Icy Strait, Inian Islands & Idaho Inlet
Even before breakfast had begun this morning several rafts of sea otters playfully drifted by the ship. We all layered up in rain gear to venture towards the Inian Islands in the Zodiacs with hopes of seeing wildlife. We were not disappointed. Above us were numerous bald eagles with outstretched wings, drying in the sun. On the rocks, Steller sea lions barked at one other. As the Zodiacs rolled around in the strong currents, salmon did their best to keep from being sea lion lunch. Not all were so lucky. The Steller sea lions thrashed their catch around and shredded them into bite-size pieces. Gulls stayed close and swooped down to steal the thrown about carnage. One sea lion followed close enough behind a Zodiac to lick it. Apparently it was not nearly as tasty as fresh ocean salmon.
In the afternoon we headed to Chichagof Island to enjoy the stunning wildflowers and bear markings near Fox Creek. Chocolate lilies, bog orchids and yellow paintbrush were among the many delights that sprinkled the ground cover. It is easy to imagine this little cove as a wonderful summer campsite full of edible plants. Once just inside the forest, we found ritual bear tracks imprinted in the ground from repetitive use. We were clearly visitors here on bear land.
One of the biggest treats of the day came just before dinner. A large group of humpback whales were spotted in the distance. As we came near, their blows could be heard, including an unusual trumpet-like sound from one distinctive whale. A small whale came so close to the ship that you could have jumped off the bow on to its back. Lucky onlookers were even blessed with multiple breaches. Another fantastic day in Southeast Alaska.
Even before breakfast had begun this morning several rafts of sea otters playfully drifted by the ship. We all layered up in rain gear to venture towards the Inian Islands in the Zodiacs with hopes of seeing wildlife. We were not disappointed. Above us were numerous bald eagles with outstretched wings, drying in the sun. On the rocks, Steller sea lions barked at one other. As the Zodiacs rolled around in the strong currents, salmon did their best to keep from being sea lion lunch. Not all were so lucky. The Steller sea lions thrashed their catch around and shredded them into bite-size pieces. Gulls stayed close and swooped down to steal the thrown about carnage. One sea lion followed close enough behind a Zodiac to lick it. Apparently it was not nearly as tasty as fresh ocean salmon.
In the afternoon we headed to Chichagof Island to enjoy the stunning wildflowers and bear markings near Fox Creek. Chocolate lilies, bog orchids and yellow paintbrush were among the many delights that sprinkled the ground cover. It is easy to imagine this little cove as a wonderful summer campsite full of edible plants. Once just inside the forest, we found ritual bear tracks imprinted in the ground from repetitive use. We were clearly visitors here on bear land.
One of the biggest treats of the day came just before dinner. A large group of humpback whales were spotted in the distance. As we came near, their blows could be heard, including an unusual trumpet-like sound from one distinctive whale. A small whale came so close to the ship that you could have jumped off the bow on to its back. Lucky onlookers were even blessed with multiple breaches. Another fantastic day in Southeast Alaska.
