Chatham Strait
As the final day of our voyage began, preparations were being made for a variety of activities. We dropped the hook, lowered the Zodiacs and put the kayak fleet in the water. After a hearty breakfast, a group of 20 set out for a long hike around a scenic lake, while other guests got ready to take a walk up to the lake or kayak in the scenic bay. After the kayaks were launched, many of us went ashore for our leisurely walk across the beach, along a small river and into the forest. Mushrooms of many shapes, colors and sizes were spotted along the trail, including the brilliant red-and-white spotted Amanita muscaria. We stopped at a beaver lodge and admired the skillful and industrious efforts of the largest North American members of the rodent family. Evidence of bear activity was everywhere, including deep paw prints in the mud by the water, a scratching tree with bear hair still stuck to the trunk and half-eaten pink salmon carcasses decorating the streamside cobbles.
On our way back down the trail, all that evidence came to life in the form of a 4-5 year old brown bear. This sub-adult Ursus arctos entered the river at a slow run not far from where we were watching on the trail. Perhaps this was the same individual who had rubbed on the tree and had had some salmon for breakfast (just as we had—although ours was on a bagel with cream cheese!). Seeming intent on not sharing this little piece of the Tongass National Forest with us, the bear followed us out to shore where our Zodiacs were waiting to take the kayakers and us back to the ship. The hikers returned to the ship shortly thereafter—wet, tired and smiling—and the Sea Lion got underway. We gathered in the lounge before lunch to talk about our experiences and discuss bear biology and behavior. The afternoon was happily consumed with whale watching, Zodiac explorations and a presentation on the art and culture of the native people of Southeast Alaska. It was a full and exciting day capping off a fun and adventurous week!
As the final day of our voyage began, preparations were being made for a variety of activities. We dropped the hook, lowered the Zodiacs and put the kayak fleet in the water. After a hearty breakfast, a group of 20 set out for a long hike around a scenic lake, while other guests got ready to take a walk up to the lake or kayak in the scenic bay. After the kayaks were launched, many of us went ashore for our leisurely walk across the beach, along a small river and into the forest. Mushrooms of many shapes, colors and sizes were spotted along the trail, including the brilliant red-and-white spotted Amanita muscaria. We stopped at a beaver lodge and admired the skillful and industrious efforts of the largest North American members of the rodent family. Evidence of bear activity was everywhere, including deep paw prints in the mud by the water, a scratching tree with bear hair still stuck to the trunk and half-eaten pink salmon carcasses decorating the streamside cobbles.
On our way back down the trail, all that evidence came to life in the form of a 4-5 year old brown bear. This sub-adult Ursus arctos entered the river at a slow run not far from where we were watching on the trail. Perhaps this was the same individual who had rubbed on the tree and had had some salmon for breakfast (just as we had—although ours was on a bagel with cream cheese!). Seeming intent on not sharing this little piece of the Tongass National Forest with us, the bear followed us out to shore where our Zodiacs were waiting to take the kayakers and us back to the ship. The hikers returned to the ship shortly thereafter—wet, tired and smiling—and the Sea Lion got underway. We gathered in the lounge before lunch to talk about our experiences and discuss bear biology and behavior. The afternoon was happily consumed with whale watching, Zodiac explorations and a presentation on the art and culture of the native people of Southeast Alaska. It was a full and exciting day capping off a fun and adventurous week!
