The day started with a hazy drizzle, but excitement hung in the air on National Geographic Sea Lion. As the guests arrived on shore in Haines, Alaska, they were whisked off to a variety of adventures. Some went to summit Mount Riley, some tried their hand at fly fishing, and others journeyed down the Chilkat River to a Tlingit cultural experience at Klukwan Village. We saw all kinds of wildlife from bald eagles to salmon to a brown bear sow and her two cubs. We also explored other local points of interest such as the Hammer Museum, the Sheldon Museum, and the American Bald Eagle Foundation. A few of us even tried a spruce-tipped beverage or two at the Haines Brewery and at Chilkoot Port Distillery. It was a well-deserved happy hour after an intense day of exploration in Haines.
7/22/2024
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Sitka Sound
Early risers aboard National Geographic Sea Lion were treated to a stellar show of humpback whales this morning as we made our way south down the mountain-studded coast of Baranof Island. The long, lazy swell that lulled us to sleep overnight contrasted spectacularly with the fast breaches, tail slaps, and fluking displays that surrounded us as we rounded Cape Edgecumbe and entered Sitka Sound. Sea otters and fishing boats galore greeted us as we slipped into the calm waters of the sound, bound for Magoun Islands State Marine Park for an afternoon of Zodiac cruising and hiking. The hikers found ample evidence of recent bear presence in the form of fresh scat and tracks, but no bears were to be found. Most of us were quite relieved not to surprise a bear! The Zodiac cruisers were treated to gorgeous intertidal habitats littered with mussels, barnacles, sea stars, and clams. After warming up a bit at lunch, a record thirty-one brave souls jumped into the frigid waters for our polar plunge! As we arrived in Sitka this evening, we admired the snow-capped mountain tops normally shrouded in mist. Steller sea lions cavorting around the dock served as reminders of our adventures.
