Hanus Bay, Basket Bay
Who knew we’d have such an exciting and enchanting day today? Southeast Alaska is a pretty spectacular place on any given day, but today was especially magical. We headed ashore decked out in our rain gear and rubber boots, eager to stretch our legs while exploring the old-growth forest, and curious to find out via kayaks what lay hidden in the crevices along the rocky shoreline.
The low tide exposed large stretches of terrain usually covered by water. We quickly realized that the low tide also provided brown bears easy access to the salmon in the nearby stream. Throughout the morning, several groups of hikers were allowed extraordinary looks at brown bears. Luckily, summer is the time for bears to bulk up; they were more interested in feeding on the field greens and the salmon than interacting with the curious creatures they encountered on the trails!
The Sea Bird lifted anchor, eased from Hanus Bay, and made a left turn into Chatham Strait. As we cruised north, we kept our eyes peeled for more bear sightings along shore or for the tall, bushy blows signaling humpback whales. Whether one of the hardy souls on the bow, or relaxed in the cozy lounge, we were rewarded in the late afternoon with good looks at a cow and calf humpback pair, swimming closely along the shore.
The magic of Southeast Alaska continued into the early evening; just as cocktail hour started, we anchored in a little cove known as Basket Bay. Thanks to Expedition Leader Trip and Captain Kalbach, we were treated to a surprise Zodiac cruise – into what has to be one of the most special spots in Alaska. One by one, the Zodiacs turned a corner, and seemed to disappear from sight. Giant Sitka spruce and hemlock trees towered above us, clinging to the cliff sides. With skillful maneuvering, the drivers slipped us through a narrow limestone cavern into a grotto illuminated by the magic that is Alaska. Salmon swam below us, making their way along the stream’s further twists and turns. Time seemed to shift and still as we absorbed the verdant beauty dripping from and climbing along the steep rocky walls.
Tonight, with a spectacular sunset, we look forward to the magic of another day in Southeast Alaska…
Who knew we’d have such an exciting and enchanting day today? Southeast Alaska is a pretty spectacular place on any given day, but today was especially magical. We headed ashore decked out in our rain gear and rubber boots, eager to stretch our legs while exploring the old-growth forest, and curious to find out via kayaks what lay hidden in the crevices along the rocky shoreline.
The low tide exposed large stretches of terrain usually covered by water. We quickly realized that the low tide also provided brown bears easy access to the salmon in the nearby stream. Throughout the morning, several groups of hikers were allowed extraordinary looks at brown bears. Luckily, summer is the time for bears to bulk up; they were more interested in feeding on the field greens and the salmon than interacting with the curious creatures they encountered on the trails!
The Sea Bird lifted anchor, eased from Hanus Bay, and made a left turn into Chatham Strait. As we cruised north, we kept our eyes peeled for more bear sightings along shore or for the tall, bushy blows signaling humpback whales. Whether one of the hardy souls on the bow, or relaxed in the cozy lounge, we were rewarded in the late afternoon with good looks at a cow and calf humpback pair, swimming closely along the shore.
The magic of Southeast Alaska continued into the early evening; just as cocktail hour started, we anchored in a little cove known as Basket Bay. Thanks to Expedition Leader Trip and Captain Kalbach, we were treated to a surprise Zodiac cruise – into what has to be one of the most special spots in Alaska. One by one, the Zodiacs turned a corner, and seemed to disappear from sight. Giant Sitka spruce and hemlock trees towered above us, clinging to the cliff sides. With skillful maneuvering, the drivers slipped us through a narrow limestone cavern into a grotto illuminated by the magic that is Alaska. Salmon swam below us, making their way along the stream’s further twists and turns. Time seemed to shift and still as we absorbed the verdant beauty dripping from and climbing along the steep rocky walls.
Tonight, with a spectacular sunset, we look forward to the magic of another day in Southeast Alaska…
