This morning we woke up early to the bliss of sunshine and humpback whales milling around in the waters of Peril Straight. Sunshine streaked through isolated clouds, splaying curtains of yellow light over the forest’s green carpet. After a sumptuous breakfast, we passed several hours cruising through Hood Bay on Admiralty Island and gawking at the Brown bears, Sitka Black-Tailed deer and Surf Scoters that dotted the landscape. A massive blonde bear with a dark face munched vegetation and gazed up at us as we finally turned away.
We crossed Chatham Straight and spent our afternoon exploring the waters and rainforests of Hanus Bay. Some of us hiked deep into the woods to the idyllic Lake Eva, where we were treated to choruses of birdsong and a delightful family of Common Mergansers. Others passed their time kayaking and were delighted to encounter yet another Brown Bear ambling through the beach and grasses. To cap it all off, we returned to the Sea Bird for a fine feast and a musical reminder of the usefulness of “rubber booties” (see below.) As the sun drifted towards the horizon, Andy Szabo of the non-profit Alaska Whale Foundation enthralled us with an account of the story of the humpback whales of Southeast Alaska. What a fine day.
An excerpt from the hit sing-along tune “Boot Sucking Mud”
When we go out in the woods – BOOT SUCKING MUD
It’s on our toes and it feels so good – BOOT SUCKING MUD
Yeah, when we’re in this neighborhood – BOOT SUCKING MUD
Yeah, you gotta – wear your boots!
