George Island
Today was an incredibly full day. We awoke in the farthest navigable reaches of Dundas Bay, and were treated to early morning views of two brown bears. After spending several silent minutes on deck watching these animals, we slowly turned and made our way back out of the bay. After breakfast, we entered one of the narrow channels through the Inian Islands, encountering strong currents and abundant life. As the flood tide swirled at nearly four knots around us, we watched dozens of Steller sea lions fishing and frolicking. A few sea otters were curled in the kelp nearby, and two humpback whales escorted us into the channel entrance.
We arrived at our day’s anchorage late in the morning, prepared to go ashore for hikes on George Island. However, we discovered a kayak camp at the trailhead, and decided to leave them in peace for the morning. A quick change of plans and we were headed to the quaint community of Elfin Cove for a little shopping and an opportunity to see life in a small Alaskan fishing town. After a brief visit to the kayak camp, we decided to stay put for the afternoon, and go ashore for all sorts of activities. There were vigorous hikes out to the WWII cannon, meandering walks on the beach in search of animal tracks, kayaking on glassy calm waters and Zodiac cruises that circumnavigated the island.
We returned to the ship for an evening program that included a preview of the trip’s video chronicle and a surprise performance by Steve Engel and the Carrageenan All-stars on kelp horns.
Today was an incredibly full day. We awoke in the farthest navigable reaches of Dundas Bay, and were treated to early morning views of two brown bears. After spending several silent minutes on deck watching these animals, we slowly turned and made our way back out of the bay. After breakfast, we entered one of the narrow channels through the Inian Islands, encountering strong currents and abundant life. As the flood tide swirled at nearly four knots around us, we watched dozens of Steller sea lions fishing and frolicking. A few sea otters were curled in the kelp nearby, and two humpback whales escorted us into the channel entrance.
We arrived at our day’s anchorage late in the morning, prepared to go ashore for hikes on George Island. However, we discovered a kayak camp at the trailhead, and decided to leave them in peace for the morning. A quick change of plans and we were headed to the quaint community of Elfin Cove for a little shopping and an opportunity to see life in a small Alaskan fishing town. After a brief visit to the kayak camp, we decided to stay put for the afternoon, and go ashore for all sorts of activities. There were vigorous hikes out to the WWII cannon, meandering walks on the beach in search of animal tracks, kayaking on glassy calm waters and Zodiac cruises that circumnavigated the island.
We returned to the ship for an evening program that included a preview of the trip’s video chronicle and a surprise performance by Steve Engel and the Carrageenan All-stars on kelp horns.
