As we awoke aboard the MV Sea Lion, anchored off of Shaw Island, our day began with the sighting of Sitka black tailed deer. This was just a preview that the following day would be nothing short of amazing. Today we were blessed with some of Alaska’s most prized possessions. During breakfast we lifted anchor and traveled a short distance to Idaho Inlet. While searching for sea otters, bears were spotted near the end of the inlet. Although the passage was too shallow for the ship, we dropped our fleet of Zodiacs to get a closer view. Being sure to remain quite, we inched our way up the inlet to observe a young brown bear, also known as a grizzly, feeding on the grass.
With everyone’s day off to a splendid beginning, there was even more to come. We lifted anchor and made our way back to Shaw Island for a walk near Fox Creek. On our walk through the forest on an old bear trail, we could see the presence of these mighty mammals. Footprints of the bears where they have been walking for many years were well worn and abundant. Skunk cabbage (Lysichitum americanum) and Alaskan Violets (Viola langsdorffii) were sprouting up from the forest floor.
During Lunch, the boat began our journey to Point Adolphus, searching for marine mammals. We were not disappointed. Killer whales were spotted, along with Humpback whales in the distance. We viewed the Orcas, wondering if these whales were part of a resident pod, or transients in search of food. These “wolves of the sea” may feed on seals, porpoises, squid, and many varieties of fish. How delightful it was to be watching such incredible creatures.
Marine mammals were not the only show of the afternoon. Something that was thought to be a log was not a log after all. Instead a moose had swum its way in front of our path. Astonished by the thought of a non-marine animal, swimming this far away from shore, kept our interest for the next hour. The moose making its way, through a series of boats, killer whales, and sea lions close to shore finally completed her swim. The moose was most likely from Pleasant Island, heading for Chichagof Island. When completed the moose swam nearly 5 miles, to once again place its feet upon the shoreline.
With the spectacular sights that had filled our day, we were not done yet. It seemed as if the humpback whales felt left out! A mother and calf was sighted less than 50 yards off the port quarter. While we watched these animals come up for a breath of air and then return to the water again, it was truly a wonderful sight.
Before sitting down for dinner and reflecting on the glorious day, a full bowed, double rainbow shined through the clouds, giving us a perfect ending to our breathtaking day.
