National Geographic Sea Bird dropped anchor in Haines, Alaska, today as our guests and staff overflowed with excitement. The day was action packed with adventures, such as hiking Mt. Riley and Battery Point, learning about Klukwan Village and Tlingit native culture, floating down the Chilkat River, bicycling up the Lynn Canal, and even fly fishing. After morning excursions, we got to explore the quaint main street of this coastal Alaskan town. The eccentric “Hammer Museum” was a smash hit among guests and boasts the second largest hammer in the world in its collection. Many people also visited the Haines Brewing Company or the Port Chilkoot Distillery for a refreshment after a long but rewarding day. Thank you to all our local guides as well as Sea Bird staff, crew, and officers for a wonderful day!
7/22/2024
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Sitka Sound
Early risers aboard National Geographic Sea Lion were treated to a stellar show of humpback whales this morning as we made our way south down the mountain-studded coast of Baranof Island. The long, lazy swell that lulled us to sleep overnight contrasted spectacularly with the fast breaches, tail slaps, and fluking displays that surrounded us as we rounded Cape Edgecumbe and entered Sitka Sound. Sea otters and fishing boats galore greeted us as we slipped into the calm waters of the sound, bound for Magoun Islands State Marine Park for an afternoon of Zodiac cruising and hiking. The hikers found ample evidence of recent bear presence in the form of fresh scat and tracks, but no bears were to be found. Most of us were quite relieved not to surprise a bear! The Zodiac cruisers were treated to gorgeous intertidal habitats littered with mussels, barnacles, sea stars, and clams. After warming up a bit at lunch, a record thirty-one brave souls jumped into the frigid waters for our polar plunge! As we arrived in Sitka this evening, we admired the snow-capped mountain tops normally shrouded in mist. Steller sea lions cavorting around the dock served as reminders of our adventures.
