Idaho Inlet & the Inian Islands
Mists and mysteries encompassed northern Idaho Inlet this foggy morning as we quietly rode our Zodiacs to shore. The walkers set out to photograph the wildflowers and search the forest for tracks and other signs of the presence of coastal brown bears. Some of the more ardent hikers climbed up the steep and muddy trail to the muskeg, a boggy wonderland of sphagnum mosses, stunted trees and unusual miniature plants nestled in a pocket of poor drainage above the rainforest. About 15% of the 16.8 million acres that make up the Tongass National Forest is covered by these intriguing peatlands. Around nearby Shaw Island, the kayaking was spectacular. The early morning fog lifted, leaving backlit clouds hanging on the trees and mountains. Sea otters peered out from their bull kelp hideaways, while several bald eagles chortled overhead. Two Sitka black-tailed deer waded delicately across the landbridge exposed at low tide between the two small islets.
The hydraulic energy running through and around The Inian Islands during a flood tide is astounding. The circular patterns and the standing waves formed when the Pacific Ocean comes roaring through this constrained and complex group of rocky islands causes an upwelling and mixing of water and nutrients. Some of the inbound and unsuspecting migrating salmon are swept right into the waiting mouths of hungry Steller sea lions, and this afternoon we were witnesses to the hunt. Some sea lions tossed their fish high in the air, while others leapt and twisted, trying to break up the salmon into bite-sized pieces. Gulls whirled overhead, competing for stray bits of tasty fresh fish. A few curious adolescent pinnipeds followed the Zodiacs, seemingly playing at which was the bravest.
Several groups of humpback whales were also part of this amazing scene of marine abundance at the outer coast. Just beyond the Inian Islands where the Pacific Ocean begins, we counted nine or ten whale breaths followed by tail flukes descending into the sea one by one. A bit later in the afternoon, as several Zodiacs were approaching the Sea Lion near the close of their tour, three more of these majestic and endangered animals swam slowly by and lifted their leviathan tails in a graceful farewell dive.
Mists and mysteries encompassed northern Idaho Inlet this foggy morning as we quietly rode our Zodiacs to shore. The walkers set out to photograph the wildflowers and search the forest for tracks and other signs of the presence of coastal brown bears. Some of the more ardent hikers climbed up the steep and muddy trail to the muskeg, a boggy wonderland of sphagnum mosses, stunted trees and unusual miniature plants nestled in a pocket of poor drainage above the rainforest. About 15% of the 16.8 million acres that make up the Tongass National Forest is covered by these intriguing peatlands. Around nearby Shaw Island, the kayaking was spectacular. The early morning fog lifted, leaving backlit clouds hanging on the trees and mountains. Sea otters peered out from their bull kelp hideaways, while several bald eagles chortled overhead. Two Sitka black-tailed deer waded delicately across the landbridge exposed at low tide between the two small islets.
The hydraulic energy running through and around The Inian Islands during a flood tide is astounding. The circular patterns and the standing waves formed when the Pacific Ocean comes roaring through this constrained and complex group of rocky islands causes an upwelling and mixing of water and nutrients. Some of the inbound and unsuspecting migrating salmon are swept right into the waiting mouths of hungry Steller sea lions, and this afternoon we were witnesses to the hunt. Some sea lions tossed their fish high in the air, while others leapt and twisted, trying to break up the salmon into bite-sized pieces. Gulls whirled overhead, competing for stray bits of tasty fresh fish. A few curious adolescent pinnipeds followed the Zodiacs, seemingly playing at which was the bravest.
Several groups of humpback whales were also part of this amazing scene of marine abundance at the outer coast. Just beyond the Inian Islands where the Pacific Ocean begins, we counted nine or ten whale breaths followed by tail flukes descending into the sea one by one. A bit later in the afternoon, as several Zodiacs were approaching the Sea Lion near the close of their tour, three more of these majestic and endangered animals swam slowly by and lifted their leviathan tails in a graceful farewell dive.
