September 30, 2018 - National Geographic Sea Bird
Today we enjoyed true rainforest weather! Gorgeous clouds created mesmerizing patterns of light and many became snagged on the tops of trees.
We cruised around Spieden Island, which is home to exotic game animals including Mouflon sheep and Sika deer. These exotic species were introduced for big game hunting expeditions, but this venture never quite took hold and it is now owned by the Oakley family (yes, as in the sunglasses). Wildlife was dispersed all over Spieden Island. Cream colored Sika deer grazing on the slopes, bald eagles taking flight from dead tree limbs, river otters swimming near the rocks, a harlequin duck perched on the shore, as well as harbor seals and sea lions swimming amongst the kelp.
Just before noon, we spotted a pod of resident killer whales, with several females and one or two males in the group! It is always such a privilege to be in the presence of these animals who are masters of their realm and breathtaking to watch. Following this encounter, we visited Sucia Island. Some took to the water in kayaks and others to the land on foot. Honeycomb weathering patterns in the rock were a highlight and could be found in the sandstone that makes up Sucia Island. This is a type of salt water weathering created as a result of crystals wedging apart and eroding holes in the porous rock. Douglas fir, Gary oaks, snowberry, tree frogs, and lush vegetation made for an exciting walk on Sucia Island.
Through exploring these small islands, we became acutely aware of the interconnectedness between land and sea in the San Juan Islands. One does not exist without in some way impacting the other.
Text and photos by Emily Newton, Undersea Specialist
Link to full article on Lindblad-National Geographic website:
https://www.expeditions.com/daily-expedition-reports/186948/
Commentaires