Idaho Inlet & Dundas Bay
We awoke this morning enshrouded in a thick, silvery blanket of fog. Cruising amongst the Inian Islands, we slowly made our way from the silent folds of the fog into the bright sunlight and still waters of Idaho Inlet. Eagerly we set out for a morning of hiking and kayaking. Exploring along Fox Creek, we saw evidence aplenty that bears were nearby – freshly made tracks and scattered fish remains indicating tasty bear-snacks. Following animal signs was not the only activity during the walks; the flora and fauna were demanding attention as well, especially the plentiful fungi, like the hallucinogenic Amanita muscaria and the dead man’s fingers. Splashing into the creek, a few hearty hikers gave in to temptation (and the warm temperature), capping off their morning with a refreshing swim!
Paddling and gliding along the shore, we joined several otters and Seller’s sea lions cavorting in the floating kelp beds. We craned our necks in every direction; tilting our heads way back, following eagles soaring high above in the bright sky, peering down into the greenish blue water, counting the numerous legs of sea stars and the trailing tentacles of the jellyfish floating just below the surface.
Wondering what could top this morning, we returned to the Sea Bird only to find a scrumptious on-deck lunch and ice cream sundae bar awaiting us on the top deck. Mid-afternoon found us boarding the Zodiacs once more, exploring the intriguing inlets of Dundas Bay. With afternoon stretching into evening, we made our way south through Icy Strait. Humpback whales surrounding the ship, their blows dissipating in the golden light added just the right touch to a near-prefect day in Southeast Alaska.
We awoke this morning enshrouded in a thick, silvery blanket of fog. Cruising amongst the Inian Islands, we slowly made our way from the silent folds of the fog into the bright sunlight and still waters of Idaho Inlet. Eagerly we set out for a morning of hiking and kayaking. Exploring along Fox Creek, we saw evidence aplenty that bears were nearby – freshly made tracks and scattered fish remains indicating tasty bear-snacks. Following animal signs was not the only activity during the walks; the flora and fauna were demanding attention as well, especially the plentiful fungi, like the hallucinogenic Amanita muscaria and the dead man’s fingers. Splashing into the creek, a few hearty hikers gave in to temptation (and the warm temperature), capping off their morning with a refreshing swim!
Paddling and gliding along the shore, we joined several otters and Seller’s sea lions cavorting in the floating kelp beds. We craned our necks in every direction; tilting our heads way back, following eagles soaring high above in the bright sky, peering down into the greenish blue water, counting the numerous legs of sea stars and the trailing tentacles of the jellyfish floating just below the surface.
Wondering what could top this morning, we returned to the Sea Bird only to find a scrumptious on-deck lunch and ice cream sundae bar awaiting us on the top deck. Mid-afternoon found us boarding the Zodiacs once more, exploring the intriguing inlets of Dundas Bay. With afternoon stretching into evening, we made our way south through Icy Strait. Humpback whales surrounding the ship, their blows dissipating in the golden light added just the right touch to a near-prefect day in Southeast Alaska.
