Idaho Inlet, Inian Islands, Pelican
This morning the National Geographic Sea Lion awoke at the head of Idaho Inlet on the northern end of Chichagof Island. Named after a mail steamer, the Idaho ventured into the inlet in 1883 on a hoax. Convinced it was a shortcut to Sitka the captain of the wooden vessel struck mud at the head of the inlet where we awoke. Along the shores we saw Sitka black tailed deer, a shy coastal brown bear and many otters scattered where the inlet met Icy Strait.
After dropping anchor off Fox Creek groups departed for whatever activity called them. Some explored the temperate rainforest of the Tongass, discovering fresh bear scat and tracks while others pursued more time behind the paddle. It wasn’t long before snugging into kayaks that whales were spotted off Shaw Island and paddlers headed in the direction that would award them a view of humpbacks just returning from Hawaii.
Zodiac cruisers steered for the “big winged new Englanders,” aptly named for their large pectoral fins, and were surrounded by the sound of whales breathing. Pectoral fins rising from shallow depths, rostrums extending out of water, their presence reminded us that we could only imagine the abundance of food beneath the boat that kept these cetaceans so close to the surface. A raft of sea otters spotted in the not so far distance reassured us that after the near demise of the species they were returning to Southeast Alaska.
After lunch we dropped the Zodiacs and set forth upon but another adventure, this time amongst the Inian Islands. It was not far from the ship that we spotted a sea otter in the kelp with her pup nestled sweetly on her chest. Undaunted by our presence they provided us an amazing and lengthy encounter as we admired their precious demeanor.
Rounding the bend the “eau de lion” welcomed us to our next encounter. A haul out of Steller sea lions amidst rich, if not sometimes turbulent waters, was a sight to be seen. First identified by Georg Steller on the Commander Islands in Russia, this species is now in peril in part of its range. The largest of the sea lions, these animals can grow up to 1500+ pounds and have, like all the fauna whom make the waters of the emerald forest their home, an amazing story.
In the true spirit of expedition travel the ship steered its course from the Inian Islands across Cross Sound to a place few small ships have travelled. After dinner those who braved the boardwalk bush community of Pelican were rewarded with the hospitality of local color and the amazing day ended with leaving our mark on the local watering hole known as Rose’s.
I don’t know if there is any better way to end a day than with laughter and with dancing!
