Shaw Island / Fox Creek / Inian Islands
Solitude is part of what makes Alaska great.
A misty morning added shroud and silence to the gentle circumnavigation of Shaw Island. It seemed as if the only sounds to penetrate the mist were the placid strokes of our kayak paddles in and out of the water. No televisions, no billboards, no streaming video, pop-ups, and incessant demands on our attention to buy, buy, buy. Instead, we experienced a calm morning, a calm mind, and a serene peaceful solitude that was only interrupted by the slow drip of our kayak paddles in and out of the water. This morning represented the sentiment of Alaska.
Our intentions for the haul out, were waylaid by fluking humpbacks too close to ignore. Stellar as they may be, the sea lions had to wait until the privilege of our up close and personal encounter with a humpback was done. The chance to encounter a whale at water’s edge was indeed a rare and beautiful thing. Never knowing how close he may appear next, we waited with baited breath for him to breathe. Giving us the fluke while his comrade breached in the distance, we got our photos and our fill.
The sea lions we saw were entertaining as well, given their curious nature and dynamic personalities. Always biting, barking, playing, or lounging, they put on a show regardless. Maybe the older, retired males swapped stories of “the good old days” while the young ones listened and daydreamed. No matter the case, this day in Alaska was extraordinary.
Solitude is part of what makes Alaska great.
A misty morning added shroud and silence to the gentle circumnavigation of Shaw Island. It seemed as if the only sounds to penetrate the mist were the placid strokes of our kayak paddles in and out of the water. No televisions, no billboards, no streaming video, pop-ups, and incessant demands on our attention to buy, buy, buy. Instead, we experienced a calm morning, a calm mind, and a serene peaceful solitude that was only interrupted by the slow drip of our kayak paddles in and out of the water. This morning represented the sentiment of Alaska.
Our intentions for the haul out, were waylaid by fluking humpbacks too close to ignore. Stellar as they may be, the sea lions had to wait until the privilege of our up close and personal encounter with a humpback was done. The chance to encounter a whale at water’s edge was indeed a rare and beautiful thing. Never knowing how close he may appear next, we waited with baited breath for him to breathe. Giving us the fluke while his comrade breached in the distance, we got our photos and our fill.
The sea lions we saw were entertaining as well, given their curious nature and dynamic personalities. Always biting, barking, playing, or lounging, they put on a show regardless. Maybe the older, retired males swapped stories of “the good old days” while the young ones listened and daydreamed. No matter the case, this day in Alaska was extraordinary.
