Kelp Bay, Baranof Island
One of the most exciting things about Southeast Alaska is its potential for surprise. We certainly experienced that this morning upon entering Kelp Bay. Just before 6:00am, we began to see blows in the distance, scattered along the broken coastline of Baranof Island. We proceeded slowly, enjoying the calm quiet of the morning. Many humpback whales surfaced repeatedly, in-between terminal dives. One particular individual, a bit more alert than we ourselves at the early hour, entertained us with repeated slaps of its pectoral flippers on the water’s surface. We were surprised and delighted by another whale’s interest in our ship, when it surfaced several yards off our bow.
Pond Island is situated near the southeastern shore of Kelp Bay, and boasts wonderful, rocky coastline. We took our Zodiacs ashore and paddled the waters along the island, enjoying multitudes of murrelets and fishing bald eagles. Our one-way kayak excursion deposited us on an unfamiliar shore, but we were quickly reunited with our floating home. A few of our party spent the morning climbing into the canopy of the forest, while others observed more whales from the platform of a Zodiac.
The stunning weather allowed for an outdoor barbecue on deck and we were loath to return to the shade of the ship. Our bunks called, however, and many of us enjoyed an early afternoon siesta. As we rested, a dark shape was moving through the grasses and sedges at the head of Kelp Bay’s South Arm. This being Baranof Island, it was quickly determined that we were in the presence of a coastal brown bear. We watched from a distance, binoculars trained forward, until it disappeared into the tall green.
We took our Zodiacs partway up a small river, disembarking along the shores of its sandy bank. After a short exploration of the grassy plain, we discovered another young brown bear (or perhaps the same one!) grazing in the deep foliage. Everyone paused for a good look as the bear graciously allowed us to watch as it enjoyed its evening forage.
Departing Kelp Bay, we were once again saluted by humpback pectoral fins, as we continued up and out into Chatham Strait. Enjoying a day of variable wildlife, we adjourned to the dining room to begin our own evening foraging.
