In the early hours of the day, we began by cruising around Chatham Strait. Dropping the hook in Freshwater Bay around breakfast time, the ship prepared for our ventures into Pavlof Harbor. Guests boarded the expedition landing craft with enthusiasm, ready to explore both on hikes and in the still water of the low tide with their kayaks.
The hikes headed in, revealing the fruit of weeks of sunshine in the blooming wildflowers. Curving round the corner, the waterfall came into view, complete with a man-made salmon ladder to aid the fish on their epic journey up into the lake above. Along the trail, guests experienced a beaver lodge full of small alders built up to make a home. There was sign of marmot, Sitka black-tailed deer, and even salmon smolt swimming about in the shallows. Heading deeper in, we ran into some slime mold, saprophytic orchids, and some impressive squirrel middens. Breaking free of the forest, we came into the tall grass of the marsh that surrounded the lake, and as the clouds moved, they lent us a view of the surrounding mountains – a vision that could silence any conversation.
Finishing up our morning on land, many guests chose to take part in the brave act of an “Alaskan Plunge.” Donning all manner of swim wear, guests jumped off the stern of National Geographic Sea Lion. Splashing and laughing, they found the water to be fine, if not very warm, and some brave souls even chose to jump in several times.
Warming up with some hot soup and a hearty lunch, we set off to explore Chatham Strait for whatever wildlife chose to present itself to us. We found some humpback whales meandering, as well as some bears perusing along the beach, in search of the food that the low tide offers.
It was a grand day, which tied a ribbon on an even grander week. We have experienced much, and all know Alaska and its wilderness that much better for having been here.
