Jackson Passage, B.C.
The National Geographic Sea Bird awoke to bluebird skies in the lee of Swindle Island in Finlayson Channel. Spoiled by quintessential spring conditions in the inside passage of the north there was a feeling of excitement on both bow and bridge. Heading deeper into the heart of wilderness we had no idea how the day would unfold.
Penetrating the glacially carved narrows of Jackson Passage the National Geographic Sea Bird dropped the hook after passing one of many fish farms that dot the coast of British Columbia. With a receding tide we parted paths from companions way for our first activities from ship to shore via foot, kayak and zodiac. The inter-tidal life and waning tide was a feast for those who explored the passage by paddle and Zodiac. Ochre, leather and sunflower stars clung to waters edge while red urchins and sea cucumbers submerged in clear and pristine waters added depth to the kaleidoscope of the underworld. Setting foot on tierra firme hikers enjoyed the opportunity to be inside the mosaic we have thus only viewed from afar. Reluctantly we returned from the wilds of the rainforest to the ship and were welcomed home by lunch on deck!
Heading north for Butedale we were rewarded with visits from dall porpoise, Steller sea lion and orca on both port and starboard. Captain Coughlin quickly maneuvered the vessel and altered course to south, in pursuit of our first whale sighting. Following a small group of resident killer whales we were blessed by the beauty of soft and waning light on saddle patch and dorsal of northern resident orcas.
The day then came to close with a late supper on approach to the decrepit cannery of Butedale. If walls and whales could talk a language we could understand, our appreciation for this land of inside passages would be even greater than what already has been an unforgettable experience!
The National Geographic Sea Bird awoke to bluebird skies in the lee of Swindle Island in Finlayson Channel. Spoiled by quintessential spring conditions in the inside passage of the north there was a feeling of excitement on both bow and bridge. Heading deeper into the heart of wilderness we had no idea how the day would unfold.
Penetrating the glacially carved narrows of Jackson Passage the National Geographic Sea Bird dropped the hook after passing one of many fish farms that dot the coast of British Columbia. With a receding tide we parted paths from companions way for our first activities from ship to shore via foot, kayak and zodiac. The inter-tidal life and waning tide was a feast for those who explored the passage by paddle and Zodiac. Ochre, leather and sunflower stars clung to waters edge while red urchins and sea cucumbers submerged in clear and pristine waters added depth to the kaleidoscope of the underworld. Setting foot on tierra firme hikers enjoyed the opportunity to be inside the mosaic we have thus only viewed from afar. Reluctantly we returned from the wilds of the rainforest to the ship and were welcomed home by lunch on deck!
Heading north for Butedale we were rewarded with visits from dall porpoise, Steller sea lion and orca on both port and starboard. Captain Coughlin quickly maneuvered the vessel and altered course to south, in pursuit of our first whale sighting. Following a small group of resident killer whales we were blessed by the beauty of soft and waning light on saddle patch and dorsal of northern resident orcas.
The day then came to close with a late supper on approach to the decrepit cannery of Butedale. If walls and whales could talk a language we could understand, our appreciation for this land of inside passages would be even greater than what already has been an unforgettable experience!
