Peril Strait and Lake Eva
Spectacular scenery. Abundant wildlife. Expansive forests. Healthy salmon runs. Incredible weather. Charismatic megafauna. These are all phrases to describe Southeast Alaska and the week we have had. Southeast Alaska really is a combination of all these things. The interconnection of all these aspects is what makes this place so incredible. Take out one, and it wouldn’t be the same. Healthy salmon depend on expansive forests which then attract the charismatic megafauna. Coming here and experiencing this incredible place is a testament for not only the vastness of the area but the healthy ecosystems that are essential for the week we have had.
First thing this morning, even before breakfast, were killer whales. Two adults and a calf were observed as they patrolled the rocky entrance to Peril Strait, most likely searching for a breakfast of harbor seal. For me, watching these top predators hunt is the perfect way to start the day. Next we went for hikes at Lake Eva. A healthy salmon run here nourishes everything around. Bald eagles were abundant, Sitka Spruce grow to massive heights, and a sow brown bear with two playful cubs put an exclamation point on this amazing place. The interconnection of it all really hits home to be standing in one spot and see so much.
After lunch we again encountered the same group of killer whales. They led us into a gorgeous inlet as they patrolled for seals. As we watched them searching, we were surrounded again by all those things that make southeast Alaska and our week so spectacular: healthy forests, leaping salmon, sunny skies, massive peaks, seabirds galore, and brown bears walking the shoreline.
