Kelp Bay, Baranof Island

Today we brought out all the accoutrements necessary for a proper expedition in Alaska. Versatile Zodiacs, a portable jet dock (allowing us to make our own beach as we needed), colorful kayaks and our waterproof friends, which we grow fonder of with each passing day, our rubber boots.

A minus tide this morning exposed extensive mud flats at the head of Kelp Bay, this by no means deterred our explorations, in fact, it presented an incredible opportunity for investigations. We found signs of the wildlife that had meandered the flats and the stream banks; webbed foot prints of Bonaparte’s and Mew gulls, splayed four-toed tracks of northwestern crows, talon-tipped tracks of bald eagles, and the set of tracks that makes you look over your shoulder, the five toed, claw-tipped tracks of a grizzly (Brown) bear. Other evidence of wildlife activity included whitewashed splashes of guano left by bald eagles as they had sat on a fallen log and digested their salmon feast. Remains of salmon were also found littering the streamside and floating in the bay. Other wildlife was sporadically visible. Harbor seals played a perpetual game of hide and seek with us as we cruised and paddled our way around the bay.

For the afternoon we cruised southward and stopped to view a colony of Steller’s sea lions perched on the rain shrouded shores of Yasha Island. Further east into Frederick Sound we came across humpback whales. An individual whale breached once and teased us into slowing, soon after we were surrounded. Mittened and gloved hands pointed to every direction of the compass to announce another blow, another whale and another fluke slipping into the water.

The wildlife of Alaska has been charming us for several days. Below are some observations by our younger travelers of this sun splotched and mist shrouded wonderland:

In Alaska we had some sun.
It sure was a lot of fun.

We saw many humpback whales
We even saw their fins and tails.

I got to pet a huge starfish.
We put him back and made a wish.

I hope the sea otters floating by
Would leave him alone and not give him a try.
I made many friends on this trip
I hope I can come back to this ship.

Kenny McDevitt, Age 9

Wonderful
Humpback
Athletic
Living
Excellent
Soaring through the water

That’s what I think about whales.
Sierra Wong, Age 10

Super Seals
Exciting Eagles
Amazing Alaska
Lucky Lindblad
Awesome Anemone
Spectacular Sea Otters
Kool Kayaks
Angry Annelids

S. E. Alaska by John Sexton, Age 9