Choppy waters and stronger currents meant that venturing out on kayaks as we had intended would not be too sensible. So we got layered up for rain and chill, climbed into a skiff with a group of ten or so others, and zoomed off to shore for a short distance two hour guided hike led by an amazing lady called Bethany. Tramping up, over and through the lush greens of Patterson Creek with odd dashes of colour, our tour was focused on learning about the wilderness environment. We disembarked into sea of boot sucking mud. It is imperative to keep moving so that you don't become permanently stuck leaving your boot behind. After twenty five yards the ground changed and we were walked on lichens and mosses headed toward a forest of red alder, Sitka spruce, and hemlock. A short distance into the forest we encountered a hunter's camp. Carefully closed up and covered with plastic it hid all the supplies needed for survival. Everyone is welcome to use the supplies but is expected to restock camp before leaving. That is the Alaskan way. The density of the forest matches Oregon but the array of greens is a different palette. We arrived at a small pond with the first bright yellow blooms of skunk cabbage, a photo op for those see the beauty and have never endured the sense of dozens of blooms. Reversing direction we headed back to meet our skiff ride back to the ship.
After lunch we joined another skiff group to investigate whatever an island and the cove had to offer. Almost immediately we became aware of an eagle sitting majestically and surveying its surroundings from its huge nest at the top of a tree on the island. Setting off again a sea otter swam across our bows to a spit of land, scurried over the spit to show us it's pointy tail, then slid back into the water to continue on its way. Near shore away from the island we were aware of several more eagles in the trees or soaring overhead, including one at ground level which together with two crows was chomping away on quite a large animal carcass. Time to return to a warm, dry ship and another excellent meal.
Posted with Blogsy
No comments:
Post a Comment