Clouds and rain welcomed National Geographic Sea Bird to Misty Fjords National Monument, termed the “Yosemite of the North” by John Muir, who visited the area in 1879. Muir was instrumental in establishing protected areas in Alaska, such as Glacier Bay National Park. One group of guests took Zodiac tours around God’s Pocket. They were surrounded by towering granite cliffs and pristine shorelines. The other group attended a presentation by Naturalist and Historian Patrick MacQuarrie on “Rivers Without Borders – Transboundary Rivers in Southeast Alaska.” After lunch, the ship sailed back through Rudyard Bay into Behm Canal, where ecstatic guests caught a remarkable site as orcas appeared to pursue Dall’s porpoises riding the ship’s bow. Later, guests enjoyed a presentation by Photo Instructor Eric Guth on “Introduction to Expedition Photography” and another by Naturalist Emily Mall on “The Powerful World of Plankton.” After dinner, Naturalist Jess Farrer spoke about “Killer Whales of the North Pacific.”
Photographers: Eric Guth, Certified Photo Instructor and Naturalist; Brady Clarke, Naturalist; Patrick MacQuarrie, Naturalist and Historian