Kelp Bay & Pond Island
Dall’s porpoises streaked alongside the hull before breakfast to reach the bow wave and take advantage of the ship’s forward motion for a free ride. Their bold black-and-white coloration flashed in the dark water of Chatham Strait as we motored towards our destination at Kelp Bay on Baranof Island. Eight of these striking animals jockeyed for the best positions while we watched, awed by their speed and beauty.
The day’s activities focused on kayaking and hiking. One group paddled within the south arm of Kelp Bay on a long and adventuresome journey. Later in the day we disembarked for a shorter kayak outing and/or a hike on Pond Island. The island is named for several marshy lakes that are home to beavers. We discovered two dams, a lodge, and recently chewed twigs and trees from the busywork of these large rodents. We also found some deep sloppy mud to put our rubber boots to the test.
Fluffy, cream-colored tufts of sedges known as Alaska cotton dotted the soggy margins, and the pads and flowers of yellow pond lilies floated on the still water. In the warmth of the sun, dragonflies and damselflies became active. In addition to the typical Sitka spruce and western hemlock trees, Alaska yellow cedar, mountain hemlock and a few shore pines had found a foothold here. We noticed tiny orchids of four species all in full flower and the delicate pink blooms of bog laurel shown in today’s photo. Those on the longer hike spotted a Sitka black-tailed deer with a new fawn.
By late afternoon we had all returned, and the ship departed. Just before recap and dinner, the captain nosed the bow in for a close look at Kasnyku Falls, a spectacular waterfall that spills water from melting snowfields into the sea.
While adults enjoyed their dinner in the dining room, many of the younger guests ate salad and pizza in the lounge and watched a movie to top off their day.
