Misty Fjords, 9/16/2024, National Geographic Sea Lion
Aboard the
National Geographic Sea Lion
Alaska
The final day of our Alaska expedition was spent exploring the beautiful Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness Area. These stunning fjords provided a perfect landscape to experience the water by both kayak and Zodiac today.
Kim is a marine biologist, fine art photographer, and avid fisherman. Based in Juneau, Alaska, Lingít Aaní, she spends her time between the mountains and the ocean. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Cognitive Neuroscience from the Unive...
We docked this morning in sun-drenched Alert Bay. The Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations people were our hosts in this cultural sharing experience. At the U’mista Cultural Center we learned of the masks and other traditional regalia that had returned to their home, and why they were taken away in the first place. These pieces are a treasure to the community, a bond with their elders, the creators of the artwork, and a bridge to the next generation of inspired artists. While we are not permitted to photograph the masks in the collection, you can view them online or come see them in person with us this fall.
We enjoyed sunny skies this morning at anchorage in Tenedos Bay, Desolation Sound. Our first full day started ashore with hikes of various difficulties, including a long hike that traversed the island. Kayak and Zodiac tours explored the bay, viewing birds and harbor seals hauled out on rocks. The afternoon was filled with sunbathing and looking for wildlife. Spirits were high as National Geographic Sea Bird transited north searching for charismatic megafauna on our way to Alert Bay.
The winds howled and the rain ran in Alaska today. National Geographic Sea Lion and her people sailed the Inside Passage from the mouth of Glacier Bay, down Chatham Straight, through Sergius Narrows to eventually make it to our destination, Sitka. Along the way we saw soggy bald eagles, drenched Sitka black tail deer, and submerged Dall’s porpoise. In Sitka, we visited the National Historical Park, also known as Totem Pole Park. We braved the squalls and the heavy rain to walk amongst the beautiful trees and witness the poles and artifacts of the Tlingit peoples that still call this land home. It was a magnificent way to end a wonderful journey.
