Chatham Strait and Bavlof Harbor
Southeast Alaska is a mystical place. It is a place of wonderment and awe that evokes laughter and even tears. For me, it is a special place that allows you to step into nature and experience a place that is like no other.
The afternoon aboard National Geographic Sea Lion was spent in Pavlof Harbor, a spot that is teeming with wildlife. With the option to kayak or hike, there is something for everyone. I chose to spend my afternoon in a single kayak. The sun was shining and I was ready for an afternoon of relaxation and a melody of whatever nature was willing to play for me.
What I got was a day I will never forget. I set out paddling and enjoyed the warmth of being outside. Sitting on a kayak is perfect for a day of Zen because there are no engines or horns and it is very easy to let the motion of the water calm you. I found a spot, rested my paddle and took it all in.
I snapped some photos, put away my camera, closed my eyes, and fell into the moment; the wind tickling my ears with wisps of hair falling out of my ponytail, the sounds of birds screaming in the trees and the slap splash sound of the fish jumping out of the water, almost putting on a dance for me. This is what nature is supposed to feel like.
It is easy to enjoy the peace and quiet of Alaska, but it is also fun to witness a part of what I would equate to “being a local” on a Sunday afternoon. There were a few gentlemen fly fishing in the old fish ladder, which led back to a beautiful waterfall. And, the prp prp prp sound of a float plane could not be missed gliding in and landing not far from National Geographic Sea Lion.
Taking notice of all the fish around, I thought to myself there should be bears, and low and behold, not a few minutes later I spotted a brown bear on the beach. With no one around and no radio, I took this as my gift from Mama Nature. I took a few more photos and turned off the camera. Sometimes the greatest photos are the ones you snap in your mind. There might not be a hard copy, but that second where you realize that you are the only person in the world experiencing something so special is a treasure.
