Icy Strait & Idaho Inlet
Adventure cruising, searching out adventures, an expedition are not always about the places you are bound to go, but the process of getting there. Such was the case this morning while we emerged, bleary-eyed from the night before, lattes and chai in hand, from our rooms to see a group of humpback whales near Point Adolphus. Eagles soared overhead in a graceful dance of pursuing their morning meal. Humpback whales seemed to be set about their morning business as well, perhaps even getting a little bit of breakfast themselves. “Breach!” was announced from the bow, and we all rushed to watch the fascinating behavior. A cow and calf pair breached numerous times in the distance, maybe trying to work off that extra hundred pounds of food. Stunning images set into our memories, we went below to warm up, talking excitedly about what we had seen and wondering what the rich waters of Alaska could produce next.
Mother nature seemed to sense our growing hunger; the rumbling in our stomachs. As we approached the rolling waters through the Inian Islands. Caused by the swift currents that rush through the narrow passageway, sea lions feasted on their meal of choice, Alaskan salmon. Splashing and playing, lounging and looking, it was as if the sea lions were putting on a show. Throwing the salmon into the air for display, eager kittiwakes and other seabirds dived for leftovers, which were greedily pulled back by the still hungry sea lions.
Cruising into Idaho Inlet we watched as sea otters floated on by. The shy little creatures relaxed on the surface and drifted along. After lunch we dropped anchor, launched our fleet of Zodiacs, and set out to explore. Some of us chose hiking along the meadows and into the young spruce forest. Many others chose a more solitary experience paddling one of our many kayaks in the secluded waters of Idaho Inlet. However one chose to spend the afternoon, the experience was quickly dominated by bears. Kayakers and hikers alike watched as brown bears, enjoying the break in the rain, sated their appetite. How lucky we were.
Such days always have to close, but few end in such an awe inspiring sunset. With the clouds dissipating and light prolonged by the long Alaskan summer days, this stretched out sunset was the perfect backdrop for snow-capped mountains. Hungry for our adventures tomorrow, we went to bed, sailed through the night, and dreamed about our next destination.
Adventure cruising, searching out adventures, an expedition are not always about the places you are bound to go, but the process of getting there. Such was the case this morning while we emerged, bleary-eyed from the night before, lattes and chai in hand, from our rooms to see a group of humpback whales near Point Adolphus. Eagles soared overhead in a graceful dance of pursuing their morning meal. Humpback whales seemed to be set about their morning business as well, perhaps even getting a little bit of breakfast themselves. “Breach!” was announced from the bow, and we all rushed to watch the fascinating behavior. A cow and calf pair breached numerous times in the distance, maybe trying to work off that extra hundred pounds of food. Stunning images set into our memories, we went below to warm up, talking excitedly about what we had seen and wondering what the rich waters of Alaska could produce next.
Mother nature seemed to sense our growing hunger; the rumbling in our stomachs. As we approached the rolling waters through the Inian Islands. Caused by the swift currents that rush through the narrow passageway, sea lions feasted on their meal of choice, Alaskan salmon. Splashing and playing, lounging and looking, it was as if the sea lions were putting on a show. Throwing the salmon into the air for display, eager kittiwakes and other seabirds dived for leftovers, which were greedily pulled back by the still hungry sea lions.
Cruising into Idaho Inlet we watched as sea otters floated on by. The shy little creatures relaxed on the surface and drifted along. After lunch we dropped anchor, launched our fleet of Zodiacs, and set out to explore. Some of us chose hiking along the meadows and into the young spruce forest. Many others chose a more solitary experience paddling one of our many kayaks in the secluded waters of Idaho Inlet. However one chose to spend the afternoon, the experience was quickly dominated by bears. Kayakers and hikers alike watched as brown bears, enjoying the break in the rain, sated their appetite. How lucky we were.
Such days always have to close, but few end in such an awe inspiring sunset. With the clouds dissipating and light prolonged by the long Alaskan summer days, this stretched out sunset was the perfect backdrop for snow-capped mountains. Hungry for our adventures tomorrow, we went to bed, sailed through the night, and dreamed about our next destination.
