Prince Rupert, British Columbia
This morning the National Geographic Sea Lion left behind Alaska for the 2008 season, and arrived in Canada. After docking in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, we had a very steep climb up the ramp to shore; this morning’s low tide was 15 feet lower than high tide!
After some friendly but official paperwork for clearing customs, we visited the Museum of Northern British Columbia. There were beautiful Tsimshian spirit masks decorated with sea lion whiskers, blankets woven from mountain goat fur, and carved figurines made of argillite. Our group was divided into three clans – wolf, eagle and killer whale – and led by our three designated chiefs. We then entered a traditional longhouse for a Tsimshian winter feast dance performance by the Gwiisamiilkgiigolth dancers. Dancers were dressed in traditional regalia, and they performed dances and explained some of the traditions and unwritten codes of honor so important in their culture. We also received sample gifts of Tsimshian foods. By the time we left the museum and longhouse, we had seen and experienced a taste of British Columbia’s First Nations cultures.
Our ship continued on her journey south, past cedar, spruce and hemlock covered hills and islands, towards the long, very narrow passage called Grenville Channel. The hills closed in to port and starboard. At the entrance to Baker Inlet the ship paused for a few minutes, and we observed the very strong water current rushing out of the inlet’s tiny entrance.
Following Bryan Gates’ presentation about sea birds, we enjoyed a tasting of many Pacific Northwest foods, as well as regional wines and beers. We anchored for the evening in picturesque Klewnuggit Inlet. Recap featured some surprising (and true) information about the abundant and humble barnacle, and after dinner, some of us witnessed beautiful views of our moon, and three of Jupiter’s moons.
