Kitasoo/Xaixais First Nation Territory, 9/15/2023, National Geographic Venture
Aboard the
National Geographic Venture
Alaska
Cruising through the territory of the Kitasoo/Xaixais First Nation People, National Geographic Venture anchored in a bay to prepare for an exciting day. The morning was chock full of activities with kayaking, Zodiac cruising, multiple hike options, and presentations by naturalists Lee Moll and Zoey Greenberg.
In the evening we cruised up to a roaring waterfall while taking in the magnificent views of the surrounding landscape. Low-lying clouds snaked through the mountainside that was covered in lush temperate rainforest, British Columbia’s highlight ecosystem.
Emily proudly grew up in the state of Michigan, doing whatever she could to experience and get to know our natural world. She carries a degree in zoology and public policy and worked in an agroecology lab throughout her time in school. Discovering th...
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Our last day in the Great Bear Rainforest proved to be one full of excitement, education, and awe. After dropping anchor in the idyllic glacial fjord of Green Inlet, we set out to explore the rocky shoreline and forested granitic fjord walls. The dense fog gradually turned into a wispy mist, which exposed different peaks and valleys of the forest as it moved through. We took turns kayaking through a delightful cove that was loaded with ochre sea stars, rockweed, and blue mussels so thick and dense that the rock they were attached to was hardly visible between them. A river otter scurried along the shore and bald eagles soared above us. From the Zodiacs we visited nearly a dozen thunderous waterfalls that were running hard and fast from the heavy overnight rains. We observed harbor seals observing us back; they were quietly periscoping their furry heads up and out of the water as we approached the rapids where they were hunting salmon making their final journeys upriver to spawn. Upon our return to National Geographic Venture , expedition diver Nick Brown shared his extensive underwater video footage from the area. His presentation was interrupted, of course, by whale sightings, which we rushed onto the bow to appreciate.
We awoke this morning to a gentle roll aboard National Geographic Venture , signaling our egress from the labyrinth of glacial fjords we traversed in days past. Today our destination was Gribbell Island; we previously sailed past this island and have been eager to return to explore. The island hosts abundant salmon runs which support significant bear populations; it is off the beaten path for all but a handful of adventurous travelers like us, making it an exceptional location to catch a glimpse of both. We headed to shore clad in rain gear, eager to meet our First Nations guides. They led us on a short hike through the dense alder-dominated forest to a series of river viewing platforms, where we were treated to not one, not two, but at least three bears catching salmon in the river. What a treat! Thanks to a generous arrangement, we were able to spend the entire day safely observing these incredible animals without interference. Meanwhile, playful young humpback whales kept close to the ship throughout the entire day, breaching and tail-lobbing all around us as we lay hove to. It’s been another incredible day in the Great Bear Rainforest!
Overnight, National Geographic Venture navigated to our next destination inside the traditional territory of the Haisla First Nation. Entering the quiet, pristine waters of a protected cove gave us a wonderful opportunity to observe various waterfowl on the extensive mudflats. As we hopscotched from cove to cove, we passed numerous waterfalls seemingly cascading from the hanging clouds above. The afternoon offered numerous opportunities to immerse ourselves in the lush green old-growth temperate rainforest of British Columbia. Long hikes through rugged narrow valleys offered guests an exploratory adventure, while Zodiac and kayak tours through active salmon streams enabled those preferring a more tranquil experience to explore these areas in depth. During dinner, there were nothing but smiles as guests shared stories of the day’s adventures. It truly was a gratifying day inside the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia.
