For our last day of exploration we woke up near the mouth of
Peril Strait, a long, twisting waterway between Baranof and Chichagof Islands.
We anchored in a small cove jutting into the north coast of Baranof, called
Hanas Bay. Our morning was spent ashore, exploring a beautiful old growth
forest, walking along a river that flowed out of Lake Eva. The afternoon was
spent cruising Chatham Strait, looking for marine mammals and enjoying lectures
on bears by Elise, and Gelato monkeys, a National Geographic Assignment by
Trevor Frost. Captain Shawn Nettles hosted our farewell dinner.
10/20/2022
Read
National Geographic Venture
Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands
After days of sunshine and warm temperatures, the “raincoast” delivered some authentic fall weather today. The day started with a thick fog as we cruised into Friday Harbor and cleared Customs. By the time we reached Lime Kiln Lighthouse on the west side of San Juan Island, the fog had lifted, giving us picturesque views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca with Vancouver Island silhouetted along the horizon. We were able to tour the gorgeous lighthouse that, in addition to still being operational, serves as an interpretive spot for the southern resident orca whales that frequent the area. In recent years, this unique population of whales has shrunk to 73 individuals due to a variety of reasons, especially decreased salmon populations. In the evening, two members of the Center for Whale Research came aboard to discuss their most recent findings and what must be done to ensure that these intelligent and charismatic animals continue to populate these waters for generations. The San Juan Islands are also home to a little-known piece of U.S./U.K. history. Known as the Pig War, a nonviolent confrontation over the border took place between the two countries. It was settled after much dispute. For twelve years, American and British camps occupied opposite sides of the island until an arbitrator ruled in favor of the Americans, and the border was drawn in Haro Strait, west of San Juan Island. The sites of the two camps are now national parks, and the eerie fog that drifted up the treeless hills added to the overall environment, reminding us that, despite the dry weather, fall and Halloween are right around the corner.
