Cruising and Pavlov Harbor
Daily Expedition reports generally represent the events of our first full day of expedition. Today, it was almost impossible not to start from our embarkation day in Sitka. As a general rule, we embark and sail out of the port shortly before dinner. Yesterday the sun was bright and warm as we left the Sitka dock, we were extremely lucky to see our first bubble netting humpback whales, just outside the harbor! Two humpbacks would continuously blow bubbles and as the frantic fish struggled to escape the tubular bubble net by jumping out to the surface. We literally had embarked a few minutes before, and here we were, witnessing one of the most dramatic and unique behaviors of the giants of the deep.
This morning we woke up at a very scenic bay, with mirror-calm waters. Saook Bay is located on Baranof Island, along Peril Strait. We admired the beauty of the reflections of the forest and a commercial crabbing boat, before heading out to sail in search for wildlife. The conditions were ideal and the warm air and bright sunshine made this place seem a tropical setting and not the shorelines of Southeast Alaska. Searching with binoculars along the shoreline, we found the first brown bears of the journey. A mother and two of her cubs were enjoying the sunshine and most likely feeding on the grasses and sedges of the beach. Judging by the size of the two smaller cubs, this is probably their second year of life, and they still enjoy the attention of their protective mother. We watched these bears from the ship’s bow for a good amount of time. We moved on and saw a few humpback whales and distant Dall’s porpoises splashing on the surface.
Pavlov Harbor is located in Freshwater Bay, and this is where we enjoyed our afternoon activities. We hiked through bear trails into Chichagof Island, and discovered the magic of the temperate rain forest. We kayaked through its calm waters and realized how lucky we were to be here.
As these words are being written, and everyone is enjoying dinner, seven or so humpback whales emerged not too far from our windows. What a show, what a place, what a great privilege!
