Chatham and Icy Straits
If knowledge is power, than those of us here on the Sea Lion are more powerful each day. We started the day off with a hearty breakfast, and then bundled up in our warm clothes to go out on deck. We were greeted by our first humpback whale of the trip and some Dall’s porpoises, too! We rushed outside with glee to watch the dance of the humpback while one of the naturalists explained to us about both of these unique marine mammals and their behaviors in the water.
After we broke away from the humpback and its companions, we gathered in the lounge to learn about glaciers. Our minds were filled with information about glaciations and the landscapes they create.
As we were contemplating the power of glaciers and our chance to see them in the days to come, we were brought back to the present moment with an announcement about another humpback in front of the ship. We ran back out on deck to for more humpback viewing. We watch and wonder how long will it stay down? Where will it come up next? “There it is!” We all turn in the direction of the greatest sound on earth, the slow exhale and quick inhale of a humpback surfacing to take a breath. That one exhale of air makes you wonder more about this gentle giant and its life in the ocean while a child-like excitement takes hold of your heart. We look around at our majestic surroundings. Although it is cold outside, the snow capped mountains and lush forests make us feel at ease as we learn more from the staff about humpback whales.
We return indoors to warm ourselves with a cup of something hot while listening to a talk about sea birds of Alaska. We learn about breeding patterns, different families of birds, and what is considered threatening to these creatures. We play a word game in the lounge, then…. What? Another whale? That’s four humpbacks in one day! We bundle up once again to face the elements with kittiwakes flying all around us and more Dall’s porpoises in hot pursuit of fish.
Recap time and wouldn’t you know it – Killer whales! There are a few of us that brave the wind and the cold to see these beasts in all of their splendor and glory while they feed in Idaho inlet. We end the day full of knowledge that we did not have before. We can’t wait to see what we learn tomorrow.
If knowledge is power, than those of us here on the Sea Lion are more powerful each day. We started the day off with a hearty breakfast, and then bundled up in our warm clothes to go out on deck. We were greeted by our first humpback whale of the trip and some Dall’s porpoises, too! We rushed outside with glee to watch the dance of the humpback while one of the naturalists explained to us about both of these unique marine mammals and their behaviors in the water.
After we broke away from the humpback and its companions, we gathered in the lounge to learn about glaciers. Our minds were filled with information about glaciations and the landscapes they create.
As we were contemplating the power of glaciers and our chance to see them in the days to come, we were brought back to the present moment with an announcement about another humpback in front of the ship. We ran back out on deck to for more humpback viewing. We watch and wonder how long will it stay down? Where will it come up next? “There it is!” We all turn in the direction of the greatest sound on earth, the slow exhale and quick inhale of a humpback surfacing to take a breath. That one exhale of air makes you wonder more about this gentle giant and its life in the ocean while a child-like excitement takes hold of your heart. We look around at our majestic surroundings. Although it is cold outside, the snow capped mountains and lush forests make us feel at ease as we learn more from the staff about humpback whales.
We return indoors to warm ourselves with a cup of something hot while listening to a talk about sea birds of Alaska. We learn about breeding patterns, different families of birds, and what is considered threatening to these creatures. We play a word game in the lounge, then…. What? Another whale? That’s four humpbacks in one day! We bundle up once again to face the elements with kittiwakes flying all around us and more Dall’s porpoises in hot pursuit of fish.
Recap time and wouldn’t you know it – Killer whales! There are a few of us that brave the wind and the cold to see these beasts in all of their splendor and glory while they feed in Idaho inlet. We end the day full of knowledge that we did not have before. We can’t wait to see what we learn tomorrow.
