We enjoyed morning activities of hiking and kayaking in the sparkling sunshine. George Island has a lovely arch on the oceanside, our destination for kayaking. A shy sea otter and lone Steller sea lion visited our group briefly. Meanwhile, groups hiked “to the gun,” a canon located on the far side of the island and put in place to protect the West Coast during World War II. After lunch, we cruised around the Inian Islands to view wildlife, before heading to the Hobbit Hole to visit with Zach Brown at the Tidelines Institute. Zach’s place is a great example of low tech, low footprint, high education, and high activism. Zach, a PhD Stanford graduate, and his wife lead inclusive experiences in “the heart of wilderness.” Check them out at tidelinesinstitute.org.
7/22/2024
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Sitka Sound
Early risers aboard National Geographic Sea Lion were treated to a stellar show of humpback whales this morning as we made our way south down the mountain-studded coast of Baranof Island. The long, lazy swell that lulled us to sleep overnight contrasted spectacularly with the fast breaches, tail slaps, and fluking displays that surrounded us as we rounded Cape Edgecumbe and entered Sitka Sound. Sea otters and fishing boats galore greeted us as we slipped into the calm waters of the sound, bound for Magoun Islands State Marine Park for an afternoon of Zodiac cruising and hiking. The hikers found ample evidence of recent bear presence in the form of fresh scat and tracks, but no bears were to be found. Most of us were quite relieved not to surprise a bear! The Zodiac cruisers were treated to gorgeous intertidal habitats littered with mussels, barnacles, sea stars, and clams. After warming up a bit at lunch, a record thirty-one brave souls jumped into the frigid waters for our polar plunge! As we arrived in Sitka this evening, we admired the snow-capped mountain tops normally shrouded in mist. Steller sea lions cavorting around the dock served as reminders of our adventures.
