Lake Eva, Baranof Island
Today we landed on Baranof Island, at a spot known locally as Lake Eva, or as one of the natural history staff described it: “a forest with positive vibes.” We were ready to stretch our legs, and whether we opted for the long trek, or the short hike, by the end of the morning, all of our senses were more than satisfied. As we followed the trail from the shore, we entered a wonderland. The woods enveloped us, and as Lisa and Sharon led us along the trail, they shared with us the myriad of secrets that the old-growth forest holds. Each step further into the forest demonstrated that from the tallest hemlock tree to the microscopic world beneath the soil, every living organism within the forest environment plays a vital role in the continual rejuvenation effort.
Evidence of spring was everywhere: azaleas, ferns, false lily-of-the-valley and skunk cabbage were abundant, and Devils’ club, a plant that by late summer is several feet tall and laden with heavy thorns, was only just beginning to sprout. Sightings of bear prints and scat proved that the bears were once again on the prowl, searching for food, after their long winter’s hibernation. A half-gnawed sapling, with piles of wood chips surrounding the tree, proved that beavers were in residence, working to improve their real estate.
While some preferred to sit, listen, and absorb the activity of the forest, others glimpsed a river otter scurrying along the bank of the stream. We stopped to watch leopard slugs slime their way along the trail. Birders trained their binoculars for sightings of common mergansers, varied thrush, and common loons. We studied red squirrel middens, built up from spruce cones, and some of us even hugged a hemlock!
Emerging from our morning in the forest, we noticed how the wind had increased. After a blustery Zodiac ride back to the Sea Lion, our bartender Kevin was a welcome and warming sight! Hot chai, spiced with rum or liqueur, provided a delicious warm-up for a cozy afternoon spent cruising. After lunch, as we sailed along Peril and Chatham Straits, we were further enlightened on the South East Alaskan forests. While we listened to Sharon, our eyes remained peeled for sign of wildlife on shore. After a champagne toast honoring mothers, we cruised on through the night, making way for tomorrow’s adventures.
Today we landed on Baranof Island, at a spot known locally as Lake Eva, or as one of the natural history staff described it: “a forest with positive vibes.” We were ready to stretch our legs, and whether we opted for the long trek, or the short hike, by the end of the morning, all of our senses were more than satisfied. As we followed the trail from the shore, we entered a wonderland. The woods enveloped us, and as Lisa and Sharon led us along the trail, they shared with us the myriad of secrets that the old-growth forest holds. Each step further into the forest demonstrated that from the tallest hemlock tree to the microscopic world beneath the soil, every living organism within the forest environment plays a vital role in the continual rejuvenation effort.
Evidence of spring was everywhere: azaleas, ferns, false lily-of-the-valley and skunk cabbage were abundant, and Devils’ club, a plant that by late summer is several feet tall and laden with heavy thorns, was only just beginning to sprout. Sightings of bear prints and scat proved that the bears were once again on the prowl, searching for food, after their long winter’s hibernation. A half-gnawed sapling, with piles of wood chips surrounding the tree, proved that beavers were in residence, working to improve their real estate.
While some preferred to sit, listen, and absorb the activity of the forest, others glimpsed a river otter scurrying along the bank of the stream. We stopped to watch leopard slugs slime their way along the trail. Birders trained their binoculars for sightings of common mergansers, varied thrush, and common loons. We studied red squirrel middens, built up from spruce cones, and some of us even hugged a hemlock!
Emerging from our morning in the forest, we noticed how the wind had increased. After a blustery Zodiac ride back to the Sea Lion, our bartender Kevin was a welcome and warming sight! Hot chai, spiced with rum or liqueur, provided a delicious warm-up for a cozy afternoon spent cruising. After lunch, as we sailed along Peril and Chatham Straits, we were further enlightened on the South East Alaskan forests. While we listened to Sharon, our eyes remained peeled for sign of wildlife on shore. After a champagne toast honoring mothers, we cruised on through the night, making way for tomorrow’s adventures.
