Exploring Icy Strait – The Inian Islands & Fox Creek
In the early hours of the day National Geographic Sea Lion made her way into Idaho Inlet in search of marine mammals. This long narrow inlet is well known for its population of sea otters. The ship slowed as we passed raft after raft of these animals, some just watched our passing, some dove and many rose in righteous indignation, as if to say, “why are you entering our bay!” National Geographic Sea Lion continued down bay slowly turning and began her return stopping occasionally for more looks at sea otters.
Our morning plans included two rounds of Zodiac tours to begin right after breakfast. The ship was divided into two sections and all four Zodiacs were filled with anxious guests and staff ready to head out into the Inian Islands searching for adventure. Within moments of departure, each Zodiac was involved in small and large discoveries found in the rich waters of Cross Sound. These waters we were traveling in are well known for massive water exchanges on each changing tide. There are two entrances where the tidal waters enter Southeast Alaska and circulate amongst an area often called the land of a 1,000 islands. The northern entrance for this tidal exchange is the Inian Islands, where our Zodiac tour began by making our way through a network of narrow channels and arriving in front of the central haul out for Steller sea lions. Long before arrival we could hear the roars of these enormous eared seals, as they faced the challenges of bachelorhood. Older males faced off with younger males all vying for superior positions on the small island haul out located at the most western side of Cross Sound.
Our Zodiac drivers spent the morning cruising in and out and around the Inian Islands bringing to life all the aspects of this rich and diverse environment. Sea otters were found wrapped in kelp beds, claiming floating objects, carrying young and continuously grooming their fur. The air was filled with birds both visually and vocally, with their haunting songs. Pigeon guillemots sang to their mates, tufted puffins soared close to the water’s surface while bald eagles perched in the trees watching out over their world.
The morning flew by, and all too soon we had to return to National Geographic Sea Lion in preparation for enjoying lunch and making our way to our afternoon destination. As lunch was finishing, National Geographic Sea Lion cruised towards Fox Creek where we would spend the afternoon. Along the way many, many humpback whales were seen in the rich waters of Cross Sound, giving our entire ship a chance to observe humpbacks in their summer home.
Once National Geographic Sea Lion finished anchoring and dropping Zodiacs, our afternoon activities were ready to proceed. Groups of hikers and kayakers were brought ashore on two different beaches. Kayakers enjoyed the Shaw Islands located just off of the north end of Chichagof Island. Hikers were ferried ashore to Fox Creek on Chichagof Island where walks would consume the afternoon. Many of the hiking locations we use are on or near salmon rivers and also recognized as ancient Native village sites. Once again, our walks emphasized the abundance of this small corner of the planet. The forest and shore of Fox Creek were decorated with a myriad of wild flowers and ripe berries. Fireweed, Sitka burnet, Cow parsnip, Indian paintbrush, Monkshood, Nagoon berry, Wild strawberry, Salmon berry, and even the first mushrooms were all showing off in various states of bloom and fruit. A light rain began to fall adding to the beauty of this classic Southeast Alaska scene of: grey on grey with shades of dark green…
Though our day had not covered much distance, it had been more than bountiful in expressing the richness of the waters and land of Southeast Alaska. A place where one can spend an hour looking at dozens of lichens on a stump in a muskeg and/or quietly watching and listening to the sounds of sea lions, whales and birds from a kayak or Zodiac; each day teaching us more about this unique and diverse corner of the Northwest Coast.
