onboard the Great Bear II 5 June 2023

We mustered for a shakedown cruise, first time into our adventuring outfits: rubber pants, big boots, life jacket, dry bag with all the things we might need (but didn’t), and boarded the Great Bear II’s Zodiac,  the Explorer, for a short excursion to view the Narrows’ abundant intertidal life at low tide. An hour later, we were back on the boat, and underway to the our next destination (that will not be named.)

The top two photos (below) are a large conglomeration of Hooded Nudibranchs, who capture their prey with their frilly ‘ears’; next row, a tiny Kelp Crab and Green, Red, and Purple Urchins. Third row, a  Scallop with red frills. And there's the Great Bear II swinging at anchor.

We acknowledge here and throughout
that we are on unceded First Nations lands.
Here's more about them.

One of many Sea Cucumbers and a bit of tidal sculpture. There's Rochelle decked out for a Zodiac adventure, and a Bull Kelp island. 

We also saw a much larger Red Crab (no picture; he scuttled), many different Sea Stars The tides here range 12 to 14 feet, and this was a particularly low (full moon) tide.

One of our fellow passengers, Trina, kept claiming islands that she deemed small enough that she could afford them. Here's one.

Jen and Marjan served lunch while underway, magnificent scenery, including several waterfalls, decorating the ‘walls’ of our dining room. Roasted Butternut Squash soup and bruschetta with savory tomato.

Harlequin Duck

We arrived at high tide, and immediately suited up for another Zodiac adventure, up the creek at the top of the inlet, where we encountered abundant wildlife. Eric has an amazing eye and comprehensive knowledge about the local fauna, and helped us find some amazing creatures.

Upon our return, we had cruditées and and Trish’s amazing crab dip, then adjourned to the pilot house en famille for a delicious dinner: chicken in an Indonesian curry sauce, basmati rice, and asparagus with peach shortcake, mango sauce, and whipped cream with a chocolate sauce decoration for dessert.

We repaired early to our small stateroom, and were asleep by 10.