Sendai, Japan, 8/30/2024, National Geographic Resolution
Aboard the
National Geographic Resolution
Alaska
We spent the morning at sea enjoying the wildlife that surrounded us while the ship was approaching Sendai. Lots of shearwaters and flying fish were seen on this cloudy but very pleasant, warm day. Some of us went to try different sake (a Japanese rice wine) and other went for a lovely walk in Matsushima, a coastal location where the magnificent temples and gardens invite you to explore and relax, to just enjoy the views and listen to the songs of the birds.
It was a wonderful, calm day where all of us had the chance to experience a little bit of traditional Japanese culture and discover its charms.
Maria Intxaustegi is an internationally awarded maritime archaeologist, naval historian, commercial diver, professional offshore sailor, and expedition guide from the Basque Country.
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After exploring the remote corners of Chichagof Island yesterday, it was time for a day of adventure in one of our favorite Alaskan small towns. Haines straddles a unique peninsula that juts out into the Lynn Canal. Framed by exquisite mountain ranges and dynamic tidal flats, it hosts a spectacular abundance of bald eagles which frequent the Chilkat River. The choices for guest excursions in Haines are many and diverse: rafting and visiting a tribal village, fly fishing, hiking the highest peak on the peninsula, a guided bike tour, or unstructured time to explore town with its many museums and unique shops. There are no poor choices when it comes to deciding what to do for the day. Brown bears, Dolly Varden, sockeye salmon, harbor seals, bald eagles, banana slugs the size of real bananas, and plenty of other endemic flora and fauna were sighted by guests throughout the day. And of course, what better way to celebrate a successful day in Haines than with a glorious endless crab feast back on board National Geographic Sea Lion ? We rounded out the evening with a contagiously inquisitive presentation by our resident master falconer and naturalist, Alberto Montaudon. Can’t wait until tomorrow!
We woke up in the Ōarai-Ibaraki port after a relatively calm night. Right after breakfast, it was time for a visit to the Kairaku-en Garden. We wandered through the Mousou Bamboo Garden and marveled at all the Japanese plum trees as local guide Roy described the garden, which was created in 1842. This garden is considered one of the three most beautiful official gardens in Japan. Kasama Village was our first destination after lunch, an artist’s village of potters. Fukuda-San, a sixth-generation potter, graciously showed us his kiln and wares. Shunpuu Banri-So Villa is the former home of the renowned artist Kitaohji Rosanjin. Now an art museum, the area is surrounded by the most enchanting Japanese garden in a rural setting. We were invited to take a stroll and enjoy a moment of peace and quiet before we head to Tokyo tomorrow.
