Iyoukeen Cove & Pavlof Harbor
The morning begins with its proverbial grey on grey illusive sky, persuading us to draw inward and take some time for reflection. Several of us take the opportunity to have a soothing spa treatment. The atmosphere is enhanced by the primordial rocking of the ship.
We are cruising southbound toward Chichagof Island, with the hope of spying humpback whales. As mid-morning approaches, the blanket of clouds lift and the rays of sun illuminate the sky giving an obvious view of humpbacks up ahead. The National Geographic Sea Bird respectfully approaches these beautiful creatures, and as if we were their audience, they begin a spectacular performance of bubble net feeding!
We spend the next two hours enamored with this behavior, feeling as though time has been erased.
During our afternoon meal we make our way to Pavlof Harbor where we partake in the afternoon activities, hiking and kayaking. The hikers enjoy their romp through the forest and are met with a clear view of a brown bear feeding on salmon in the stream below. Meanwhile the kayakers have paddled their way to the stream, sharing from the water, with their shipmates on land, this awesome bear sighting.
We return to the ship completely satisfied and fulfilled. What a fantastic end to our voyage!
