This morning the National Geographic Sea Lion woke to views of the Fairweather Range off the northern coast of Chichagof Island. As we approached our anchorage, like an omen from the sea a humpback swam off the bow providing a beautiful start to what would become an epic day! After breakfast we divided and conquered, some in kayaks others on foot as we explored the environs of the second largest island in the Alexander Archipelago. At 2100 square miles Chichagof is the 5th largest island in the United States and is home to less than 1000 people who live in small communities located on the northern half. Penetrating the forest after meandering through a meadow full of wildflowers we were quickly made aware of whose home we were visiting as the evidence of bears was quite prolific. A habitual bear trail embedded in thick moss clearly helped to tell the story of the big brown bruins who have used this area in times immemorial. Bear scratching trees scattered throughout the forest act as a type of sign post where we can only try to imagine what the bears are trying to communicate with one another along the edge of the salmon stream. While hikers soaked up the beauty of the forest kayakers circumnavigated Shaw Island in picture perfect conditions and the company of sea otters and humpbacks.
After lunch around the bend we dropped our expedition landing crafts and explored the Inian islands in perfect sunny calm conditions! The Fairweather Range in full glory we could see Mount La Perouse (10,728 feet), Mount Crillon (12,726 feet) and Mount Bertha (10,204 feet) ascending from sea level. This towering coastal range intercepts Pacific moisture resulting in vast icefields and glaciers such as the Brady that was visible as we rounded the corner. Steller sea lions swam around us in great number…some curious, others startled by our sudden presence... it was an incredible feast for our senses both visual and olfactory. Along the edge in the kelp a sea otter slept as if unknowing and unconcerned to our presence while sea lions frolicked in and out of the water. Truly one of the most incredible expedition landing crafts rides on the planet we felt so blessed to have a such extraordinary sightings and conditions!
Just when we thought we had seen it all after dinner 7 transient killer whales arrived on the scene off Point Adolphus. Perfect light, close encounters and spy hopping was the perfect end to a stellar day!
