Morning aboard National Geographic Sea Lion started with us pulling into an anchorage right outside Haines, Alaska. To start the day’s activities, guests were shuttled to the dock to explore this quaint Alaskan town and meet their local guides for various activities. With choices ranging from a bicycle tour, fly fishing, hiking Mount Riley, and floating down the Chilkat River, there was something for everyone. As we packed up for the day, lunches were distributed so everyone could optimize their time in Haines or even stop at the local brewery. Returning in waves, everyone was back on board for a lovely dinner prepared by head chef Neal Skannes and his galley team. After dinner, naturalist and photo instructor Eric Guth presented on glaciers with, “The Life of a Snowflake.” While listening to Eric’s presentation, guests enjoyed sweet chocolate mousse, the perfect ending to an even sweeter day.
9/4/2024
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Haines, Alaska
After spending the past two days exploring the remote reaches and corners of Chichagof Island, it was time for a day of adventure in one of our favorite Alaskan small towns. Haines straddles a unique peninsula that juts out into the Lynn Canal and is framed by exquisite mountain ranges and dynamic tidal flats. The choices for guest excursions in Haines are abundant and diverse; rafting and visiting a tribal village, fly fishing, hiking the highest peak in the area, going on a guided bike tour, or free time to explore town with its many museums and unique shops. There are no poor choices when it comes to deciding what to do for the day. Brown bears, dolly varden, sockeye salmon, harbor seals, bald eagles, banana slugs the size of real bananas, and plenty of other endemic flora and fauna were sighted by guests throughout the day. And of course, what better way to celebrate a successful day in Haines than a glorious bottomless crab feast back onboard National Geographic Sea Lion ? We rounded out the evening with a lively and spirited round of trivia in the lounge, which is always a smashing hit, with tonight being no exception!