This morning’s adventures started early as we pulled into Idaho Inlet on the north end of Chichagof Island looking for wildlife. Overnight the weather settled into dense fog, obscuring the shoreline and any chance of spotting wildlife. As we cruised back into Icy Strait, the fog lifted to expose the Inian Islands, the last spots of land before heading into the open Pacific Ocean.
We spent our morning exploring the coastline of the Inian Islands in our inflatable boats, watching one of nature’s finest spectacles; a feeding frenzy created by a massive 12-foot tidal flush through the narrow gaps of these islands. Sea otters rolled in the kelp eating shellfish, bald eagles snatched fish from the water’s surface, Steller sea lions gobbled up flat fish, humpback whales repeatedly dove for herring, all below a mass of seabirds feeding on the scraps. Oh, and did I mention all these sights were happening below the stunning backdrop of the spectacular glacier covered Mount Crillon and La Perouse in the Fairweather Range.
For our afternoon activities, we transitioned back to Idaho Inlet for kayaking and hiking at Fox Creek. The trails lead through a classic temperate rain forest with Sitka spruce, towering devils club, several streamlets and the sweet fragrance of yarrow and parsnip. The photo walkers spent extra time observing the bumblebees pollenating the fireweed and grazing on ripe salmonberries and blueberries. What a great day spent in Southeast Alaska exploring these fascinating islands and witnessing incredible wildlife behavior. The forecast for tomorrow: more fun!
