Icy Strait
Flat seas, sunny skies with only a few clouds, and temperatures approaching 70 degrees, is this really the temperate rainforest of southeast Alaska? Of course it is! With abundant humpback whales, sea otters, Steller’s sea lions, lush forests, and banana slugs, where else could we be?
Today was spent exploring the area around Icy Strait in a variety of locations and excursions. Before breakfast, we approached Point Adolphus and found ourselves in the middle of a marine smorgasbord. Humpback whales, bald eagles, Steller’s sea lions, and Black-legged Kittiwakes were feasting in this productive environment with heavy currents and upwelling. This is one of the most productive areas around, and everyone seemed hungry this morning. All of this while being surrounded by massive snow covered peaks including the Fairweather Range in Glacier Bay National Park reaching over 15,000 feet.
After breakfast, we set off to explore the rainforest of George Island, and many of us meandered amongst the Sitka spruce along a cliff edge with stunning views. Looking down on the kelp-filled coves we spotted Black Oystercatchers nesting on the rocks and harbor seals searching for fish. Passing some old barracks we made our way to a World War II gun emplacement that was set up to protect the entrance to Icy Strait and most of the northern inside passage. Shy maiden flowers protruded from the carpet of moss, while banana slugs cruised on the trails delighting us with their immense size.
During lunch we repositioned to the nearby Inian Islands, and boarded the Zodiacs for an excursion amongst some smaller islands with strong tidal currents. Three humpback whales were near the ship and we slowly approached for some fantastic encounters. We quietly floated near them, listening to their strong exhalations, and then we would gasp in awe as they lifted their tales high over our heads. In the kelp beds, sea otters vigorously cleaned their fur in order to stay warm in the frigid water. Mothers and pups drifted in the strong current, pausing to dive down and search for something to eat.
Close by, one islet was covered with Steller’s sea lions. Grunting like a strange group of barnyard animals, these huge pinnipeds were hauled out in order to rest in the sun. Even though it is not a breeding site, it is a popular area for them as food is abundant and close, and nearly nothing is nearby to bother them except for a few massive males. A few of these largest males were bloody and cut up, probably having lost a battle at one of the breeding sites, and had fled here to rest and recover.
Overall, a fantastic day exploring southeast Alaska at its finest. Abundant wildlife, calm seas, lush forests, and sunny skies-what more could you ask for?
Flat seas, sunny skies with only a few clouds, and temperatures approaching 70 degrees, is this really the temperate rainforest of southeast Alaska? Of course it is! With abundant humpback whales, sea otters, Steller’s sea lions, lush forests, and banana slugs, where else could we be?
Today was spent exploring the area around Icy Strait in a variety of locations and excursions. Before breakfast, we approached Point Adolphus and found ourselves in the middle of a marine smorgasbord. Humpback whales, bald eagles, Steller’s sea lions, and Black-legged Kittiwakes were feasting in this productive environment with heavy currents and upwelling. This is one of the most productive areas around, and everyone seemed hungry this morning. All of this while being surrounded by massive snow covered peaks including the Fairweather Range in Glacier Bay National Park reaching over 15,000 feet.
After breakfast, we set off to explore the rainforest of George Island, and many of us meandered amongst the Sitka spruce along a cliff edge with stunning views. Looking down on the kelp-filled coves we spotted Black Oystercatchers nesting on the rocks and harbor seals searching for fish. Passing some old barracks we made our way to a World War II gun emplacement that was set up to protect the entrance to Icy Strait and most of the northern inside passage. Shy maiden flowers protruded from the carpet of moss, while banana slugs cruised on the trails delighting us with their immense size.
During lunch we repositioned to the nearby Inian Islands, and boarded the Zodiacs for an excursion amongst some smaller islands with strong tidal currents. Three humpback whales were near the ship and we slowly approached for some fantastic encounters. We quietly floated near them, listening to their strong exhalations, and then we would gasp in awe as they lifted their tales high over our heads. In the kelp beds, sea otters vigorously cleaned their fur in order to stay warm in the frigid water. Mothers and pups drifted in the strong current, pausing to dive down and search for something to eat.
Close by, one islet was covered with Steller’s sea lions. Grunting like a strange group of barnyard animals, these huge pinnipeds were hauled out in order to rest in the sun. Even though it is not a breeding site, it is a popular area for them as food is abundant and close, and nearly nothing is nearby to bother them except for a few massive males. A few of these largest males were bloody and cut up, probably having lost a battle at one of the breeding sites, and had fled here to rest and recover.
Overall, a fantastic day exploring southeast Alaska at its finest. Abundant wildlife, calm seas, lush forests, and sunny skies-what more could you ask for?