The Inian Islands & Fox Creek
A light mist greeted us this morning as we passed by Point Adolphus on the National Geographic Sea Bird. Fortunately we had a nice dry deck for our daily stretch class. Our “sun salutations” did not bring out the sun but they did bring out the humpback whales! We heard them first as they exhaled their Pppsssshhhhh. We quickly realized that we were surrounded by these large beautiful animals and it felt like we were part of their pod.
After breakfast one of our Naturalists gave a fascinating presentation on the “Year in the Life of a Southeast Alaskan Bear.” We learned that bears in this area are much larger than interior bears because of the abundance of fish they have to eat. We went by Zodiac to explore the Inian Islands and were rewarded with an abundance of wildlife. We came upon rocks covered by male Steller sea lions, some of them rough housing, some relaxing and others curiously approaching our Zodiacs.
The next thing we knew two humpback whales swam right up next to our boat. Camera shutters were a-clickin’. We even spotted a “sleeping whale” at the surface and learned that they enjoy taking naps before lunch!
In the afternoon we anchored at Fox Creek on Chichagof Island for hikes and kayaking.
Hiking options included leisurely walks and longer treks to a muskeg and waterfall.
Kayakers enjoyed paddling the calm waters along the spruce- and hemlock-lined shore. We observed a river otter climbing up a rock carrying something in his mouth.
Sea otters, sea lions and bald eagles were also spotted.
After dinner as the sun was shining through the clouds, we heard the cry, “killer whales!”
We had the most unbelievable show. Full breaches, tail slapping, and spy hopping went on for an hour and we couldn’t get enough.
