Chichagof & Inian Islands
A more enchanting morning would be difficult to imagine. As shafts of morning light dappled the surface of Idaho Inlet, raft after raft of resting sea otters serenely drifted by. Sleepily, they half opened their dark eyes to watch us slip by; paws held carefully out of the water as though in salutation.
After breakfast we explored a stream and adjacent meadow boasting bountiful blossoms. Beach pea and tall groundsel were interspersed with unusual yellow unalaska paintbrush and purple-browned tinted chocolate lilies... Poking out of spongy mulch of the forest floor were spikes of Bog and Rein Orchids along clumps of unusual saprophytic ground cone. Launching our colorful kayak flotilla we circumnavigated a nearby island. As our crafts slipped silently over the kelp, colorful sea stars could be seen beneath the calm water. On exposed offshore rocks, speckled harbor seals draped themselves like non plussed spectators.
After lunch our reliable Zodiacs allowed us to venture into the open Pacific and cruise traditional haul outs and rockeries of the impressive Steller or northern sea lions. These tawny and brawny pinnipeds, clamored about a couple of rocky beaches and islands, barked and bellowed, or frolicked in the adjacent waters. At one point a curious humpback whale surfaced to cavort with the sea lions, which seemed to welcome a new playmate. Numerous pelagics dotted the surrounding seas, including marbled and ancient murrelets, pigeon guillemots, and common murres. Black-legged kittiwakes, Bonaparte’s and glaucous-winged gulls wheeled noisily overhead. A trio of diminutive harbor porpoise also made an unexpected appearance, apparently feeding in the upwelling waters.
Taking advantage of calm seas, Sea Bird then ventured towards Cape Spencer and its historic and isolated lighthouse before turning back towards Glacier Bay. A soft alpine glow began to suggest itself atop the Brady Glacier to the north heralding an end to another rewarding and energizing day.
A more enchanting morning would be difficult to imagine. As shafts of morning light dappled the surface of Idaho Inlet, raft after raft of resting sea otters serenely drifted by. Sleepily, they half opened their dark eyes to watch us slip by; paws held carefully out of the water as though in salutation.
After breakfast we explored a stream and adjacent meadow boasting bountiful blossoms. Beach pea and tall groundsel were interspersed with unusual yellow unalaska paintbrush and purple-browned tinted chocolate lilies... Poking out of spongy mulch of the forest floor were spikes of Bog and Rein Orchids along clumps of unusual saprophytic ground cone. Launching our colorful kayak flotilla we circumnavigated a nearby island. As our crafts slipped silently over the kelp, colorful sea stars could be seen beneath the calm water. On exposed offshore rocks, speckled harbor seals draped themselves like non plussed spectators.
After lunch our reliable Zodiacs allowed us to venture into the open Pacific and cruise traditional haul outs and rockeries of the impressive Steller or northern sea lions. These tawny and brawny pinnipeds, clamored about a couple of rocky beaches and islands, barked and bellowed, or frolicked in the adjacent waters. At one point a curious humpback whale surfaced to cavort with the sea lions, which seemed to welcome a new playmate. Numerous pelagics dotted the surrounding seas, including marbled and ancient murrelets, pigeon guillemots, and common murres. Black-legged kittiwakes, Bonaparte’s and glaucous-winged gulls wheeled noisily overhead. A trio of diminutive harbor porpoise also made an unexpected appearance, apparently feeding in the upwelling waters.
Taking advantage of calm seas, Sea Bird then ventured towards Cape Spencer and its historic and isolated lighthouse before turning back towards Glacier Bay. A soft alpine glow began to suggest itself atop the Brady Glacier to the north heralding an end to another rewarding and energizing day.
