National Geographic Venture traveled north through the night, bringing us safely to Idaho Inlet, a long, ice-carved fjord on the northern side of Chichagof Island. Guests chose to hike this beautiful inlet followed by a polar plunge for the intrepid few! The water was a chilly (or refreshing!) 47 degrees, perfect for a quick dip!
The afternoon brought the opportunity to Zodiac tour around the Inian Islands. Guests in the know realize that all the animals that transit into the northern part of the Inside Passage must come in from the open Pacific Ocean through these narrow channels that lead into the inner waters. Of course, whales, sea lions, sea otters, and bald eagles know this, too, and the feast was on. The incoming tide brought a plethora of tasty tidbits, and dinner was set. We watched in amazement as humpback whales fed along the shoreline. Steller sea lions and bald eagles took advantage of all that water running through the passes to gorge on fish. It was truly a banquet, and no animal left unsatiated.
