We awoke early this morning to the soft sounds of Stephanie’s voice over the PA system urging us out on deck to see some very playful humpback whales. The wind was up and a vibrant energy filled the air. Humpback whales were spouting all around us and several were leaping high out of the water as if to celebrate the beginning of another wonderful day.
The red hillside of Red Bluff Bay stood out in stark contrast to the deep green of the surrounding forest. Peridotite is found throughout the rocks here and creates the distinctive color. Sailing into the bay was like sailing into a different world. The narrow waterway and steep cliffs on each side, lit by the early morning sun, were a welcome reprieve from the strong breezes of the open channel. Eagles dotted the trees while jellyfish filled the waters beneath our ship.
Near the end of the bay we found a steep waterfall cascading into the bay. One of our naturalists, Marca, showed us that if you stare at the moving water for a few seconds and then look at the trees, the trees seem as if they are floating up into the air. Everyone enjoyed this interesting optical illusion.
Once back into the strait, we turned north and sailed along the coastline towards our afternoon destination. The officers on watch did a great job of sailing near the shore, so that we could scour the tree line in search of wildlife. Around 10:30 the ship slowed and we took on a visitor. Dr. Andy Szabo, a prominent whale researcher and founder of the Alaska Whale Foundation, came aboard to give us a fascinating talk on whales. The depth of his knowledge and his easygoing nature captivated us throughout his presentation. After answering our many questions, he set off in his skiff to continue his research.
Lake Eva is a picturesque bay with salmon streams and rocky outcrops that begged for exploration. Most of the group tried their hand at kayaking for the first time this voyage. The calm waters allowed us to cruise the shoreline and delve into the small streams behind our landing.
Not long after the hikers set off, the word went out that they had spotted a brown bear sow with her cub near the river. The sow quickly caught a fish for her cub and soon found another for herself. Clearly she was an expert at fishing. This was our first bear sighting and most of us were able to get some wonderful pictures of these two bruins as they wolfed down their fresh salmon.
Once we returned to the ship, our undersea specialist, Colin, went for a dive with his buddies, Chief Mate Billy O’Brien, and Assistant Engineer Israel Gibbons. As they prepared for their dive, Colin showed all of the dive gear and equipment they use to a group interested divers.
The evening was capped off with a wonderful dinner in the dinning room for the adults, while the younger explorers enjoyed pizza and a movie in the lounge. Oh, to be a kid again…
David finished the evening with a fascinating talk on wildlife in indigenous art. What a fine ending to another incredible day in Southeast Alaska.
