After two weeks and 2008 nautical miles sailed, the last day of our expedition through coastal British Columbia and southeast Alaska has arrived. Traveling south along the Chatham Strait, a glacially carved fjord and active tectonic fault, we dedicated the morning to searching for whales. A trio of feeding humpbacks graced us with their presence and antics near the entrance to Kelp Bay under the backdrop of Baranof Island’s snow-capped mountains.
Afternoon hikers explored the trail system near Lake Eva, source of a well-shaded stream and series of small waterfalls where all five species of Pacific salmon will return to spawn over the next few months. By now, familiar with many temperate rainforest plants and the ecosystem structure, our walking conversations focused on nuanced differences between this location and others visited, the recent windstorm damage, and photography techniques for “capturing the light.” While we enjoyed the trail to ourselves, bear signs reminded us that truly southeast Alaska belongs to the resident wildlife and wilderness.
A reflective and appreciative ship’s company gathered for our final Recap this evening, considering the community we have become and the experiences we’ve shared. All were invited to contribute to a curated slideshow highlighting the trip’s activities, destinations, and characters. Finally, expedition leader Rab Cummings eloquently described how we’ve followed in the footsteps of intrepid explorers along this meeting place of time and tide, imprinting the power and peace of this region forever in our minds.
