Haida Heritage Center, Maude Island, 5/12/2023, National Geographic Sea Bird
Aboard the
National Geographic Sea Bird
Alaska
Today's expedition offered a unique blend of observing First Nations traditional practices, fascinating natural exploration, and a bittersweet farewell to beautiful Haida Gwaii. Having visited the Haida Heritage Center yesterday, we returned today to learn even more. Our group was lucky enough to observe a demonstration by the incredibly talented artist, Aay Aay. We watched carefully as he expertly wove wool and cedar bark into beautiful pieces of art, showcasing his mastery over the craft.
In the afternoon, we embarked on an exploration of peaceful Maude Island. Those who partook in a walk through the forest were treated to a healthy and vibrant arrangement of flora and fungi including morels and different flowers. Explorations of the tidal zones revealed an array of charismatic marine creatures such as crabs, different species of fish, sea cucumbers, and many more invertebrates.
During our adventure, we came across a fascinating geologic site featuring beautiful pocket-weathered sandstones. The unique patterns and textures of these formations were a testament to the forces of nature that shaped this place. We also encountered mysterious structures called concretions, adding an element of intrigue and a healthy amount of geologic interpretation and debate.
As the day ended, we enjoyed a delicious dinner onboard. Just when we thought things couldn't get any better, the clouds broke, and we were treated to some captivating golden hour light. We are departing with hearts full of appreciation for the warm hospitality of the Haida people and a genuine admiration of their magical homeland and stunning culture. An extra big Háw'aa (thank you!) to our phenomenal interpreter, Barbara Wilson.
From a young age James has had a passion for science and exploration. Growing up on the coast of Massachusetts with regular trips to New Hampshire's wilderness led to a love for the oceans and mountains. He earned a degree in Geological Sciences at a...
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This morning found us where the Pacific Ocean meets Cross Sound and Icy Strait, the Inian Islands. Named by William Healey Dall, one of Alaska's earliest scientific explorers, in 1879, the Inians are a mecca for wildlife. The powerful tidal currents flowing in and out daily create a tremendous upwelling of nutrient-rich water. This area is where fishing boats from the various ports in the northern portion of the Inside Passage enter and exit. It was a glorious day with calm seas, which allowed us to cruise around the various islands in our Zodiacs drinking in the fantastic scenery and looking for wildlife. Unmissable were the Steller (or northern) sea lions, the largest member of the “eared seals,” first described in 1742 by Georg Wilhelm Steller, the German surgeon and naturalist on the Bering expedition. We saw many of them on “bachelor haul-outs,” rocks where single males of all ages bask, posture and feed on numerous species of fish. Sea otters with pups are just about the cutest animals on the planet! As members of the weasel or mustelid family, southern sea otters are the smallest marine mammal. Like other members of this family, they have very thick fur. In fact, at 850,000 to 1 million hairs per square inch, sea otters have the thickest fur of any mammal. Without blubber to protect them from chilly ocean waters, sea otters rely on their thick fur.
The “crown jewel of the Park Service” is a fitting title for Glacier Bay National Park. With blue skies above and Marjorie Glacier in front of us, we started our day of exploration. Brown bears roamed the shorelines, mountain goats did convincing imitations of laundry piles. A group of Steller sea lions seemed to take exception to our attentions towards the goats on Gloomy Knob and photo-bombed them. Onward to Geike Inlet where a sleepy brown bear reclined in a snowbank, and five wolves traipsed up a snow slope, and a moose reclined down the inlet in the same style as our prior bear. Onward to South Marble Island with the boisterous and odiferous Steller sea lions draped about the shoreline rocks. Staccato squawks of kittiwakes and other gulls filled the air as a pair of bald eagles sporadically took flight, upsetting the avian residents of the island. A stroll around the park headquarters at Bartlett Cove amongst bird song and golden light put the finishing touch on our day in a gem of a national park.
Our day began with an on board stretch class on the sun deck led by our wellness specialist. Not only is this a great way to prepare for the day's activities, but participants have a pretty good chance of seeing wildlife amongst the beautiful Alaskan backdrop. Fresh smoothies were offered at the end as a reward! Later that morning, our team embarked on an extraordinary Zodiac expedition to the breathtaking Inian Islands, situated off the coast of Alaska. Nestled within the Gulf of Alaska, these pristine islands are home to a diverse array of wildlife. Under the captivating sunshine, we encountered an awe-inspiring ecosystem teeming with sea lions, otters, humpback whales, and eagles. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of these magnificent creatures and unveil the wonders that May brings to this marine wonderland. Sea lions, Rulers of the Rocky Shores: As we approached the rocky shores of the Inian Islands, we were greeted by a boisterous chorus of barks and growls emanating from the colony of Steller sea lions. These massive creatures can grow up to 11 feet in length and weigh over a ton, and they rule over the rocky outcrops with their majestic presence. We marveled at their agility as they effortlessly navigated the treacherous terrain, leaping from one rock to another. Males, with their impressive manes and formidable size, asserted their dominance, while playful pups engaged in spirited frolicking nearby. These intelligent and social animals reminded us of the intricate dynamics of their society, where hierarchy and vocalizations play a significant role. Otters, Mischievous Guardians of Kelp Forests: In the tranquil kelp forests surrounding the Inian Islands, we had the privilege of observing the enchanting behavior of sea otters. These charismatic creatures, renowned for their playful antics, floated on their backs and used rocks as makeshift anvils to crack open their favorite meal—abalone and sea urchins. Their thick fur, composed of up to one million hairs per square inch, kept them warm in the chilly waters. We were enthralled by their dexterity as they groomed their fur meticulously, almost as if performing an underwater ballet. It was truly a delight to witness these mischievous guardians of the kelp forests; their presence is vital to maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Humpback whales, Singers of the Sea: Our journey took a momentous turn as we encountered the gentle giants of the deep—humpback whales. May marks their arrival in the waters surrounding the Inian Islands after they migrate from their tropical breeding grounds. These magnificent creatures, measuring up to 50 feet long and weighing up to 40 tons, graced us with their majestic presence. With each exhalation, towering spouts of mist pierced the air, announcing their presence in a grand spectacle. We were enthralled by their acrobatic displays as they breached and slapped their tails against the water, seeming to celebrate their arrival in these abundant feeding grounds. The air was filled with the haunting melodies of their songs, a testament to their extraordinary communication skills. It was a truly humbling experience to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Eagles, Lords of the Skies: As we explored the rugged cliffs and towering trees of the Inian Islands, we couldn't help but notice the commanding presence of bald eagles. With their iconic white heads and piercing eyes, these majestic raptors soared effortlessly through the skies, embodying the spirit of freedom and power. Their sharp talons and keen eyesight enabled them to spot fish swimming near the surface of the water. We watched in awe as these formidable hunters swooped down with incredible precision to snatch fish from the water's surface. The presence of these magnificent birds added a touch of regality to the already awe-inspiring landscape.
