The day started with a hazy drizzle, but excitement hung in the air on National Geographic Sea Lion. As the guests arrived on shore in Haines, Alaska, they were whisked off to a variety of adventures. Some went to summit Mount Riley, some tried their hand at fly fishing, and others journeyed down the Chilkat River to a Tlingit cultural experience at Klukwan Village. We saw all kinds of wildlife from bald eagles to salmon to a brown bear sow and her two cubs. We also explored other local points of interest such as the Hammer Museum, the Sheldon Museum, and the American Bald Eagle Foundation. A few of us even tried a spruce-tipped beverage or two at the Haines Brewery and at Chilkoot Port Distillery. It was a well-deserved happy hour after an intense day of exploration in Haines.
5/7/2025
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Inian Islands, Port Althorp
The Inian Islands invoke sheer joy and excitement among the naturalists, which in turn, is transferred to the guests. We set out in Zodiacs, traversing in nearly unprecedented calm conditions through the narrow Mosquito Pass, then around North Inian Island. We observed over a dozen bald eagles and sea lions waiting for the inrushing tide to bring fish to the surface for easy pickings. We also saw a couple of male sea otters peacefully lying on the surface while fluffing up their fur to introduce air for insulation (they don’t have blubber). The weather was classic Alaska…sun grading to rain…then to partly cloudy. In the afternoon, we traveled to Port Althorp for kayaking and hikes. Again, very calm conditions with intermittent sun and rain. The hikes were beautiful, winding across the mud flats and into the thick rainforest painted with several shades of green. Bear trails were observed and used by us as convenient paths to follow. Kayakers slowly paddled across glassy water to enjoy the peace and solitude. The day ended with soft sun.