The world under the surface of the Pacific Ocean along the Northwest coast is famous. From the deep, cold waters, appears an array of some of the most spectacular life forms. These nutrient-rich waters stimulate the growth of coastal algae, which in turn provide food for many animals. Another factor favoring the wealth of seashore life on the Northwest coast is the great variety of habitats available. There are wave-swept rocks, surf-pounded beaches, protected boulder fields, and quiet-water flats of soft mud.

Today the Sea Lion visited George Island, a small outer shore island with an unusual geologic formation of granodiorite beachfront. The island has been divided into three major sections by earthquakes and appears to have been cracked apart taking on the appearance of a large granite rock that has been split and shattered by seismic reactions.

Our arrival by Zodiac this morning found one of the lowest tides of the year and complete exposure of some of the most spectacular displays of algae and intertidal life forms. Escorted by our naturalists we found this colorful world of Giant Green Anemones, leather stars, sea stars, ochre stars, coralline algae, barnacles, and small sculpins scurrying about the rocks and algae. It was an underwater world revealed to us by the extreme low tide and our own observant and watchful eyes. Carefully placing our feet in safe places we explored with fingers, walking sticks, and sharp eyes the colors and shapes composed before us in a very subtle natural painting.