Gulf Islands, British Columbia
The lights of Victoria’s Inner Harbor were the images we saw as we turned in last night. Leaving the city behind, we sailed approximately forty miles during the night, and awoke to a very different scene. Rocky islands and tempting bays - the small coves and inlets of the Gulf Islands were ours to explore! Anchoring off Saturna Island, many of us joined Sharon or Tom on walks ashore. The local nature couldn’t wait to show itself off – before we even hit the trail, a river otter was spotted at the edge of the landing area. Following the paths winding through the greenery and along the rocky shore, we were treated to great looks of the blooming calypso orchids and chocolate lilies. Kayakers had perfect conditions in which to poke into the coves’ many niches and recesses. Bald eagles and golden eagles soared overhead while the kayakers paddled. Madrone trees, seeming to hang precariously on the rock faces, added to the springtime décor by displaying their white blossoms.
Following a deck lunch back onboard the Sea Lion, we were once again underway, heading north and west, running parallel to long Galiano Island. In the later afternoon, the Zodiacs were lowered for cruises along the shores of Reid Island. Since it was just low tide, it was the perfect time to become acquainted with the intertidal zone. With the help of the naturalists, we were introduced to just a few of the many creatures and seaweeds that exist in the ecosystem between tides (see photo). Piled into the crevices and dangling off the rocks were both purple and orange sea stars, hunting for their next meal. Not to be outdone by the intertidal zone, several male harlequin ducks cruised by, showing off their snazzy black, brown, and white plumage.
Gathered in the lounge this evening during recap (highlighted by Steve’s fun seaweed songs), we appreciated the gifts nature had shared with us throughout the day.
The lights of Victoria’s Inner Harbor were the images we saw as we turned in last night. Leaving the city behind, we sailed approximately forty miles during the night, and awoke to a very different scene. Rocky islands and tempting bays - the small coves and inlets of the Gulf Islands were ours to explore! Anchoring off Saturna Island, many of us joined Sharon or Tom on walks ashore. The local nature couldn’t wait to show itself off – before we even hit the trail, a river otter was spotted at the edge of the landing area. Following the paths winding through the greenery and along the rocky shore, we were treated to great looks of the blooming calypso orchids and chocolate lilies. Kayakers had perfect conditions in which to poke into the coves’ many niches and recesses. Bald eagles and golden eagles soared overhead while the kayakers paddled. Madrone trees, seeming to hang precariously on the rock faces, added to the springtime décor by displaying their white blossoms.
Following a deck lunch back onboard the Sea Lion, we were once again underway, heading north and west, running parallel to long Galiano Island. In the later afternoon, the Zodiacs were lowered for cruises along the shores of Reid Island. Since it was just low tide, it was the perfect time to become acquainted with the intertidal zone. With the help of the naturalists, we were introduced to just a few of the many creatures and seaweeds that exist in the ecosystem between tides (see photo). Piled into the crevices and dangling off the rocks were both purple and orange sea stars, hunting for their next meal. Not to be outdone by the intertidal zone, several male harlequin ducks cruised by, showing off their snazzy black, brown, and white plumage.
Gathered in the lounge this evening during recap (highlighted by Steve’s fun seaweed songs), we appreciated the gifts nature had shared with us throughout the day.
