Rugged, remote, and protected from the southeasterly winds and Pacific swell, Idaho Inlet welcomed us this morning. Those who suited up for a gloriously misty Alaskan hike were rewarded with fantastic beachcombing, blooming meadow wildflowers, and wild blueberries perfectly ripe and ready to devour right off the dew-laden bushes. Steller sea lions cavorted along the shoreline as we kayaked around nearby Shaw Island.
After taking a midday break to dry out, we pushed northward toward the much-anticipated Inian Islands for an afternoon of Zodiac cruising. The islands remained largely shrouded in fog as we set out to search for wildlife. The flood tide began, and underwater mayhem ensued. Steller sea lions surrounded us, porpoising in all directions as they snatched salmon out of the water column and devoured them. We searched for feasting eagles but were quickly mesmerized by a familiar sound, a humpback blow just a few meters away! The whale appeared not to notice our presence as it hugged the rocky shore, gorging on plankton and small fish.
Renowned textbook author and naturalist extraordinaire, Al, taught us the fascinating geological secrets of Alaska, while lunge feeding humpbacks joined us as the sun set on another spectacular day.
