Obscured by light clouds, sunrise found the National Geographic Sea Lion and her passengers in Kelp Bay, just off the cost of Baranof Island. Guest who had woken up early and went to the forward deck were treated to a view of two humpback whales who went to the forward deck were rewarded by the blows of two humpback whales spouting as they that lazily cruised through the calm morning waters making shallow dives to feed on krill.
After a short expedition landing craft ride to Pond Island, some of us went for a peaceful kayak about the bay, where we were greeted by a few harbor seals. The brisk morning air and exercise re-awoke the paddlers’ senses. A second group of guest took off with cameras in hand to learn how to better capture the essence of the moment through photography.
A third group of guests began their morning with a hike along a small estuary, which prompted a short discussion on the role of estuaries in the evolution of life. The hikers found brown bear scat and root diggings which started a lively discussion about bear biology. As they hiked and followed the estuary upstream, guest soon arrived at a beaver dam which slowed the snowmelt and spring water that enabled a rich wetland of lilies, algae, heathers and forest. Further discussion ensued about community succession and the role of wetlands in Alaska’s biodiversity. The upstream hike concluded near a lichen-covered forest which allowed a discussion of symbiotic relationships. After a few hours of activity, guests switched places and the previous activities began anew.
After a delicious lunch aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion, guests were treated to a presentation by Dr. Andy Zsabo, Director of the Alaskan Whale Foundation. Andy shared his 20 years of research and explained how humpback whales are continuing to grow in population in Southeast Alaska. He taught us about the migration challenges of humpbacks, the recent documentation of other whale species in Southeast Alaska, and the challenges fishermen face in terms of whales harvesting the fish that fisherman were harvesting.
In the placid waters of Takatz Bay, guests were able to stand-up paddleboard. This is a new offering from Lindblad Expeditions in Alaska where you stand and paddle on a surfboard-like structure. About 15 of our guests took advantage of this new opportunity in the beautiful bay that’s dotted with waterfalls.
In the evening we enjoyed a presentation by photo instructor Brenda Tharp where she showed us how to take quality photos using an iPhone or smartphone. We rounded off the day with whale watching in Chatham Strait on way to Ionian Islands
