It was a day in paradise, Southeast Alaska style. After record-breaking downpours last week, we were utterly spoiled to wake up to crystal clear skies, tendrils of low fog, and a glorious sunrise. A few humpbacks were spotted in the distance as we steamed to our anchorage in Pavlof Harbor.
Our first land excursion took us ashore to walk through the temperate rain forest to a waterfall. A late salmon run had a few fish swimming upstream, and we waited patiently for brown bears to make an appearance for lunch. Our waiting, however, did not produce the desired bears, and we enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the forest and along the beach. Kayakers paddled on blue waters, and zodiac riders zipped around the small bay.
After lunch, however, we had an epic wildlife experience. A group of fourteen humpback whales were found bubble-net feeding, giving us the wildlife viewing of a lifetime. Creating curtains of bubbles to herd small fish into a small area, the feeding group rushed to the surface through the bubbles, mouths open, to gulp down tons of fish. We dropped a hydrophone into the water to listen to the feeding call sent out just before the whales head to the surface. We finally had to tear ourselves away from the whales and headed north up Chatham Strait.
The afternoon was beautiful, clear, sunny, and warm. Our photo instructor Sharon Grainger gave a presentation on digital photography, and everyone enjoyed a hands-on breakout session afterwards. During dinner, we picked up our Glacier Bay National Park ranger and Tlingit cultural interpreter as a stunning sunset glowed over the Fairweather Mountains. Tonight we cross into the park at midnight, and anticipate a beautiful day tomorrow.
