Frederick Sound
For most of us here on board the Sea Bird, our day was destined to be memorable; after all, we awoke in Alaska! The very name conjures up images filled with vast expanses of unspoiled wilderness and spectacular landscapes. And though we often tend to build things up in our minds to the point that our expectations exceed reality, Alaska can still surpass even the loftiest of preconceptions. We certainly arrived with high hopes. Last night the dinner conversations inevitably turned to what everyone most wanted to see or experience here in the northern-most parts of the our nation: some mentioned bears, others wished for whales, a few spoke of the northern lights, still others longed for glaciers and pristine forests. Could all of these hopes possibly be fulfilled in just a week? In Alaska, the answer is most definitely, “Yes!”
Within minutes of our feet hitting the decks this morning, we found ourselves gazing out across the bow at the mesmerizing scenery. A low-lying fog hovered above the still waters of Chatham Strait partly obscuring the spruce and hemlock covered islands beyond. Just ahead of us, Kasnyku Falls spilled off Baranof Island. Behind us, the lofty peaks of the mainland poked out above the clouds. And as we slipped in for a closer inspection, we found a nesting bald eagle intently watching our approach while waiting for its mate to return with food, perhaps one of the salmon we could see leaping from the otherwise still waters of the bay.
The talk of salmon awakened our own hunger, forcing us to reluctantly retreat below decks for breakfast. The words “amazing,” “wow,” and “stunning” floated around the room from table to table, and yet we had only just begun our day. By lunch we were practically running out of superlatives as we had only just finished watching humpback whales cavort about the waters surrounding the ship. We saw breaching whales, lob-tailing whales, feeding whales, rolling whales; even a pair that seemed to wave at us as we watched in complete awe and amazement of their size and power.
We could have easily and contentedly called it a day then and there, but wait, there was still more yet to come! We spent the afternoon kayaking around Pond Island and hiking along its beaver-made waterways. The naturalists who had earlier enlightened us with the abilities and attributes of the eagles and humpbacks easily switched gears to then guide us through the rainforest while sharing information on its many fascinating features and inhabitants.
Yes, this was how we spent our Monday. So, what did you do today?
For most of us here on board the Sea Bird, our day was destined to be memorable; after all, we awoke in Alaska! The very name conjures up images filled with vast expanses of unspoiled wilderness and spectacular landscapes. And though we often tend to build things up in our minds to the point that our expectations exceed reality, Alaska can still surpass even the loftiest of preconceptions. We certainly arrived with high hopes. Last night the dinner conversations inevitably turned to what everyone most wanted to see or experience here in the northern-most parts of the our nation: some mentioned bears, others wished for whales, a few spoke of the northern lights, still others longed for glaciers and pristine forests. Could all of these hopes possibly be fulfilled in just a week? In Alaska, the answer is most definitely, “Yes!”
Within minutes of our feet hitting the decks this morning, we found ourselves gazing out across the bow at the mesmerizing scenery. A low-lying fog hovered above the still waters of Chatham Strait partly obscuring the spruce and hemlock covered islands beyond. Just ahead of us, Kasnyku Falls spilled off Baranof Island. Behind us, the lofty peaks of the mainland poked out above the clouds. And as we slipped in for a closer inspection, we found a nesting bald eagle intently watching our approach while waiting for its mate to return with food, perhaps one of the salmon we could see leaping from the otherwise still waters of the bay.
The talk of salmon awakened our own hunger, forcing us to reluctantly retreat below decks for breakfast. The words “amazing,” “wow,” and “stunning” floated around the room from table to table, and yet we had only just begun our day. By lunch we were practically running out of superlatives as we had only just finished watching humpback whales cavort about the waters surrounding the ship. We saw breaching whales, lob-tailing whales, feeding whales, rolling whales; even a pair that seemed to wave at us as we watched in complete awe and amazement of their size and power.
We could have easily and contentedly called it a day then and there, but wait, there was still more yet to come! We spent the afternoon kayaking around Pond Island and hiking along its beaver-made waterways. The naturalists who had earlier enlightened us with the abilities and attributes of the eagles and humpbacks easily switched gears to then guide us through the rainforest while sharing information on its many fascinating features and inhabitants.
Yes, this was how we spent our Monday. So, what did you do today?
