A serene morning with gentle cloud cover and the movement of mist nestled in-between soft peaks set the tone for our morning explorations at Pond Island. Several guests took the opportunity of the temperate weather to enjoy a peaceful kayak in the bay, circumnavigating the island just beyond our landing site. The clarity of the water offered the added bonus of superb viewing of a collage of tidal life including sea stars, sea anemones, sea kelp, and mussels. Our expedition landing craft took several guests on a leisurely cruise whose sightings included Sitka black tailed deer, humpback whale, and a harbor seal with pup that eyed them warily from their kelp-covered rock.
Those guests who were feeling they would enjoy a bit more of a challenge today, came on the bushwhack hike. The bushwhack is always a stimulating option for those who enjoy the sense of the unknown and the spirit of discovery. A good size group of such intrepid explorers joined our naturalists through the mud, muck, felled trees, and thick bushes to discover a world alight with yellow lily pad flowers, rosy bog laurels, and to the delight of the children of our hike, pink fairy barf lichen (not the scientific name, but aptly suited none the less).
Once everyone was safely aboard from the morning ashore, we were found to be one up on our guest count. Was there possibly a stowaway from a nearby fishing vessel or pirate ship? A quick investigation led to the discovery that our visitor was none other than guest speaker, Dr. Andy Szabo. Dr. Andy has been a longtime friend of Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic, which along with our patrons have been substantial contributors for whale research in Southeast Alaska. In his captivating style with a touch of humor, Dr. Andy gave a fabulous presentation educating our guests about patterns of whale behavior, and how through new endeavors, these captivating creatures and their activities are becoming more understood. He also showed us that there is still much to be discovered.
Our ship weighed anchor as the morning clouds began to part, exposing patches of blue sky as we made way to our afternoon location at Lake Eva. The day continued to brighten as our guests departed once again for those final precious moments in the temperate rain forest of Southeast Alaska. Lake Eva provides a spectacular atmosphere for just this occasion. The green forested hills and gentle river flowing down from Lake Eva, the symphony of birds fluttering in the tree tops, and the soft breeze moving tiny leaves to dance to their rhythms allow us all to take that knowing of harmony into our beings as we breathe in the moment, realizing how precious each one is, and cherishing the delight of the senses.
