Inian Islands
The temperate rain forest is named for the type of forest found in SE Alaska and defined by getting more than 100 inches of rain a year. Some areas get as much as 200 inches a year. This morning we witnessed this phenomenon. But never the less, our spirits were high and our sense of adventure continued. Before breakfast, we were out on deck looking at sea otters swimming on their backs and rolling around to get air inside their thick fur.
The morning activities took us to Idaho Inlet, more specifically a place called Trail River. Hikes along the meadow and up into the woods were offered as well as kayaking into the inside coves. This site offered a new landscape, the meadow ecosystem. Savanna sparrows were flying above the wild rye grass, bald eagles soaring the skies looking for dead salmon, and intrepid hikers in rubber boots were crossing the mud flats.
During the hikes, we found some dead pink salmon, washed up on the meadow by the high tides or left by bears. Up close we could see the fungus that infects these fish once they get into fresh water and stop feeding. Slowly we made our way into the woods, walking on a bear trail, the excitement could be felt since bear tracks and fresh scat was seen. Lots of “YO bear” and “OSO” screams were heard, tight groups walking and naturalists ready with pepper spray in case an encounter happened. But luck was on our side, so no bears were seen, just a wonderful walk inside patches of old growth forest with tall healthy Sitka’s spruces. We made it to a spot where we found a tree with lots of sap dripping, evidence of brown bears filing their long claws. Next to the crying tree, we could see old tracks called “hot foot” that have been used by bears over and over again for a long time. No moss or grass grows inside them.
Kayakers had a nice time paddling along the shores and watching leaping salmon and harbor seals poking their heads out of the water.
The Sea Bird made its way to Icy Straits via the narrow and beautiful channels which cut through the Inian Islands. Here we got on the Zodiacs and off we went for a cruise, searching for Steller’s sea lions and more sea otters. The currents were strong but that did not stop us from enjoying the show. Sea lions eating salmon, otters swimming along, pelagic cormorants resting on the rocks and beautiful scenery. It was very entertaining to watch the sea lions gathering in groups and following our Zodiacs. At one point I thought, “who is watching who?”
The temperate rain forest is named for the type of forest found in SE Alaska and defined by getting more than 100 inches of rain a year. Some areas get as much as 200 inches a year. This morning we witnessed this phenomenon. But never the less, our spirits were high and our sense of adventure continued. Before breakfast, we were out on deck looking at sea otters swimming on their backs and rolling around to get air inside their thick fur.
The morning activities took us to Idaho Inlet, more specifically a place called Trail River. Hikes along the meadow and up into the woods were offered as well as kayaking into the inside coves. This site offered a new landscape, the meadow ecosystem. Savanna sparrows were flying above the wild rye grass, bald eagles soaring the skies looking for dead salmon, and intrepid hikers in rubber boots were crossing the mud flats.
During the hikes, we found some dead pink salmon, washed up on the meadow by the high tides or left by bears. Up close we could see the fungus that infects these fish once they get into fresh water and stop feeding. Slowly we made our way into the woods, walking on a bear trail, the excitement could be felt since bear tracks and fresh scat was seen. Lots of “YO bear” and “OSO” screams were heard, tight groups walking and naturalists ready with pepper spray in case an encounter happened. But luck was on our side, so no bears were seen, just a wonderful walk inside patches of old growth forest with tall healthy Sitka’s spruces. We made it to a spot where we found a tree with lots of sap dripping, evidence of brown bears filing their long claws. Next to the crying tree, we could see old tracks called “hot foot” that have been used by bears over and over again for a long time. No moss or grass grows inside them.
Kayakers had a nice time paddling along the shores and watching leaping salmon and harbor seals poking their heads out of the water.
The Sea Bird made its way to Icy Straits via the narrow and beautiful channels which cut through the Inian Islands. Here we got on the Zodiacs and off we went for a cruise, searching for Steller’s sea lions and more sea otters. The currents were strong but that did not stop us from enjoying the show. Sea lions eating salmon, otters swimming along, pelagic cormorants resting on the rocks and beautiful scenery. It was very entertaining to watch the sea lions gathering in groups and following our Zodiacs. At one point I thought, “who is watching who?”
