Heading toward the northern most point of the Inside Passage, where the open Pacific Ocean enters the waters of Southeast Alaska, the National Geographic Sea Lion began to feel the gentle roll of the waters it traveled. The motion was a testament. It foretold of the life that we would witness this day, for where there is transition in the ocean – there is food and where there is food, there are creatures to feast. Beginning with a hike to the top of George Island, our guests were treated to the forest ecology on the island, including some intertidal exploration. Waiting at the top was a leftover memorial to, perhaps, an unconsidered post during World War II, where a large gun sat, long rusted, guarding against any enemy who might dare to enter Alaskan’s waters. More so, what was provided was a vista to a grand landscape that solidified the immensity of the experience of the Last Frontier.
Loading into our fleet of small boats after lunch, our guests set out to explore the ever changing wilderness of the Inian Islands – a focal point of wildlife that funnels in fresh food with every shift of the tide. With waves crashing against the shore that sent spray high up to kiss the bottom of the Sitka Spruce, we journeyed to find awaiting sea otters wrapped in the bull kelp, as well as a host of Steller sea lions hauled out upon the rocks. Listening to them roar and watching them jockey for position provided an unforgettable encounter with nature in its rawest form. As if that was not enough, a myriad of eagles soared over our heads, often landing in the trees to tend to their newly born young. Without any doubt, the Inians are one of our favorite places to visit simply because we never know what to expect, and yet somehow they always provide.
