Kelp Bay
The Sea Bird anchored in Takatz Bay early on June 14. The steep mountains of Baranof Island were shrouded in clouds as the day began and we searched for wildlife on shore. We quickly spotted a bald eagle struggling to dry its wings and a deer crossing the tidal flats. Sporadic light rain showers fell as we had breakfast in the quiet cove. After breakfast, some of us chose to kayak and others chose to Zodiac around the smooth reflective waters of the spectacular bay. The sun broke through the clouds to provide glimpses of blue sky and beams of sunlight on the peaks and forest as we enjoyed the morning. The Sea Bird turned north up Chatham Strait after lunch and we reached Kelp Bay in the mid afternoon. We anchored in the dramatic south arm of the bay that is fed by the Glacial and Clear Rivers, providing a beautiful meadow of abundant flowers. We separated into groups of kayakers and hikers for the afternoon. Hikers in the meadow were thrilled to be able to identify numerous purple wild flag irises, yellow buttercups, red Indian paint brush, brown chocolate lilies, lilac colored wild geraniums, white and pink yarrow, and white cow parsnip. Those interested in a longer hike tested their ability to step over, crawl under, and otherwise avoid the thorny tangle of devil’s club along the forest edge. These intrepid hikers continued through the forest and then up a steep hill near the river. Our adventure ended with a Zodiac trip to the Sea Bird and the day ended with a wonderful meal of scallops and filet mignon.
The Sea Bird anchored in Takatz Bay early on June 14. The steep mountains of Baranof Island were shrouded in clouds as the day began and we searched for wildlife on shore. We quickly spotted a bald eagle struggling to dry its wings and a deer crossing the tidal flats. Sporadic light rain showers fell as we had breakfast in the quiet cove. After breakfast, some of us chose to kayak and others chose to Zodiac around the smooth reflective waters of the spectacular bay. The sun broke through the clouds to provide glimpses of blue sky and beams of sunlight on the peaks and forest as we enjoyed the morning. The Sea Bird turned north up Chatham Strait after lunch and we reached Kelp Bay in the mid afternoon. We anchored in the dramatic south arm of the bay that is fed by the Glacial and Clear Rivers, providing a beautiful meadow of abundant flowers. We separated into groups of kayakers and hikers for the afternoon. Hikers in the meadow were thrilled to be able to identify numerous purple wild flag irises, yellow buttercups, red Indian paint brush, brown chocolate lilies, lilac colored wild geraniums, white and pink yarrow, and white cow parsnip. Those interested in a longer hike tested their ability to step over, crawl under, and otherwise avoid the thorny tangle of devil’s club along the forest edge. These intrepid hikers continued through the forest and then up a steep hill near the river. Our adventure ended with a Zodiac trip to the Sea Bird and the day ended with a wonderful meal of scallops and filet mignon.
