We awoke this morning as our ship sauntered into Alert Bay, a thriving first nation community. Since we are now in Canadian waters, excursions today are via zodiacs, the first time on the cruise (regulations prohibited their use in the US).

We did a 40 minute tour of the bay and caught some bald eagles taking a break as they were fishing for breakfast.

After touring the bay, the zodiacs deposited us in the village. While waiting for the shuttle bus we were able to take in a burial ground. We are both very grateful the expedition guides gave us opportunities to see these communities.

The shuttle took us to the cultural center which was a very moving experience,

I spoke with a volunteer at the cultural center whose relatives were at the school. She was proud of her heritage and the beautiful center that currently stands adjacent to the site of the former school. “My journey will be completed when we build the language school on this very ground. It will be built within two years.”

I had a zodiac all to myself heading back to the ship.

The sunset of our trip.

We are spending two days in Vancouver before flying back to Chicago, but I’ll sign off for now. Thanks for taking the journey.

Moon river, wider than a mile
I’m crossing you in style some day
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you’re goin’, I’m goin’ your way
Two drifters, off to see the world
There’s such a lot of world to see
We’re after the same rainbow’s end
Waitin’ ’round the bend
My huckleberry friend
Moon river and me