Icy Strait and Idaho Inlet
As we awoke aboard the Sea Lion, we were greeted with blue skies and the morning sun creeping through the early fog. As we drank our morning’s first cup of coffee, we watched quietly as we cruised among numerous sea otters, also gazing and taking in the bright morning rays. After breakfast we loaded into our fleet of Zodiacs for hiking, kayaking, and exploring the mouth of Idaho Inlet, Fox Creek and Shaw Islands.
As kayakers made their way around Shaw Island, humpback whales were spotted in the distance. We sat quietly listening to their breathing, which carried across the calm water. Kelp was abundant near the shoreline, as the low tide opened our eyes to the intertidal zone. Hikers had the chance to look at permanent bear trails, made from the bears using the same route from forest to water, day after day, year after year. Along with the ancient bear tracks, we also found newer ones. We made a plaster cast of the tracks, to bring back to the boat for all to see. Tracks were not the only presence of bear; we also found their mark on a tree, and skunk cabbage that had been dug out for their tasty roots.
During lunch we lifted anchor, making our way through the Inian Islands. Thick fog and strong currents kept us company throughout our transit of Middle Passage, or as the locals call it, “Washing Machine.” Our late afternoon was filled with Zodiac cruises at Dundas Bay. Many of us saw sea otters, a harbor porpoise, common loons, and mergansers. What a full day, a day filled with beauty, both in the scenery and the weather. Today was a magical Alaskan day!
As we awoke aboard the Sea Lion, we were greeted with blue skies and the morning sun creeping through the early fog. As we drank our morning’s first cup of coffee, we watched quietly as we cruised among numerous sea otters, also gazing and taking in the bright morning rays. After breakfast we loaded into our fleet of Zodiacs for hiking, kayaking, and exploring the mouth of Idaho Inlet, Fox Creek and Shaw Islands.
As kayakers made their way around Shaw Island, humpback whales were spotted in the distance. We sat quietly listening to their breathing, which carried across the calm water. Kelp was abundant near the shoreline, as the low tide opened our eyes to the intertidal zone. Hikers had the chance to look at permanent bear trails, made from the bears using the same route from forest to water, day after day, year after year. Along with the ancient bear tracks, we also found newer ones. We made a plaster cast of the tracks, to bring back to the boat for all to see. Tracks were not the only presence of bear; we also found their mark on a tree, and skunk cabbage that had been dug out for their tasty roots.
During lunch we lifted anchor, making our way through the Inian Islands. Thick fog and strong currents kept us company throughout our transit of Middle Passage, or as the locals call it, “Washing Machine.” Our late afternoon was filled with Zodiac cruises at Dundas Bay. Many of us saw sea otters, a harbor porpoise, common loons, and mergansers. What a full day, a day filled with beauty, both in the scenery and the weather. Today was a magical Alaskan day!
