We took the pulse of the Inside Passage at the Inian Islands this morning. Ebb tide generated strong currents, whirlpools, and standing waves in the Cross Sound. Harbor porpoises, sea otters, and Stellar sea lions abounded. Black-legged kittiwakes were beginning to nest at Bird Rock and were easily agitated by bald eagles flying overhead.

Our afternoon included hikes in Fern Harbor, Glacier Bay National Park. The inner tidal zone was filled with Canada geese and tracks of moose, bears, and deer. The bugs hinted at the immense productivity of this area.