Lake Eva
This morning among the kelp covered rocks strewn on the beaches of Hood Bay, we found a brown bear. A nice, dark, chocolaty-colored brown bear. The color can be a hindrance in identification of the bear, as brown bears come in an assortment of colors from dark brown tones all the way to blond, much the same way a box of assorted chocolates comes in a variety of cocoa brown hues.
The afternoon was spent in leisurely exploration of Hanus Bay and the fringes of Baranof Island both by kayak and in our wonderful rubber boots. Skirting the forest edge was a thin ribbon of grass and sedge, punctuated with brightly colored flowers. Compared to the subtle tones found under the forest canopy, these brilliant blossoms were sending a garish signal. Potential pollinators geared towards color are instantly drawn to the stunning blossoms of the blazing-orange Indian paintbrush and the striking, shocking-pink shooting star.
But what of our picture we share with you today? The russet brown tones of this lily, sometimes called chocolate lily, are not nearly so snazzy and flamboyant. Theirs is a different strategy. For this flower, it is the scent that is intended to attract the pollinator, an odor described as “the smell of rotting meat or feces.” Flies find this odoriferous signal irresistible and come to the flower, ultimately serving as its pollinator.
Upon returning to the Sea Bird, we found irresistible treats as well. These reflected our experiences of the day: the bear tracks we found along the edge of Lake Eva were mimicked on a label for some “Bearfoot” jelly beans, as well as a platter of caramel and almond “bear claws.”
Our sweet treat of a day came to an end as we traveled north towards Icy Strait and Point Adolphus. We pondered what tomorrow might bring as we unwrapped the little chocolate morsels left on our pillows, popped them in our mouths, and savored their rich chocolate smoothness. Sweet dreams.
This morning among the kelp covered rocks strewn on the beaches of Hood Bay, we found a brown bear. A nice, dark, chocolaty-colored brown bear. The color can be a hindrance in identification of the bear, as brown bears come in an assortment of colors from dark brown tones all the way to blond, much the same way a box of assorted chocolates comes in a variety of cocoa brown hues.
The afternoon was spent in leisurely exploration of Hanus Bay and the fringes of Baranof Island both by kayak and in our wonderful rubber boots. Skirting the forest edge was a thin ribbon of grass and sedge, punctuated with brightly colored flowers. Compared to the subtle tones found under the forest canopy, these brilliant blossoms were sending a garish signal. Potential pollinators geared towards color are instantly drawn to the stunning blossoms of the blazing-orange Indian paintbrush and the striking, shocking-pink shooting star.
But what of our picture we share with you today? The russet brown tones of this lily, sometimes called chocolate lily, are not nearly so snazzy and flamboyant. Theirs is a different strategy. For this flower, it is the scent that is intended to attract the pollinator, an odor described as “the smell of rotting meat or feces.” Flies find this odoriferous signal irresistible and come to the flower, ultimately serving as its pollinator.
Upon returning to the Sea Bird, we found irresistible treats as well. These reflected our experiences of the day: the bear tracks we found along the edge of Lake Eva were mimicked on a label for some “Bearfoot” jelly beans, as well as a platter of caramel and almond “bear claws.”
Our sweet treat of a day came to an end as we traveled north towards Icy Strait and Point Adolphus. We pondered what tomorrow might bring as we unwrapped the little chocolate morsels left on our pillows, popped them in our mouths, and savored their rich chocolate smoothness. Sweet dreams.
