Southbound in coastal British Columbia
During the night, we passed into Canadian waters. By dawn, we were docked in the coastal town of Prince Rupert in order to clear Canadian immigration. After this formality, we departed and continued our voyage southward along narrow waterways of the Inside Passage. It was a glorious day with plenty of sunshine bathing the outer decks and a light breeze from behind. During the morning, we were treated to a fascinating presentation by David Stephens on “The Native Art and Culture of the Northwest Coast.” Later, Ralph Hopkins gave us the second part of his beautifully illustrated photography talk, “Creativity and your Camera.”
From the outer decks, a few humpback whales were sighted as well as an occasional seal or porpoise. Unexpectedly, some sharp-eyed observers spotted several northern elephant seals. They appeared to be males resting vertically in the water with only their head and large proboscis showing. These animals have come far north during the summer months from breeding grounds in California.
In the afternoon, Rikki Swenson gave us an inspiring presentation, showing us many creative ways for sharing our photographic images. As the sun dipped low over the surrounding hills, we cruised alongside Princess Royal Island scanning the shores in hopes of sighting the rare white phase of the black bear known as the Kermode or “spirit bear.” Though the bear was not found, our spirits remained high as we enjoyed the balmy air and spectacular scenery along this wild piece of the northwest coast. We slowed to look at the ruins of an old fish cannery at Butedale, British Columbia. Dilapidated buildings were falling into the sea, and moss and saplings covered the tops of aging pilings and houses. Nearby, a beautiful waterfall tumbled out of the evergreen forest, splaying into numerous channels as it spilled in white veils into the shoreline waters. The ship hovered in front of the falls affording a stationary platform for the many avid photographers on the bow. Setting an intentionally slow shutter speed on a well-braced camera, the rushing water takes on a soft brushed appearance showing the elegance of the falling water (photo).
During the night, we passed into Canadian waters. By dawn, we were docked in the coastal town of Prince Rupert in order to clear Canadian immigration. After this formality, we departed and continued our voyage southward along narrow waterways of the Inside Passage. It was a glorious day with plenty of sunshine bathing the outer decks and a light breeze from behind. During the morning, we were treated to a fascinating presentation by David Stephens on “The Native Art and Culture of the Northwest Coast.” Later, Ralph Hopkins gave us the second part of his beautifully illustrated photography talk, “Creativity and your Camera.”
From the outer decks, a few humpback whales were sighted as well as an occasional seal or porpoise. Unexpectedly, some sharp-eyed observers spotted several northern elephant seals. They appeared to be males resting vertically in the water with only their head and large proboscis showing. These animals have come far north during the summer months from breeding grounds in California.
In the afternoon, Rikki Swenson gave us an inspiring presentation, showing us many creative ways for sharing our photographic images. As the sun dipped low over the surrounding hills, we cruised alongside Princess Royal Island scanning the shores in hopes of sighting the rare white phase of the black bear known as the Kermode or “spirit bear.” Though the bear was not found, our spirits remained high as we enjoyed the balmy air and spectacular scenery along this wild piece of the northwest coast. We slowed to look at the ruins of an old fish cannery at Butedale, British Columbia. Dilapidated buildings were falling into the sea, and moss and saplings covered the tops of aging pilings and houses. Nearby, a beautiful waterfall tumbled out of the evergreen forest, splaying into numerous channels as it spilled in white veils into the shoreline waters. The ship hovered in front of the falls affording a stationary platform for the many avid photographers on the bow. Setting an intentionally slow shutter speed on a well-braced camera, the rushing water takes on a soft brushed appearance showing the elegance of the falling water (photo).
