Today dawned cool and drizzly as the National Geographic Sea Lion sailed around Idaho Inlet on northern Chichagof Island. Guests had breakfast as we prepared for small vessel exploration with expedition landing craft. In typical southeast Alaskan rain and low clouds, we headed out in the Inian Islands to scan kelp beds for sea otters and surf the current with Steller sea lions. Sea lions draped across rocky haulouts grumbled and roared while others nosed up to the boats with curious eyes and large teeth. With sea lions visible diving under the boats, porpoising out of the water, and gobbling messy mouthfuls of salmon, it was hard to know where to look! A humpback whale calf was mobbed by playful (and likely annoying) sea lions, and frequented the surface to breath, roll on its side and stick its head out for a look around. We were even “treated” to a brown cloud of whale poop right beside the boats. The rarely sighted horned puffin made a brief appearance, bald eagles perched on trees and rocks, tufted puffins whizzed past, and groups of humpbacks fed nearby.
After lunch, humpbacks returned to circle the ship at close range, blowing, diving and breaching. The rain stopped, clouds lifted and weak sunlight arrived. The afternoon was spent enjoying a variety of activities. Kayakers paddled around a couple of small islands, winding in and out of kelp beds and getting good views of harbor seals bowed up like sausages on rocks. Though buffeted by mild winds, a good time was had by all. Hikers headed to Fox Creek to explore prime brown bear country. Walking along the beach, hikers ducked up into a wildflower-studded meadow and entered a beautiful forest filled with bear trails. Rub trees, deeply trenched bear trails, bite trees and bear forage surrounded us, reminding us we were visiting a truly wild land. A rainbow shimmered over the ship as hikers returned.
After dinner guests were treated to exciting humpback activity near Point Adolphus, and finished off the night with clearing skies at sunset.
