We awoke to beautiful grey clouds overhead as we entered Hanus Bay. After a hearty breakfast we loaded into our boats and headed ashore for our morning adventure. With an extreme low tide we had to hike to the start of our hikes. With so much of the intertidal zone exposed we felt as if we were walking through the undersea world. Sea stars, anemones, and a variable buffet of shells decorated the exposed shoreline. The Lake Eva trail is a wonderful improved trail through some of the most stunning forest we have seen so far. Salmon filled the stream that bubbled alongside the trail and the long and energetic hikers found Lake Eva and a small stand of old growth trees that have escaped the wrath of chainsaw wielding loggers. A beaver was spotted swimming in the cold lake waters while a family of river otters worked the shoreline. It was a spectacular morning spent exploring this remote coastline.
After lunch the captain pointed the ship south and we cruised through the Chatham Strait in search of whales. Berit tickled our brains with a fascinating talk on salmon, which was timely given the vast numbers of salmon we saw in the river this morning. As we approached Frederick Sounds, the call went out over the PA system, "Whales ahead!" Whales indeed. Humpback whales were everywhere! Everywhere we looked, surrounding the ship where so many humpback whales we could not count them all. Lunging, breeching, showing flukes, breathing, and diving; we saw it all. Everyone braved the drizzling rain to witness this incredible scene, and all were left in awe of the giant creatures plying these rich waters in search of krill. Recap was skipped and dinner was pushed back so that we could savor a few minutes more with these whales. It was spectacular. It was humbling, and it was something we will not soon forget.
After dinner our undersea specialist showed us some footage of a dive he did last night. It was surprising to see all of the colors and wonderful creatures in the waters below our feet. Berit follow Colin with some plankton she collected while we were with the whales. It was interesting to find out about the many small creatures that sustain these giant whales.
Everyone headed off to bed exhausted from an exhilarating day. New adventures will arrive with the new day.
