Pavlof Harbor, Chatham Strait, Red Bluff Bay
The National Geographic Sea Bird cruised southward overnight and anchored in Pavlof Harbor on the eastern side of Chichagof Island. Justin and Michael made an early morning dive and found two giant Pacific octopuses, along with a colorful wall populated by sea anemones and other invertebrates. Large rockfishes surrounded the divers, inspecting their every move.
After breakfast, guests set out to explore via foot, kayak, and Zodiac. A freshwater stream flows out of Lake Pavlof and spills over a falls toward the ocean. An amazing cycle exists at this interface. Salmon return from the sea to their birth waters, bringing with them years of saltwater nutrients and linking the ocean to the forest. After spawning, their expired bodies nourish the next generation of salmon as well as the bears, eagles, gulls and numerous other forest and stream organisms, including the trees themselves. Tiny fish hatch from eggs that have been laid in clean gravel and start the cycle over again. This expedition with Lindblad and National Geographic allows us to feel these connections through our intimate interaction with the places we visit.
In the afternoon we continued to the south in Chatham Strait. Al gave a presentation on climate change, clarifying and discussing the solid scientific evidence behind the recent warming our planet is experiencing.
Now cruising along Baranof Island, we gathered on deck to view Kasnyku Falls – a great photo opportunity. Two adult bald eagles circled and soared in a wonderful aerial display.
Recap was festive and lively and after dinner, we carefully made our way into Red Bluff Bay. The iron-rich ultramafic rocks that guard the entrance inhibit vegetation so the underlying rocks could be clearly seen. Our Chief Mate, Lucy, navigated through the narrow, scenic channel – close enough to hear and identify the beautiful songs of Swainson’s and hermit thrushes. The bay opened up to reveal a magnificent waterfall. At the head of the inlet we spied four foraging brown bears!
We retraced our wake out of the fjord and began our passage across Chatham Strait and through Frederick Sound toward our next day’s adventures.
