Mother Goose Leg 4, Day 2 - Klag Bay to Pelican

We awoke to the refreshing morning mist and scent of Sitka Spruce encircling the bay. As we departed Klag Bay, the fleet ventured once again into the North Pacific, feeling the rising and falling of the boats in the swells as we watched the waves crash against the shore.

On our way, we came across many more sea otters. One of the otters we passed was using its paws to crack open its prey. Emmelina provided a naturalist’s explanation of the use of tools by marine mammals. Sea otters pick a tool to use and keep it with them, held in a fold of skin, when they dive for food. We were fortunate to pass a seal lion violently slapping a salmon in its mouth to stun it, as seagulls flew above waiting for their share of morsels to be left behind. He was too busy “preparing” his meal to take notice of the boats passing close by.

The waves began to flatten and the ride became more comfortable as the boats entered Lisianksi Straight. We continued up this beautiful fjord until we reached the small town of Pelican. We all went our separate ways as some went to the famous Rosie’s Bar, some walked the length of the boardwalk surrounding the town, and others just relaxed after the long day.

Pelican is suffering the recent loss of their fish processing plant which closed two years ago. The town population is slowly shrinking now that this base of income is gone but the facilities remain and are excellent. Still, there is a sense that this is a town which needs to be visited sooner rather than later.

The night slowly came to an end as the town of Pelican rested under a luminescent rainbow, coming out from the clouds. We were treated to Pelican’s 4th of July fireworks on the 10th, because it has rained every night since the 4th preventing them from holding their celebration. The crashing fireworks came to an end and we all went to bed.