Safari Spirit, Day 6: Takatz Cove & Basket Bay's Marble Grotto

There are just two more days of this itinerary and everyone has commented how fantastic it's been. We keep joking that our group has good karma since we've lucked out and have seen just about all the animals on our "must see" list: eagles, bears, humpback and orca whales, seals, and sea lions. The weather has been gorgeous too with fair skys and some sun. Though it's rained, it hasn't been heavy.

This morning was spent kayaking and skiffing around Takatz Cove. The waterfalls here are so stunning; it's hard to believe that don't all have names. But, the topography continually changes in Alaska and a powerful waterfall this season may just be a trickle next year. While skiffing today I focused my attention on the water line and saw sea stars, Harbor seals, Harlequin ducks, and so much more. It was drizzling and a bit cold, but that didn't stop us from getting close to the waterfall to feel its power. What a rush!

Around 4 p.m. we took off in the skiff for Basket Bay and the Marble Grotto. You can only visit this location at certain tide levels and it was just about right when we arrived. Just as we entered the grotto, a large eagle soared overhead. It couldn't have been scripted better if it was the opening scene of a movie! We couldn't go very far into the grotto due to some rock outcroppings, but it was beautiful.

As we settled down to dinner, we thought we were done for the day, but nature had other ideas. A large brown bear was spotted on shore so we ditched dessert, got in the skiff, and slowly made our way over. We got within feet of this bear—so close that I could hear him munching on the grass! I can't tell you how this made me feel. I was in awe but also somewhat sad. Years ago, brown bears could be found all over the United States. Their range now is quite small. I hope Alaska safeguards these very special animals.


Our normally gregarious group was unusually quiet as we boated back to the Safari Spirit. The encounter with this bear affected each of us and left us all, literally, speechless. We had previously joked that Captain Tate would have to dress up as a bear for a photo op if we didn't get close enough to the real thing. Well, Tate was off the hook on that count. Again, an experience none of us expected, but we wouldn't trade it for anything else.

After we all returned to the boat, a few passengers went back out with Danny to set some crab pots. Then, after a few drinks in the Salon, everyone drifting back to their staterooms and I'm pretty sure we all dreamed of orcas and bears that night! —Andrea
















Photos © Leonard Hospidor and may not be used without permission