Chatham Strait and Kelp Bay
When asked to describe today in just one word, here are just a few of the responses offered: “thrilling,” “ massive,” “ flukes,” “wonderful,” and “magical.” What could have happened today to cause such intense reactions?
Waking up in Red Bluff Bay was certainly magnificent. The early morning light shone brightly on the ultra-mafic rock formations. Exiting the bay, we made our way into the productive waters of Chatham Strait. We headed towards Yasha Island in the hopes of spotting humpback whales. The conditions could not have been better – clear skies, the slightest of breezes, and calm waters. By mid-morning, though, we had not spotted one whale blow, so Expedition Leader Trip used a classic tactic: he announced a geology lecture. Just as we had made our way below decks to the lounge for David’s presentation, the call for whales was made – almost as if on cue!
Gathered on the bow, it seemed as if humpback whales surrounded us. Their blows hung suspended in the air, catching the rays of the sun, creating “rain-blows.” Over and over, we watched as these whales surfaced and fluked, behaviors indicative of feeding activity. National Geographic Expedition’s expert Kim Heacox offered advice on how to frame these majestic creatures in a camera lens, suggesting ways to best capture the glistening water as it sluiced off the arching flukes. One whale passed so close to the Sea Bird that those on the bow were anointed with whale breath from its exhalation!
The best was still to come, though…thanks to the ideal conditions, the call was made to lower the Zodiacs! Not only did we have the chance to observe the humpbacks from the ship, now we had the opportunity to watch them from an even closer viewpoint. For the remainder of the morning, we were allowed amazing looks at these giant creatures. If we thought these whales were big as we gazed upon them from the bow, imagine our awe as they exhaled and dove all around the Zodiacs! What an incredible morning!
Of course, our adventures did not end with the morning’s excitement. Following lunch, we gathered once again in the lounge for David’s (belated) geology talk. As the talk concluded, the Sea Bird anchored in Kelp Bay, setting us up for an afternoon of exploring at Pond Island. Walks through the forest, beaver dams, and paddling along the shoreline provided a perfect ending to our fantastic experiences today in Chatham Strait!
When asked to describe today in just one word, here are just a few of the responses offered: “thrilling,” “ massive,” “ flukes,” “wonderful,” and “magical.” What could have happened today to cause such intense reactions?
Waking up in Red Bluff Bay was certainly magnificent. The early morning light shone brightly on the ultra-mafic rock formations. Exiting the bay, we made our way into the productive waters of Chatham Strait. We headed towards Yasha Island in the hopes of spotting humpback whales. The conditions could not have been better – clear skies, the slightest of breezes, and calm waters. By mid-morning, though, we had not spotted one whale blow, so Expedition Leader Trip used a classic tactic: he announced a geology lecture. Just as we had made our way below decks to the lounge for David’s presentation, the call for whales was made – almost as if on cue!
Gathered on the bow, it seemed as if humpback whales surrounded us. Their blows hung suspended in the air, catching the rays of the sun, creating “rain-blows.” Over and over, we watched as these whales surfaced and fluked, behaviors indicative of feeding activity. National Geographic Expedition’s expert Kim Heacox offered advice on how to frame these majestic creatures in a camera lens, suggesting ways to best capture the glistening water as it sluiced off the arching flukes. One whale passed so close to the Sea Bird that those on the bow were anointed with whale breath from its exhalation!
The best was still to come, though…thanks to the ideal conditions, the call was made to lower the Zodiacs! Not only did we have the chance to observe the humpbacks from the ship, now we had the opportunity to watch them from an even closer viewpoint. For the remainder of the morning, we were allowed amazing looks at these giant creatures. If we thought these whales were big as we gazed upon them from the bow, imagine our awe as they exhaled and dove all around the Zodiacs! What an incredible morning!
Of course, our adventures did not end with the morning’s excitement. Following lunch, we gathered once again in the lounge for David’s (belated) geology talk. As the talk concluded, the Sea Bird anchored in Kelp Bay, setting us up for an afternoon of exploring at Pond Island. Walks through the forest, beaver dams, and paddling along the shoreline provided a perfect ending to our fantastic experiences today in Chatham Strait!
