Our last day in Alaska began with blue skies above us and soft grey mist threading through the forests on the low islands close on either side. As the National Geographic Sea Lion made her way north into the Behm Canal—a natural waterway that leads into the heart of Misty Fjords—the remarkable 230-foot pinnacle of New Eddystone Rock slowly appeared in the blue dawn light ahead. We gathered on the bow and watched as the rising sun began to illuminate the hills on the west side of the water, waiting to see if the sun would fall on the rock spire by the time we arrived. Our timing was perfect! Just as we drew close the first rays struck the tip of the pinnacle and while Captain Nettles maneuvered the ship in a slow circumnavigation of the rock the golden sunlight spilled down over it and allowed us an amazing choice of shots.
After leaving this dramatic scene we enjoyed a delicious brunch and cruised on into Rudyerd Bay. This small spectacular fiord penetrates deep into the granite heart of the Coast Range, scenery that was reminiscent of Tracy Arm but on an even more intimate scale. Photographers boarded expedition landing crafts and cruised ahead of the ship, positioning us perfectly to shoot portraits of the National Geographic Sea Lion as she came through Owl Pass, a narrow channel guarded by twin granite arches.
After anchoring in the wide still waters of the cul-de-sac hidden beyond the pass we spent the rest of the afternoon exploring in kayaks and expedition landing crafts, paddling close to lovely little waterfalls and making our way up into the mouth of a small river where chum salmon were spawning. As a finale, just before leaving the beautiful end of the fjord, several of the heartiest among us leapt into the chilly waters and had a brief swim. Back on board we dug into a robust afternoon snack, made a visit to the soaring granite walls of Punchbowl Cove, and came out into the Behm Canal once more, bound for Canada.
