Misty Fjords National Monument, Southeast Alaska
There was nothing “misty” about Misty Fjords National Monument today. It was a bright, glorious day of sunshine and outdoor activities. Sunrise found us cruising up the Behm Canal and tucking into Yes Bay for a bit of exploration. We are now in the land of western red cedar, which grow right over the water’s edge. The morning sky opened up to reveal beautiful blue skies above.
We continued along the Behm Canal towards Rudyerd Bay, our destination for the afternoon. It was such a lovely morning that Jack Swenson’s inspiring talk, “An Eye for Evocative Images,” was delayed so everyone could continue to spend the time on deck.
After lunch we pulled into Punchbowl Cove where Captain Kay navigated the National Geographic Sea Bird right to the edge of a several thousand foot sheer mountainside, where trees grow precariously on sharp edged cliffs, and far above us we could see light colored specks with legs that were actually mountain goats.
The afternoon activities included kayaking and Zodiac cruises among the steep rocky fjord walls, streams and waterfalls of Rudyerd Bay. In the bay, harbor seals were spotted munching on meals of salmon while gulls stayed close by to snatch tidbits for themselves. Bonaparte’s gulls hovered and dove into the streams, presumably fishing for salmon roe and other scraps. Bald eagles provided majestic views throughout the area. Photographers had a great time today finally dealing with issues of overexposure instead of underexposure.
And just when everyone had returned to the ship, a call came that a brown bear had been spotted in the cove to our stern. The Captain moved the ship in for a bit closer view, and it was a great end to a wonderful day.
There was nothing “misty” about Misty Fjords National Monument today. It was a bright, glorious day of sunshine and outdoor activities. Sunrise found us cruising up the Behm Canal and tucking into Yes Bay for a bit of exploration. We are now in the land of western red cedar, which grow right over the water’s edge. The morning sky opened up to reveal beautiful blue skies above.
We continued along the Behm Canal towards Rudyerd Bay, our destination for the afternoon. It was such a lovely morning that Jack Swenson’s inspiring talk, “An Eye for Evocative Images,” was delayed so everyone could continue to spend the time on deck.
After lunch we pulled into Punchbowl Cove where Captain Kay navigated the National Geographic Sea Bird right to the edge of a several thousand foot sheer mountainside, where trees grow precariously on sharp edged cliffs, and far above us we could see light colored specks with legs that were actually mountain goats.
The afternoon activities included kayaking and Zodiac cruises among the steep rocky fjord walls, streams and waterfalls of Rudyerd Bay. In the bay, harbor seals were spotted munching on meals of salmon while gulls stayed close by to snatch tidbits for themselves. Bonaparte’s gulls hovered and dove into the streams, presumably fishing for salmon roe and other scraps. Bald eagles provided majestic views throughout the area. Photographers had a great time today finally dealing with issues of overexposure instead of underexposure.
And just when everyone had returned to the ship, a call came that a brown bear had been spotted in the cove to our stern. The Captain moved the ship in for a bit closer view, and it was a great end to a wonderful day.
