A note from the ship…
As dawn broke, Captain Carter raised from the seabed the large piece of galvanized jewelry that I occasionally wear when we all just need to rest. My new friends were up early this morning. I could feel them strolling around my weather decks with anticipation and excitement. I was so excited when my dutiful second mate directed me towards the shores for my guests to get a close-up view of a brown bear (scientific name). The positive energy was coursing through my floorboards and radiated deep into my engine room. My draft became a little shallower and my load a little lighter as each guest stepped off the fantail and onto the brigade of Zodiacs. Off they went, rushing up Tracy Arm to enjoy views of the face of South Sawyer Glacier. Though I am too vast to navigate the fjord filled with large icebergs, I can always depend on my petite companions to escort all the ice admirers as far as the glacier allows. As the adventurous guests made their way back to me, I felt an overwhelming wave of awe and a respect for nature return with them.
An afternoon of cruising brought with it countless vibrations of whale communications beneath me, the sounds of the whales rebounding off my metallic skin. We’ve never spoken the same language, but being around the humpback whales of Southeast Alaska always fills my haul with joy. We took advantage of every moment we could, spending all afternoon enjoying each other’s presence. It’s like meeting up with an old friend after being on a long voyage. I am so glad I have a group of excited nature explorers aboard my humble home to introduce to my old friends, the whales. The next task my crew has asked of me is no easy feat. The journey to Haines is a long one but I, National Geographic Sea Lion, was built to do this, and I shall keep on exploring until my fuel tanks run dry!
Photo caption and credit: Lindblad Expeditions guest John peers through a piece of glacial ice, known as brash ice, classified by its size of smaller than one foot tall. Photo by Kelly Morgan
