This morning was the first day our group got to experience the infamous Southeast Alaskan weather. After almost a full week of sun it was a little unsettling to view the rain through the dining hall window. No matter though, we had all come prepared to be pitted against the elements. Besides, by the time we ventured forth the rain had settled into a light mist that only added atmosphere to our mourning activities. Even the kayakers were not deterred and set out for one final paddle under the watch full eyes of a pair of bald eagles. This would be our final day of exploration and we were not about to let a little mist stand in the way.
After dividing into groups we headed up the path that lead us along the river, all of us thinking of the pre-walk discussion of the brown bears that come to this place every year in order to feast on the abundant salmon that choke the rapids below the falls. Unfortunately, we were still a little too early for the annual salmon run. Still, the bear scat that littered the trail was a good reminder that the bruins came to the site to check themselves.
After a short distance we reach an obstacle not just for ourselves, but also for the fish that come each year to spawn, the waterfall. A fish ladder had been placed there to aid the fish; we on the other hand had to scramble up the rocks to continue our walk along the water’s edge. After this rather slippery climb, we entered the forest for a while and then reached an opening to a quiet lake ringed by tall grasses. A beaver had gnawed several trees nearby and used the logs to construct a lakeside lodge.
Departing Pavlof Harbor after lunch, we continued south in Chatham Strait then headed west into Peril Strait heading for our destination of Sitka on the west side of Baranof Island. Along the way the Sea Bird tucked into a narrow inlet where we shared a peek-a-boo view of a brown bear, foraging in a meadow along a small stream.
Another full day and our last on the Sea Bird, we settled into the evening sharing the guest slideshow, our memories of the week and a moving recitation of Robert Service’s poem The Cremation of Sam McGee from our naturalist and Alaskan, Steve Maclean.
