Misty Fjord, Alaska, 5/8/2017, National Geographic Sea Lion
Aboard the
National Geographic Sea Lion
Alaska
It would be hard to fathom a grander setting for our return back into the United States of America than the Misty Fjords National Monument. Dry or wet, clear or overcast, this special corner of the world intractably imbues all who visit with a sense of pure wonder. The glacially carved granite walls towering above on all sides, the gentle wisps of cloud cover nestled into the treetops and the serene, stillness that permeates every moment; all of it welcoming us to Alaska.
One steady constant in Ian’s life has been the ocean. Born by the rocky shores of mid-coast Maine, his family repatriated to far north Queensland in Australia early on in his life where he became a dual-citizen and sparked his passion for exploring n...
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What a beautiful way to spend the last day of this remarkable journey from Sitka to Vancouver. We awoke to the glassy, calm waters of Desolation Sound, part of British Columbia’s beautiful fjord system, for hikes, kayaking, and Zodiac cruises. The afternoon was spent frantically packing since we have really settled into our life on board over the last 15 days!
The morning aboard National Geographic Sea Lion brought serene cruising through the islands off Alert Bay. We were privileged to encounter local cetaceans and spend our afternoon deepening our cultural connections. A heartfelt thank you to the U’Mista Museum and Cultural Centre, wood carver Wayne Alfred, and the T’sasala Cultural Group for enriching our expedition with their art and heritage.
We awoke this morning in the calm protected waters of the Inside Passage in British Columbia. These narrow passages are protected by the numerous islands buttressing the wild coastline; we quietly passed through the misty temperate rainforest on these rich marine channels as the eagles, gulls, shorebirds, and waterfowl barely acknowledged our intrusion. Our morning aboard, however, was busy with a variety of activities and presentations, interspersed with time to soak in the mysterious misty landscape. In the afternoon we had tours in our expedition landing craft through the Jackson Narrows Marine Reserve, where small streams poured out of the dark, green forest. Cedars, hemlocks, spruces and alders overhung the banks, the lush verdant growth starkly clinging in a thin organic layer to the exposed gray granodiorite rocks. The presence of numerous bald eagles and glaucous-winged gulls gave away the presence of spawning salmon in the narrow creek mouths. The brown-stained waters emphasized the intimate connection of the forest and the marine landscape surrounding us.
