National Geographic Sea Bird cruised quietly in a southerly direction overnight through the various channels of the Inside Passage, protected from wind and waves. As the sky brightened this morning we were able to see a few humpback whales in the area and started identifying birds–black-legged kittiwakes and other gull species, bald eagles, scoters, cormorants, western grebes, common murres, and marbled murrelets. The scenery was spectacular throughout the day, with frequent waterfalls cascading to sea level and magical light for photography.
We passed by the dilapidated buildings of Butedale on Princess Royal Island. The remnants of a salmon cannery can be seen here. Herring oil was rendered year-round. We did not notice much activity there today, although it is still possible to get fuel, supplies, showers, and ice cream.
Boat Bluff lighthouse, a magnificent setting on Sarah Island, was established in 1907. It is the last lighthouse on the British Columbia coast to be staffed by resident keepers.
Bella Bella, also known as Waglisla, is a native town on Campbell Island. It is home to the Heiltsuk people. The navigable channel is quite narrow here.
We passed the day intermittently on the decks and down in the lounge. After dinner David prepared us for our next day’s visit with the Namgis people in Alert Bay as we continue our migration toward Seattle.
