Fox Creek & Inian Islands
This morning awoke up to typical Southeast Alaskan weather. Fog shrouded the mountains and a drizzle of rain made the air smell fresh. We were entertained by sea otters floating by on their backs. These animals do not have a layer of blubber to keep them warm in these frigid waters. Instead they have a very dense coat, which resulted in them being hunted nearly to extinction.
The National Geographic Sea Bird sailed into a serene spot at the northern end of Chichagof Island called Idaho Inlet. It was named for the mail steamer, Idaho, the first large steamer to enter the inlet. Captain Carroll was looking for a shortcut to Sitka and in the fog, he ran aground at the head of what is now called Idaho Inlet.
Our morning activities included kayaking and hiking. Some chose to paddle around Shaw Island, enjoying the quiet and peaceful environment. Others adventured into the temperate rainforest. Following a bear trail along a stream, we saw evidence of the brown coastal bears that live here. We walked next to “traditional bear tracks” which are tracks the bears use over and over for many years. We examined piles of fresh bear scat and came upon trees that had large bear claw markings. The smell of skunk cabbage filled the air as we investigated squirrel middens at the base of Sitka spruce trees.
After lunch we repositioned to the Inian Islands. We cruised in zodiacs among Steller sea lions, larger relatives of California sea lions. We cruised past a small rocky island which is a bachelor haul out. It was an incredible site to watch a sea lion surface with a salmon in its mouth, slam it onto the water surface, and then eat it. The gulls and kittiwakes scavenged on the salmon remains. We were surrounded by wildlife: sea otters, humpback whales and an impressive twenty-six bald eagles. What an amazing day!
This morning awoke up to typical Southeast Alaskan weather. Fog shrouded the mountains and a drizzle of rain made the air smell fresh. We were entertained by sea otters floating by on their backs. These animals do not have a layer of blubber to keep them warm in these frigid waters. Instead they have a very dense coat, which resulted in them being hunted nearly to extinction.
The National Geographic Sea Bird sailed into a serene spot at the northern end of Chichagof Island called Idaho Inlet. It was named for the mail steamer, Idaho, the first large steamer to enter the inlet. Captain Carroll was looking for a shortcut to Sitka and in the fog, he ran aground at the head of what is now called Idaho Inlet.
Our morning activities included kayaking and hiking. Some chose to paddle around Shaw Island, enjoying the quiet and peaceful environment. Others adventured into the temperate rainforest. Following a bear trail along a stream, we saw evidence of the brown coastal bears that live here. We walked next to “traditional bear tracks” which are tracks the bears use over and over for many years. We examined piles of fresh bear scat and came upon trees that had large bear claw markings. The smell of skunk cabbage filled the air as we investigated squirrel middens at the base of Sitka spruce trees.
After lunch we repositioned to the Inian Islands. We cruised in zodiacs among Steller sea lions, larger relatives of California sea lions. We cruised past a small rocky island which is a bachelor haul out. It was an incredible site to watch a sea lion surface with a salmon in its mouth, slam it onto the water surface, and then eat it. The gulls and kittiwakes scavenged on the salmon remains. We were surrounded by wildlife: sea otters, humpback whales and an impressive twenty-six bald eagles. What an amazing day!
