating that summer will be starting soon. This quillback rockfish peered out of a crevice he makes as his permanent home.
The beauty and warmth of the day were so inviting, many succumbed to the irresistible urge to have a more intimate experience with this extraordinary wilderness… what could be better than to top off the glorious morning with a refreshing swim from a red sandy beach? (especially the day after your 21st birthday!)
Water temp 52.8 degrees F.
