16th Day 5
During breakfast we had an update from Captain Adam re the prop problem. We are awaiting a float plane to deliver a diver to clear the prop of debris. Fortunately we were able to limp to our destination for today just on one motor last night, so todays plans are going ahead as usual.)
9am we are off on a Skiff tour with Katie. It’s almost low tide so we can explore the intertidal zone. Examining sea stars, barnacles, a sandbar at the base of a waterfall. Then zipping across the bay to a little secluded cove that the guides hadn’t been into before. We spotted kingfisher as we entered the cove through a narrow channel and then it opened out into a very small cove that was just gorgeous. We sat for a while and just absorbed nature.
(P- everyone seems to look forward to the “Quiet meditation times” and they report all sorts of birds singing and creeks running etc. All I hear is the “ symphony of tinnitus ringing in my ears” and nothing else. To me the sounds of an outboard running, people talking and laughing to drown out the tinnitus is a far more pleasant option!)
Stunning beauty totally surrounds us.
Back down the bay to watch some sea lions and poke our nose up the creek. Couldn’t get too far as there were lots of obstacles blocking the way.
After lunch we are back out on the kayaks.
(P- we are quite the team and I suggested we throw one on the roof for our next Aussie adventure but Judith isn’t real eager to Kayak in tropical crocodile infested waters!)
It’s so amazing paddling around these bays. We head to the waterfalls and spend some time watching and listening while we are there on our own. Then paddle along the shore line toward the creeks at the end of the bay. The sun is breaking through the clouds and the mountains are showing their tops. Down in the sea grass beds the seals are floating and small black heads appear and disappear as we float between them. A float plane flies overhead and we all expect it to land as our rescue plane, but no it just disappears into the distance. Time flies when we are out on the water and after 2 hours we are ordered back to the ship.
Shortly after our float plane arrives landing just nearby and taxis over towards the ship. Diver Dan appears with all his gear to dive down and inspect the tangled motor. It takes him longer to don all his gear than it does for him to dive down and disentangle the crab pot that we collected last night.
(P- I did offer the Captain my Swiss Army knife so he could dive down and do a DIY job on the prop but he opted for a $10,000 fix option! No sense of adventure).
17th. Day 6
We have cruised all night heading to a new area, Iniun Cove. Just before breakfast we anchor, then raise anchor and try again but the swell is too big and will be unsafe for loading and unloading skiffs so Captain decides to move on to this afternoons location. (P- or more likely he relocates to prevent motion sickness for the many unmarinised passengers). Instead of a skiff tour we are now Bushwhacking this morning. We head off with Jess as our guide and land on the beach a short distance away. Jess hasn’t bushwhacked here before so this should be fun!!
Up the creek and then heading uphill, we follow a bear track, climbing through brush, up and over tree roots, spotting fungi along the way. It’s a steep uphill climb until we come to a muskeg bog area. It’s spongy under foot and each step moisture bubbles up around our feet. This muskeg can be very deep in spots so we avoid the clear water ponds which can be deceiving as to how deep they are. Reaching the top of the hill we have a great view out over the bay and island. A great spot for photos and selfies. Then it’s back down through the trees and down the steep rocky and muddy small cliff back to the beach for a pickup. Another fantastic walk through pristine forest.
Back to the ship for lunch and while we are dining we are moving to another location at the end of Idaho Inlet. As we cruise up the inlet there are sightings of whales, so we are hoping for more sightings on our skiff tour this afternoon. We are first up after lunch and head off with Jess our guide again travelling back towards the open waters. Several sightings of whales spouting as we travel up. We slow to follow a whale we’ve seen and watch as it surfaces, spouts and dives several times. More sightings and more spouts, pectoral fins and flukes are seen. So much fun watching for the spouts and motoring closer to get some great views. We probably saw half a dozen whales all up while Jess gave us information about their habits and lives here in Alaska.
Heading back we stop to check out a small seagrass meadow and creek, spotting sunflower sea stars and jelly fish, seals and sea otters. It’s been a fun couple of hours. Once we are back Ian and Philip head out on a kayak for about 40 minutes to help fill in the afternoon.
Tassie Travellers 