Wallace Island – Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia, 9/14/2022, National Geographic Quest
Aboard the
National Geographic Quest
Alaska
There was a distinct difference from where we’ve been over the past week to where we were today. Gone are the western hemlocks and Sitka spruce, enter the Pacific madrone and Douglas fir. Even the geology has changed from glacial erratics and towering granite cliffs to the scoops and waves of Chuckanut sandstone. The moss went from soft and spongy to the touch to crunchy. We’ve clearly entered a more arid part of the Pacific Northwest.
We cruised through Porlier Pass and around Trincomali Channel, where we saw plentiful seals, harbor porpoises, and gulls. Once we anchored and disembarked, our guests appreciated the chance to finally walk without muck boots and rain gear. Since Wallace Island has no bear activity, guests were able to explore on their own if they so desired. A few guests braved a much warmer swim in the tranquil waters before we returned to National Geographic Quest for a calm evening of searching for wildlife in Active Pass and the Strait of Georgia.
Marine biologist, multisport athlete, and photographer Adam has been studying whales, dolphins, and seabirds since 1994. Since then, he has spent thousands of days at sea on research expeditions all over the world and has seen half of the known cetac...
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Another sunny morning greeted National Geographic Quest on our transit of the waters of British Columbia. The higher of the peaks surrounding us, still painted white with stubborn winter snowpack, reflected the sunshine as it grew brighter over the impressive, spruce-covered rock walls. As we navigated the glassy waters of Jervis Inlet on the way to our morning destination, our explorers filed into the dining room for an indulgent breakfast of banana chocolate chip pancakes. Zodiac tours departed from the ship’s fantail and headed through a bottleneck at the entrance to Princess Louisa Inlet. On either side of us, towering rock faces were riddled with tall, spindly waterfalls, each more impressive than the last. Colorful male birds in peak breeding season flaunted their vibrant plumage. Among them were common mergansers, surf scoters, and Barrow’s goldeneyes. Harbor seals cautiously observed us from afar as we slowed to admire their cuteness. Once we reached the end of the fjord, we disembarked for a short hike to the raging Chatterbox Waterfall. With tons of native plant species in full bloom, the scents along the trail were fresh and floral. Back at the dock, tiny moon jellies and lion’s manes hovered a few meters beneath the chilly and productive spring waters. The jellies propelled themselves through the waters alongside juvenile fish and mussel-covered pylons. As we made our way back to the ship, we spotted more harbor seals and a playful river otter. Back on board, we set off down Jervis Inlet to the Salish Sea to continue our journey north. We made one pitstop before leaving the inlet, and we were all mesmerized by a 1,400-foot-high waterfall viewed from the bow of the ship. A fantastic day four of our voyage ended as we continued our journey north. Our hearts are full, and our sense of wonder is heightened and awaiting continued adventure as we roam the seas in search of more treasures of the Inside Passage.