Pavlof Harbor, Chichagof Island
Recovering from our sunburns of yesterday in Glacier Bay, we welcomed the shade this morning, provided by a thin layer of high clouds. The bear trails skirting the edges of Pavlof Harbor gave us access to the forest and streamside habitats in this, our last walk amongst the temperate rainforest. We strolled along the open margin between high tide and verdant forest. In this sunny band of real estate vivacious flowers flaunt their colorful petals in quest of a pollinator. Inhabiting the soggy edges of meadow a few tiny sundews lay in wait with the diabolical strategy of luring unsuspecting insects to their dewy lollipop-paddles. Those caught on the sticky bait are digested and subsequently provide nutrients for the tiny plant.
A good amount of animal sign was discovered. Prodigious in number and impressive in size, we found paw prints; five toes across the top, a huge triangular pad imprint, gouges made by the long curved toe nails at the leading edge. A brown bear had walked this trail, and not too long before us. A smaller print was found, somewhere amongst the moss covered trees and muddy streamside trail, a brown bear sow with at least one cub has been wandering, and as an exceptionally large (and still warm) pile of scat suggested, successfully foraging on sedges as well.
The industry of a beaver was apparent in the form of a lodge heaped with beaver-harvested tree fall. We found some trees girdled with the telltale texture of beaver incisors etched in the trunk. A cellulose petticoat of wood chips skirted the most recent targets of the beaver’s appetite.
The splashing cascade of the falls of Pavlof Lake lured kayakers upstream. Placidly paddling or simply drifting with the incoming tide, we continued to absorb and immerse ourselves in our Southeast Alaska experience.
The plethora of sights, sounds and sensations experienced in this wildlife-filled week have been imprinted in our collective memories. Some of our experiences were shared and others were quiet, private moments in wilderness, but all are precious and unique treasures to savor for years to come.
We share with you contributions from our two youngest travelers:
Trees by Lara Padir, age 11
Trees are beautiful,
Different sorts and sizes
Makes the world better.
Water by Lara Padir, age 11
Calm, peaceful, tranquil
Shinning bright in the sun all day
The water’s surface.
Alaskan Wildlife by Aylin Padir, age 13
Puffins, sea lions
Otters too – all different
Living in same place.
The Fun by Aylin Padir, age 13
Zodiac Cruises
Kayaking and hiking – ways
We explored nature.
