The abundance and diversity of life both in and near the sea is astounding. Today we spent most of the day exploring the fringes of this watery realm. For the morning, we alternated between Zodiac cruises along the shoreline and walks on the beach at Bay of Pillars. A minus 0.5 low tide exposed sunflower stars, the parchment-like tubes of northern feather duster worms and a variety of anemones dripping off the rocks. Just below the surface we watched the curly fringes of plumose anemones fluttering in the current. On shore, we found large butter clam shells covered with tiny sea stars and a hermit crab sponge, with an occupant no less!
Throughout the afternoon we motored north in Chatham Strait, where calm seas and bright sunshine drew us all out on deck. Our encounters with marine life continued when we spotted a small group of humpback whales shortly after lunch. Late in the afternoon we made a short side trip in to Red Bluff Bay, where we found salmon leaping and nosed the Sea Bird in close to a beautiful waterfall.
The waters of Southeast Alaska saved the best for last. As the sun dropped behind the high peaks of Baranof Island, the Third Mate spotted a large pod of Orcinus orca from the bridge. We left dinner behind and raced to the bow for an unbelievably magical evening. The mist from their blows hung in the perfectly still air, and the sound of their breathing seemed magnified. Approximately 25 killer whales surrounded us; including 3 or 4 large males and several very young calves. These residents of Southeast Alaska breached and rolled, slapped their tails and pectoral fins on the water and swam alongside the ship - visible below the water.
Slowly we pulled away and continued toward Glacier Bay - leaving these animals to play without us.
Throughout the afternoon we motored north in Chatham Strait, where calm seas and bright sunshine drew us all out on deck. Our encounters with marine life continued when we spotted a small group of humpback whales shortly after lunch. Late in the afternoon we made a short side trip in to Red Bluff Bay, where we found salmon leaping and nosed the Sea Bird in close to a beautiful waterfall.
The waters of Southeast Alaska saved the best for last. As the sun dropped behind the high peaks of Baranof Island, the Third Mate spotted a large pod of Orcinus orca from the bridge. We left dinner behind and raced to the bow for an unbelievably magical evening. The mist from their blows hung in the perfectly still air, and the sound of their breathing seemed magnified. Approximately 25 killer whales surrounded us; including 3 or 4 large males and several very young calves. These residents of Southeast Alaska breached and rolled, slapped their tails and pectoral fins on the water and swam alongside the ship - visible below the water.
Slowly we pulled away and continued toward Glacier Bay - leaving these animals to play without us.
