Chichagof Island
A light rain and overcast skies made us feel we were experiencing “real Alaskan weather” this morning. The words of our leader, full of adventurous spirit, told everyone that here in Alaska we don’t miss the chance to go hiking and kayaking due to rain. Shortly before we disembarked for our morning activities on Chichagof Island, the rain stopped and we had a fabulous morning. We kayaked through Sitkoh Bay; an occasional harbor seal would peek out of the water only to dive back into the cold sea. In the calm waters of the bay, we could listen to different birds calling from the heart of the forest as we kayaked in flat calm waters.
Hikers ventured into the old growth forest, home to brown bears, river otters and birds, among other fascinating creatures. An old logging road led us through the forest to a trail of perennial bear footprints and a scratching tree. Banana slugs and interesting plants, which are essential to keep the balance in this delicate forest environment, fell into the story like the pieces of a puzzle to give us a better understanding of this forest’s ecology.
Our afternoon destination, a beautiful cove called “Basket Bay”, is where we could deploy our Zodiacs to cruise along the shoreline, where the temperate rain forest meets the tides. This spot is difficult to visit, since it requires a high tide to navigate through a grotto. Conditions were ideal and everyone viewed this spectacular rock formation, with majestic forests on the top and a pristine stream running under it. The highlight for many was a young brown bear that showed up, not too far from our Zodiacs. It grazed casually and unconcerned on sedges as we observed in awe.
Our officers offered a “Zodiac school”, for all the enthusiastic youth to learn how to drive our boats. Southeast Alaska is a place of non stop adventure and continuous discovery.
A light rain and overcast skies made us feel we were experiencing “real Alaskan weather” this morning. The words of our leader, full of adventurous spirit, told everyone that here in Alaska we don’t miss the chance to go hiking and kayaking due to rain. Shortly before we disembarked for our morning activities on Chichagof Island, the rain stopped and we had a fabulous morning. We kayaked through Sitkoh Bay; an occasional harbor seal would peek out of the water only to dive back into the cold sea. In the calm waters of the bay, we could listen to different birds calling from the heart of the forest as we kayaked in flat calm waters.
Hikers ventured into the old growth forest, home to brown bears, river otters and birds, among other fascinating creatures. An old logging road led us through the forest to a trail of perennial bear footprints and a scratching tree. Banana slugs and interesting plants, which are essential to keep the balance in this delicate forest environment, fell into the story like the pieces of a puzzle to give us a better understanding of this forest’s ecology.
Our afternoon destination, a beautiful cove called “Basket Bay”, is where we could deploy our Zodiacs to cruise along the shoreline, where the temperate rain forest meets the tides. This spot is difficult to visit, since it requires a high tide to navigate through a grotto. Conditions were ideal and everyone viewed this spectacular rock formation, with majestic forests on the top and a pristine stream running under it. The highlight for many was a young brown bear that showed up, not too far from our Zodiacs. It grazed casually and unconcerned on sedges as we observed in awe.
Our officers offered a “Zodiac school”, for all the enthusiastic youth to learn how to drive our boats. Southeast Alaska is a place of non stop adventure and continuous discovery.
