Travis Patten grew up in Minnesota on the shore of Lake Superior where he was brought up in a family culture of appreciation for all things water related. He learned an appreciation for nature from his grandfather and works to echo the lessons he was...
This morning on National Geographic Venture we awoke to calm seas and sunny skies as we cruised through the waterways of Georgia Straight, British Columbia. We spotted two types of pinnipeds from the bow - harbor seals and Steller sea lions. We also got a glimpse of our first waterfall of the trip! The afternoon was filled with Zodiac cruises in Desolate Sound Marine Park that gave us an even closer look at seals and sea lions. We also had the chance to view multiple bird species, including bald eagles, marbled murrelets, surf scoters, and oystercatchers.
Victoria is one of Canada’s gem cities, known for its vibrant gardens and friendly people. Today was no exception, as we experienced the pure beauty of this wonderful city. We enjoyed historic walks, garden tours, a cycling adventure, and finished off the night with a cocktail party at the fabulous Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. It was a full day of splendid Canadian hospitality. Our adventure continues, as we head north towards Alaska.
Today marked the first day of our expedition on board National Geographic Venture, where we will navigate the over 900 mile stretch of coastline between Seattle and Sitka. At sunrise, we arrived at the beautiful Sucia Island. Guests enjoyed a hike across the island to Fossil Bay, guided by the naturalist staff who spoke about the local flora and fauna. A highlight for many guests was the pink salmon berry flowers. This afternoon, in great spirits, guests braved the rain and explored the bay both by kayak and Zodiac. Glaucous and Boneparte’s gulls flew overhead, and Steller sea lions and harbor seals danced through the water as we set sail for tomorrow’s destination, Victoria.
