Sitka
We woke to a frigid rainy morning as we made our way through the narrows on our way to Sitka, Alaska. The Russian influenced town of Sitka is Alaska’s fifth largest city. The town was eagerly awaiting our arrival as we were the first ship to visit this season.
Our first stop of the day was to the Raptor Rehabilitation Center. Here we had the privilege to see first hand how these Alaskan birds of prey heal after being injured. A specialized team will rescue raptures from the wild and nurse them back to health in an environment resembling their natural habitat. Once the center feels that the raptors are able to fly and fend for themselves again, they will release them back into the wild. We even had the opportunity to meet Sitka, a 7 year old bald eagle that was injured in a car accident. As a result, she lost a talon on her right foot and tore a tendon in her right wing. She can no longer take care of herself in the wild so she travels with guides to schools across the country helping kids to learn more about raptors.
As we stepped outside of the center the sun was starting to shine through the clouds, exposing the beautiful mountains that were dusted in a fresh layer of white snow. Our next stop was out to the Sitka National Historic Park. Here we took advantage of the nature trails and ventured off in different directions to explore the overwhelming beauty. There were amazing views of bald eagles on the mud flats and totem poles around every turn.
We spent the last bit of our time in downtown Sitka. Towering over the city square stands the Saint Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church. This edifice is known for being the centerpiece of Sitka. The walls of the church hold much history dating back to the days of the Russians. At noon the doors opened and visitors were allowed to enter and feel the culture on which this town was founded. Afterwards we boarded and the National Geographic Sea Lion set a course towards the inlets of Baranof Island.
In the late afternoon as the engines slowed down, our wildlife wishes were answered. A brown bear was standing on the shoreline above the carcass of a beached sea lion having a satisfying meal. Selfishly the bear hoarded his feast from the many eagles soaring above. The excitement was felt all over the ship as we stood silently and observed nature at its best. The day could only be complete with the beautiful Alaskan sunset that slowly dipped behind the immense snow-capped mountains.
We woke to a frigid rainy morning as we made our way through the narrows on our way to Sitka, Alaska. The Russian influenced town of Sitka is Alaska’s fifth largest city. The town was eagerly awaiting our arrival as we were the first ship to visit this season.
Our first stop of the day was to the Raptor Rehabilitation Center. Here we had the privilege to see first hand how these Alaskan birds of prey heal after being injured. A specialized team will rescue raptures from the wild and nurse them back to health in an environment resembling their natural habitat. Once the center feels that the raptors are able to fly and fend for themselves again, they will release them back into the wild. We even had the opportunity to meet Sitka, a 7 year old bald eagle that was injured in a car accident. As a result, she lost a talon on her right foot and tore a tendon in her right wing. She can no longer take care of herself in the wild so she travels with guides to schools across the country helping kids to learn more about raptors.
As we stepped outside of the center the sun was starting to shine through the clouds, exposing the beautiful mountains that were dusted in a fresh layer of white snow. Our next stop was out to the Sitka National Historic Park. Here we took advantage of the nature trails and ventured off in different directions to explore the overwhelming beauty. There were amazing views of bald eagles on the mud flats and totem poles around every turn.
We spent the last bit of our time in downtown Sitka. Towering over the city square stands the Saint Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church. This edifice is known for being the centerpiece of Sitka. The walls of the church hold much history dating back to the days of the Russians. At noon the doors opened and visitors were allowed to enter and feel the culture on which this town was founded. Afterwards we boarded and the National Geographic Sea Lion set a course towards the inlets of Baranof Island.
In the late afternoon as the engines slowed down, our wildlife wishes were answered. A brown bear was standing on the shoreline above the carcass of a beached sea lion having a satisfying meal. Selfishly the bear hoarded his feast from the many eagles soaring above. The excitement was felt all over the ship as we stood silently and observed nature at its best. The day could only be complete with the beautiful Alaskan sunset that slowly dipped behind the immense snow-capped mountains.
