Icy Strait
Each day we are able to view the shoreline, habitats, and wildlife from a distance. However, we are also fortunate enough to explore on many different levels. Once ashore the shades of green seen from the ship not only become individual plants but a myriad of species and an extraordinary number of habitats, microhabitats, and complex ecosystems - each with their own unique attributes and amazement. Our appreciation for ecological diversity does not develop from long journeys to exotic places; instead, our awareness stems from each sojourn outdoors. With the actualization of what was emphasized earlier this week, “Practice looking rather than seeing,” we learned to take smaller steps, move more slowly, and concentrate on looking more closely to discover a whole new world.
Today truly exemplified how slowing down and seeing the beauty of Southeast Alaska can really be encapsulated in our ability to observe the fine details. We ventured on shore and four groups departed to get more acquainted with the unique and varied ecological systems surrounding Idaho Inlet. Exploration of meadow, riparian, forest, and intertidal habitats were demonstrative of how under closer examination our perception can be reshaped to become more aware of how the smaller parts make up the whole. Whether following fresh bear tracks near the beach, strolling along trails in the forest understory, gently traversing through a meadow, or bending down in the intertidal zone, a more profound understanding can nurture our appreciation and foster our wonderment of the natural world that we can easily overlook.
The theme lasted throughout the day as we toured the shoreline in silence from kayaks and later weighed anchor to see the extraordinary cooperative feeding behaviors of humpback whales at Mud Bay near Point Adolphus. From the treetops to the forest floor, from the sea to the shore, and from the largest animals to the smallest, our ability to truly grasp the incredible diversity and understand the complexity of the natural world begins the moment we open our eyes and just look a little more closely.
Each day we are able to view the shoreline, habitats, and wildlife from a distance. However, we are also fortunate enough to explore on many different levels. Once ashore the shades of green seen from the ship not only become individual plants but a myriad of species and an extraordinary number of habitats, microhabitats, and complex ecosystems - each with their own unique attributes and amazement. Our appreciation for ecological diversity does not develop from long journeys to exotic places; instead, our awareness stems from each sojourn outdoors. With the actualization of what was emphasized earlier this week, “Practice looking rather than seeing,” we learned to take smaller steps, move more slowly, and concentrate on looking more closely to discover a whole new world.
Today truly exemplified how slowing down and seeing the beauty of Southeast Alaska can really be encapsulated in our ability to observe the fine details. We ventured on shore and four groups departed to get more acquainted with the unique and varied ecological systems surrounding Idaho Inlet. Exploration of meadow, riparian, forest, and intertidal habitats were demonstrative of how under closer examination our perception can be reshaped to become more aware of how the smaller parts make up the whole. Whether following fresh bear tracks near the beach, strolling along trails in the forest understory, gently traversing through a meadow, or bending down in the intertidal zone, a more profound understanding can nurture our appreciation and foster our wonderment of the natural world that we can easily overlook.
The theme lasted throughout the day as we toured the shoreline in silence from kayaks and later weighed anchor to see the extraordinary cooperative feeding behaviors of humpback whales at Mud Bay near Point Adolphus. From the treetops to the forest floor, from the sea to the shore, and from the largest animals to the smallest, our ability to truly grasp the incredible diversity and understand the complexity of the natural world begins the moment we open our eyes and just look a little more closely.
