Idaho Inlet & Inian Islands
Where is the Southeast Alaska weather? Harsh weather sometimes forms brutal conditions in Alaska. However, for us on the National Geographic Sea Bird, we know nothing of rain, cold, or wind…we have had epic weather for the past 48 hours.
We awoke to humpbacks, reminding us to breathe, take it all in, and get ready to enjoy another great day in Southeast Alaska. A sea otter joined the humpbacks, reminding us to play like children. Yes, this was sure to be another great day.
As we anchored, a small boat hailed our captain to warn us of a mother brown bear and her three cubs that spent last night in our hiking destination at Fox Creek. Undeterred, we hiked under a shinning sun at Fox Creek. Along the trail we encountered a winding stream, moist spongy meadows, and a magnificent bog. Vibrant flowers stood in the sun. Fuchsia shooting stars, chocolate lilies, and yellow marsh marigolds all caught our attention. We also learned about carnivorous sundews and their sticky tentacles that seek nitrogen.
Later it was time to kayak. Jellies, enormous eagles, and glistening kelp decorated the landscape as we circumnavigated Shaw Island. Some of us just relaxed and let the current push us through the quiet. We floated with peaceful distance between our kayaks, allowing us to appreciate our vast surroundings. We did not want it to end; lunch waiting for us on the boat was no contest for the beauty that was feeding us.
The afternoon consisted of a Zodiac cruise near a sea lion haul-out in the Inian Islands. The barking and belching of these boisterous animals kept us attentive to their territorial behavior as we drifted past. Curious young sea lions passed in close proximity as cameras clicked away. Prior to returning to the National Geographic Sea Bird, a few otters were seen napping, playing, or eating in the calm water.
After dinner we were surrounded by humpbacks….breaching, endless flukes, and blow after blow after blow. The bridge was as packed as the lounge full of people exchanging photos, none of us were able to let go of the day’s activities.
The beauty of the perfect weather was both invigorating and exhausting.
Where is the Southeast Alaska weather? Harsh weather sometimes forms brutal conditions in Alaska. However, for us on the National Geographic Sea Bird, we know nothing of rain, cold, or wind…we have had epic weather for the past 48 hours.
We awoke to humpbacks, reminding us to breathe, take it all in, and get ready to enjoy another great day in Southeast Alaska. A sea otter joined the humpbacks, reminding us to play like children. Yes, this was sure to be another great day.
As we anchored, a small boat hailed our captain to warn us of a mother brown bear and her three cubs that spent last night in our hiking destination at Fox Creek. Undeterred, we hiked under a shinning sun at Fox Creek. Along the trail we encountered a winding stream, moist spongy meadows, and a magnificent bog. Vibrant flowers stood in the sun. Fuchsia shooting stars, chocolate lilies, and yellow marsh marigolds all caught our attention. We also learned about carnivorous sundews and their sticky tentacles that seek nitrogen.
Later it was time to kayak. Jellies, enormous eagles, and glistening kelp decorated the landscape as we circumnavigated Shaw Island. Some of us just relaxed and let the current push us through the quiet. We floated with peaceful distance between our kayaks, allowing us to appreciate our vast surroundings. We did not want it to end; lunch waiting for us on the boat was no contest for the beauty that was feeding us.
The afternoon consisted of a Zodiac cruise near a sea lion haul-out in the Inian Islands. The barking and belching of these boisterous animals kept us attentive to their territorial behavior as we drifted past. Curious young sea lions passed in close proximity as cameras clicked away. Prior to returning to the National Geographic Sea Bird, a few otters were seen napping, playing, or eating in the calm water.
After dinner we were surrounded by humpbacks….breaching, endless flukes, and blow after blow after blow. The bridge was as packed as the lounge full of people exchanging photos, none of us were able to let go of the day’s activities.
The beauty of the perfect weather was both invigorating and exhausting.
