On Friday morning National Geographic Sea Lion found herself in the beautiful and protected cove of Port Althorpe. This bay is notoriously calm, often allowing for perhaps our most weather dependent activity; kayaking. Today was no different, so guests were given the difficult choice between water sports and intrepid bush-whacking hikes. The afternoon led the ship to the Inian Islands, an outcropping of islands which border the open ocean. Because the tide rushes in and out of these islands so heavily, the wildlife is a spectacle to be seen. Expedition landing craft cruises here did not disappoint, with many species of furry and feathery friends.
4/24/2024
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Old Massett, Haida Gwaii
Back to Daajing Giids! After an incredible day in SGang Gwaay visiting an ancestral village with still-standing historic totem poles, our Haida hosts thought it appropriate to bring us to Old Massett – and what a joy it was! This remarkable township is home to two master carvers responsible for sharing their culture far and wide. Jim Hart showed us his home studio where we got to meet his mother and his son. Together, Jim and his son shared the stories of the three totem poles outside of their home, each with a unique story regarding close family members. Another master carver some 5 minutes down the road, Christian White, beckoned us into his carving shed where he and his apprentices were actively shaping a canoe out of red cedar. Christian and Jim honor their ancestors’ legacies by training young Haida as carvers, each having several apprentices. In both workshops, the smell of newly carved cedar brought a sense of purpose and hard work; wood shavings danced in the air like the Haida dancers would just after lunch today. It was another wonderful day of sharing, dancing, singing, and laughing.