Cross Sound, Icy Strait

Clear, warm sunshine bathed our bodies and spirits today. This long Alaskan summer day was intoxicating; for all of us aboard the Sea Bird as well as the profusion of creatures living at this productive edge of the Gulf of Alaska. From kayaks and Zodiacs and the ship itself, we explored the ragged coastlines of islands named George, South Inian and Lemesurier, and the tiny fishing community of Elfin Cove on the Althorp Peninsula. The sights, sounds and smells (who could forget those sea lions!) of today were nearly indescribable, but perhaps these few haikus will remind us all of our laughter and luck.

mirror sea surface
murrelets call good morning
humpback lunges through

colorful kayaks
slip quietly through fog bay
seashore life abounds

Fairweather Range shines
deep green water swirls, pushes
everyone finds food

Dundas Bay’s secrets
bears revealed in quick glimpses
wild place most sacred

more after dinner
salmon skies illuminate
sea, whales, sky, minds – hearts