At 5:20 a.m. our expedition leader woke those aboard National Geographic Sea Bird for our fourth killer whale sighting during this week-long trip. We were cruising in Chatham strait between Chichagof and Admiralty Islands. Light filtered through clouds over Admiralty Island as the sun rose in the east. Chatham Strait, a deep and wide fjord, was fairly calm this morning, which had allowed those on the bridge of Sea Bird to spot this very large group of killer whales.
Shortly after John’s early wake-up call many sleepy guests, staff, and crew were on the bow. We all learned quickly that patience would be quite necessary to gain better looks and images of this very large group of killer whales. It was estimated that over 30 animals were frolicking about in Chatham Strait. Killer whale sex was on the minds of these graceful, curious, and playful animals! As we watched, our captain maneuvered Sea Bird expertly into a waiting pattern that allowed the animals to continue their antics while we watched, photographed, and drifted slowly in the current. Eventually the killer whales rose to the surface in a chorus line just off of the starboard bow of National Geographic Sea Bird....again and again! All we had to do was be patient and in extraordinary light a line of very happy marine mammals cruised by, gave us a tail slap, a roll, and generally allowed their own curiosity to take a look at a very happy group of human beings watching their morning activities.
Returning to the lounge many of us sat, stared at the clock…which read 6:10 a.m.! Oh my god! We all felt like we had been up for ten hours, not two! Morning light continued to filter through clouds, on water and into the windows of National Geographic Sea Bird as she slowly made her way towards our morning destination of Pavlov Harbor. Located on the northeast corner of Chichagof Island this well protected harbor, once a summer campsite for the Tlingit people was quiet. The sounds of bald eagles, smaller forest birds, and the warmth of spring sunshine greeted everyone who came ashore. Bushwack, long, medium, and short hikes were all available for every intrepid hiker who jumped from an arriving landing craft. Into the forest, along the river, through the meadow, around the knoll or not…each group enjoyed the glorious time in a forest of large trees, undergrowth, and spring wild flowers common to salmon rivers throughout Southeast Alaska.
All too soon all hiking groups returned to the beach and a short ride to our waiting lunch and an afternoon relaxing on board while we cruised back into Chatham Strait, Peril Strait, and into the narrow waterway of Sergus Narrows. The sun was moving slowly towards sunset accenting the gray on gray with shades of dark green that decorated the narrow waterways. An unbelievable trip of both wildlife, late spring flowers, and the joy of May in Southeast Alaska…a world discovered, a world visited, and a world that gave both gifts and memories.
