San Juan Islands and Friday Harbor
Our last day of the voyage, on the National Geographic Sea Bird, started with an incredible sunrise before 7am. The decks were active with loyal stretchers and avid yogis on the aft 100 level for class. Dedicated photographers were transfixed by the light capturing last minute snap shots for the later slide show presentation.
The morning was complete with an Orca “killer whale” presentation by Michael S. Nolan and CT Ticknor, whom described the fierce and notable mammals with great detail, humor, and accuracy. Simultaneously we were cruising past islands, viewing wildlife of mostly exotic deer, and taking a quick trip through United States customs.
After lunch, most passengers disembarked, in Friday Harbor, for a stroll around downtown, shopping, and pleasantly sitting in the sunshine. A few lucky and daring kayakers paddled out into the harbor for basking in the sun water-side. It was a fabulous late summer day all around! It ended well with our stunning slide show, captain’s farewell speech and king crab dinner following recap. The sun set on US waters and we all relaxed reminiscing of our adventures over the past 12 days, eventually retiring to our cabins for packing and future planning. What a great southbound expedition through southeast Alaska, British Columbia, and the Pacific Northwest coast of the United States!
