After a quiet night at anchor, the National Geographic Sea Bird cruised steadily for the Inians, a cluster of rocky islands that fringe upon the open Pacific. Currents rush through the channels here with each tidal change, stirring up food and attracting a wide range of wildlife. We climbed into our trusty expedition landing craft after breakfast to investigate. Steller sea lions belched and grunted from their resting spots at a place referred to as a haul-out, where they relax but do not breed. It was exhilarating to approach swirling whirlpools and standing waves where these massive pinnipeds patrolled in search of food. Gulls wheeled and screamed overhead at the promise of a fishy meal. We spotted a number of sea otters on their backs floating within strands of yellow-brown kelp that provided nearly perfect camouflage. A bald eagle nest caught our attention as well. Upon closer approach, two full-sized eaglets appeared perched beside the immense platform of sticks. To add to the excitement, a few humpbacks surfaced in the vicinity. The exuberance of life was astounding.
Our officers relocated the vessel to Fox Creek where we planned to kayak and hike during the afternoon. The colorful boats launched from shore, and paddlers took off to explore on their own. Hikers joined the naturalists for walks through a majestic temperate rain forest where we discovered mushrooms, tiny orchids, ferns, and a multitude of berries. Paw prints and scratching trees reminded us that we are visitors in the realm of brown bears. Before pulling anchor, about a dozen brave, or maybe crazy, individuals opted for a “polar plunge,” a chance to swim in the chilly Alaskan water. What a fun ending to our afternoon activities!
The Sea Bird then motored towards the small community of Gustavus to pick up a national park ranger and a cultural interpreter who would stay the night and travel with us for tomorrow’s adventures in Glacier Bay National Park.
