Daajing Giids, Haida Gwaii, 9/21/2024, National Geographic Sea Lion
Aboard the
National Geographic Sea Lion
Canada
We spent this morning in the protected waters of Daajing Giids in the archipelago of Haida Gwaii. It was then time to cross Hecate Strait, so we enjoyed a laid-back afternoon while we sailed through the rougher waters back to the Inside Passage.
Kim is a marine biologist, fine art photographer, and avid fisherman. Based in Juneau, Alaska, Lingít Aaní, she spends her time between the mountains and the ocean. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Cognitive Neuroscience from the Unive...
We docked this morning in sun-drenched Alert Bay. The Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations people were our hosts in this cultural sharing experience. At the U’mista Cultural Center we learned of the masks and other traditional regalia that had returned to their home, and why they were taken away in the first place. These pieces are a treasure to the community, a bond with their elders, the creators of the artwork, and a bridge to the next generation of inspired artists. While we are not permitted to photograph the masks in the collection, you can view them online or come see them in person with us this fall.
The winds howled and the rain ran in Alaska today. National Geographic Sea Lion and her people sailed the Inside Passage from the mouth of Glacier Bay, down Chatham Straight, through Sergius Narrows to eventually make it to our destination, Sitka. Along the way we saw soggy bald eagles, drenched Sitka black tail deer, and submerged Dall’s porpoise. In Sitka, we visited the National Historical Park, also known as Totem Pole Park. We braved the squalls and the heavy rain to walk amongst the beautiful trees and witness the poles and artifacts of the Tlingit peoples that still call this land home. It was a magnificent way to end a wonderful journey.
The waters surrounding Bartlett Cove were so calm this morning that we could see the reflection of the National Park Visitor Center Lodge on the ocean. Bright and early, we hiked into a magical part of the Tongass National Forest. Although there was a chill in the air, no precipitation came until much later in the day, just before dinner. Soon after our departure from Bartlett Cove, wildlife was all around us! Humpback whales, Steller sea lions, northern sea otters, and tufted puffins all graced us with their presence along South Marble Island. Later, in Geikie Inlet, we spotted not one, but two bears! An American black bear and a coastal brown bear. We came across dozens of goats at Gloomy Knob and even a northern marmot. Margerie Glacier greeted us just before dinner as National Geographic Sea Lion bobbed amongst the ice. What a fantastic day in Glacier Bay National Park.
