Bears, bears, bears. Bears were the order of the day. We awoke to the soft sounds of Lee’s voice calling us up on deck to view the brown bears on shore. As we stumbled to the railing, searching for the elusive bears, we suddenly found ourselves getting wet. What was this foreign stuff falling from the heavens? On our last day aboard, we finally enjoyed our first taste of the liquid sunshine for which southeast Alaska is known.
After breakfast, the staff boarded our expedition landing craft to explore the landing in Stikoh Bay. After thorough assessment, Lee decided that our time would be better spent cruising the shoreline in our expedition landing craft. Taking advantage of this great opportunity, we piled into the boats and explored the calm bay while the captain sailed the ship around to the next cove. Starfish and anemones dotted the waterline, while lion’s mane jellies drifted through the still waters. Several boats spotted a river otter and we all photographed the many bald eagles along our route. We drifted past the remains of a salmon cannery that lay derelict, serving as a stoic reminder of times past.
After lunch we once again set foot ashore; this time at Eva Lake in Hanus Bay. The hikers strolled through the thick forest while their naturalists extolled the virtues of salmon berries while avoiding the Indian hell bore. Spring had finally sprung and green was the color of the day. Andy’s group found several red squirrel middens in a thick stand of Sitka spruce.
As the hikers returned to the National Geographic Sea Bird, our undersea specialist, Colin, and second mate, Chris, were entering the water for a “Live Dive.” With his camera wired, and using a specially designed mask, Colin described the dive in real time. Everyone on the ship was able to witness what life underwater in southeast Alaska was all about, complete with the accompaniment of Colin’s bubbles.
For our dessert, and a fitting ending to a wonderful day and spectacular voyage, we were again treated to the site of several brown bears on shore. Many of us lingered late into the night telling tales, exchanging addresses, and dreaming of more adventures to come. Sitka and travels home were in store tomorrow, but the evening was dedicated to reveling in the fantastic voyage, great friendships formed, and memories that will remain with us for a lifetime.
