George Island & Inian Islands
Today we experienced the true nature of Southeast Alaska. Spending the first part of our week in a coastal temperate rainforest did not necessarily prepare us for the constant rain we experienced today. This did not deter our hardy explorers, however, and many came ashore to enjoy George Island in the morning.
Kayakers paddled along the southern half of the island, taking in the amazing sea stars and anemones that can be found in the intertidal zone. Our hikers entered a spruce/hemlock forest, once occupied by American troops during World War II. Evidence of this occupation was seen in the rotting wooden buildings and 6-inch gun emplacement, still in existence on the crest of the island. All guests ashore took part in exploring the intertidal life trapped in the tidepools of the island. Red and green anemones, black katy chitons, tidepool sculpins, and breadcrumb sponges were a few of the treasures that were unearthed.
Our rainy afternoon gave way to fantastic Zodiac tours of the Inian Islands. Nearby Cross Sound leads to the open waters of the Gulf of Alaska, bringing in an abundance of nutrient-rich water. Through the downpour we watched inquisitive Steller’s sea lions approach and numerous sea birds searching the water for food. We saw tufted and horned puffins, pigeon guillemots, pelagic cormorants, and the ubiquitous mew gulls. Everyone who returned, though drenched, was smiling and energized by the variety and activity of wildlife that we encountered.
Today we experienced the true nature of Southeast Alaska. Spending the first part of our week in a coastal temperate rainforest did not necessarily prepare us for the constant rain we experienced today. This did not deter our hardy explorers, however, and many came ashore to enjoy George Island in the morning.
Kayakers paddled along the southern half of the island, taking in the amazing sea stars and anemones that can be found in the intertidal zone. Our hikers entered a spruce/hemlock forest, once occupied by American troops during World War II. Evidence of this occupation was seen in the rotting wooden buildings and 6-inch gun emplacement, still in existence on the crest of the island. All guests ashore took part in exploring the intertidal life trapped in the tidepools of the island. Red and green anemones, black katy chitons, tidepool sculpins, and breadcrumb sponges were a few of the treasures that were unearthed.
Our rainy afternoon gave way to fantastic Zodiac tours of the Inian Islands. Nearby Cross Sound leads to the open waters of the Gulf of Alaska, bringing in an abundance of nutrient-rich water. Through the downpour we watched inquisitive Steller’s sea lions approach and numerous sea birds searching the water for food. We saw tufted and horned puffins, pigeon guillemots, pelagic cormorants, and the ubiquitous mew gulls. Everyone who returned, though drenched, was smiling and energized by the variety and activity of wildlife that we encountered.
