Fox Creek & Inian Islands
The National Geographic Sea Bird sailed into Idaho Inlet and we were welcomed by several bunches of sea otters. Some were lying lazily on their backs and others were frolicking playfully, undisturbed by our presence. These adorable animals have the world’s densest fur, one million hairs per square inch. This resulted in fur hunters overharvesting them to near extinction between 1742 and 1910.
Heading for our anchorage, we spotted a robust brown bear with 3 yearling cubs all foraging along the shore. Time for us humans to get some breakfast.
Our morning activities began with a kayak circumnavigation of Shaw Island. The sea was calm and magical as we watched curious harbor seals and sea otters. Two groups of humpback whales entertained us with their sonorous spoutings.
Our next adventure began at Fox Creek where we set off on our hikes. Being careful not to step on the beautiful wildflowers, we came upon traditional brown bear footprints. These have been around for many years as the bears take the same path to mark the rub tree. These are used to notify other bears of each other’s presence. Some of us explored the intertidal zone, fascinated by the sea stars, the long fronds of kelp, the barnacles, and sculpins.
While enjoying a delicious lunch we repositioned to the Inian Islands, a passage between the calm, protected waters of the Inside Passage and the long rolling swells of the open ocean. We cruised in Zodiacs and two humpback whales came close to us. We circled rock haul outs observing Steller sea lions, glaucous-winged gulls and tufted puffins. The evening ended with more humbpack whales in the distance and a gorgeous sunset.
The National Geographic Sea Bird sailed into Idaho Inlet and we were welcomed by several bunches of sea otters. Some were lying lazily on their backs and others were frolicking playfully, undisturbed by our presence. These adorable animals have the world’s densest fur, one million hairs per square inch. This resulted in fur hunters overharvesting them to near extinction between 1742 and 1910.
Heading for our anchorage, we spotted a robust brown bear with 3 yearling cubs all foraging along the shore. Time for us humans to get some breakfast.
Our morning activities began with a kayak circumnavigation of Shaw Island. The sea was calm and magical as we watched curious harbor seals and sea otters. Two groups of humpback whales entertained us with their sonorous spoutings.
Our next adventure began at Fox Creek where we set off on our hikes. Being careful not to step on the beautiful wildflowers, we came upon traditional brown bear footprints. These have been around for many years as the bears take the same path to mark the rub tree. These are used to notify other bears of each other’s presence. Some of us explored the intertidal zone, fascinated by the sea stars, the long fronds of kelp, the barnacles, and sculpins.
While enjoying a delicious lunch we repositioned to the Inian Islands, a passage between the calm, protected waters of the Inside Passage and the long rolling swells of the open ocean. We cruised in Zodiacs and two humpback whales came close to us. We circled rock haul outs observing Steller sea lions, glaucous-winged gulls and tufted puffins. The evening ended with more humbpack whales in the distance and a gorgeous sunset.
