Exploring
Our day was full of wildlife experiences that showed the true nature of earning a meal in Alaska. Just as we were ready to partake in a hearty breakfast before exploring a small bay known as Pavlov Harbor, the call came over the public address system that in fact there were two bears on shore. They would the first of our trip thus far. A mother and cub brown bear made their way down to the intertidal area of a river that was flowing during low tide. The sun was very nice on their grizzled brown fur as they shook off the morning dew. After a few minutes the mother decided that there would be better pickings up stream and made their way out of view.
The rest of the morning was enjoyed by those who either kayaked or walked along Pavlov Harbor. Views of eagles, kingfishers, ravens and other birds were had as the paddlers plied the still waters and the walkers learned of the different zones of life from the forests to the shore.
Lunch was devoured onboard as the Sea Bird made her way south a short distance to Basket Bay. A few of us simply enjoyed the beauty of Chatham Straight as we headed to the afternoons adventure.
The plan was simple, take a Zodiac cruise into Basket Bay and spend a little time in the grotto; a fabulous example of waters’ ability to carve and percolate through solid rock. The wildlife had other ideas though. As soon as the boats were launched another bear was sighted - or was it two? A young bear made its way along the shore and into the grotto just as a Zodiac headed in. Amazing views were had as another bear (pictured) ambled along the same shore enjoying rye grass as an afternoon treat. These two young bears may be related as they looked to be the same size and age. Once back aboard we warmed up and fueled up with a few snacks and learned which plants were edible from Dr. William Lopez-Forment during a presentation on Botany.
Some cruise time later and just as we were ready to have hors d’oeuvres, the Captain called down to announce that there were whales ahead. These whales were having their dinner of herring or some other small fish by lunge-feeding at the surface. Their great pleats expanded with water at the surface. A few others formed bubblenets to corral fish into groupings for easy gulping. Without delaying dinner too long we broke away from the sea feast to have one of our own; salmon or pork loin.
What a day to try and keep satiated!
Our day was full of wildlife experiences that showed the true nature of earning a meal in Alaska. Just as we were ready to partake in a hearty breakfast before exploring a small bay known as Pavlov Harbor, the call came over the public address system that in fact there were two bears on shore. They would the first of our trip thus far. A mother and cub brown bear made their way down to the intertidal area of a river that was flowing during low tide. The sun was very nice on their grizzled brown fur as they shook off the morning dew. After a few minutes the mother decided that there would be better pickings up stream and made their way out of view.
The rest of the morning was enjoyed by those who either kayaked or walked along Pavlov Harbor. Views of eagles, kingfishers, ravens and other birds were had as the paddlers plied the still waters and the walkers learned of the different zones of life from the forests to the shore.
Lunch was devoured onboard as the Sea Bird made her way south a short distance to Basket Bay. A few of us simply enjoyed the beauty of Chatham Straight as we headed to the afternoons adventure.
The plan was simple, take a Zodiac cruise into Basket Bay and spend a little time in the grotto; a fabulous example of waters’ ability to carve and percolate through solid rock. The wildlife had other ideas though. As soon as the boats were launched another bear was sighted - or was it two? A young bear made its way along the shore and into the grotto just as a Zodiac headed in. Amazing views were had as another bear (pictured) ambled along the same shore enjoying rye grass as an afternoon treat. These two young bears may be related as they looked to be the same size and age. Once back aboard we warmed up and fueled up with a few snacks and learned which plants were edible from Dr. William Lopez-Forment during a presentation on Botany.
Some cruise time later and just as we were ready to have hors d’oeuvres, the Captain called down to announce that there were whales ahead. These whales were having their dinner of herring or some other small fish by lunge-feeding at the surface. Their great pleats expanded with water at the surface. A few others formed bubblenets to corral fish into groupings for easy gulping. Without delaying dinner too long we broke away from the sea feast to have one of our own; salmon or pork loin.
What a day to try and keep satiated!
