Icy Strait, Fox Creek, and Inian Islands
National Geographic Sea Lion started the misty morning in Idaho Inlet, just north of Chichagof Island. With an early 6:30am awakening, there were sightings of hungry sea otters feeding around the ship. As the stretch participants got under way with the serious task of waking up their bodies, they were graced with the fine company of these lovely animals swimming, playing, and feeding just off the bow.
The excitement continued after breakfast with breathtaking views of wildlife during our Zodiac tours of the Inian Islands. Groups experienced close feeding humpback whales, while the more curious adolescent sea lions pestered and played nearby.
Other wildlife included notable birds such as bald eagles, the rhinoceros auklet, and tufted puffins. Fitting in with the theme of the day, there were many sea otters sighted again, and some people even noticed scampering river otters onshore.
In the rainy afternoon, ambitious paddlers had a kayaking race around two islands, with only a pause to listen and observe a nearby humpback whale. The hikers consisted of leisurely paced individuals, moderate walkers, and a challenge for hikers that went bush-whacking through the forest, up a steep muddy hill, and into an elusive bog. Evidence of bears included tufts of hair on their scratching trees, ancient bear trails, and scat pointed out by all.
The evening concluded with recaps about sea lions, whales, and puffins by our amazingly knowledgeable and talented naturalists. Then National Geographic Sea Lion got under way just as we were all sitting down to enjoy our hard earned, nourishing dinner.
