Inians & George Island & Elfin Cove
Sunrise found us at anchor in the group of small granitic islands known as the Inians. Fog banks partially hid some of the lower slopes of distant islands, but magnificent snowy, sun-kissed peaks of the Fairweather Range rose high into the azure sky. Little did we suspect that this day would be full of remarkable, exciting animal encounters.
Our first encounter was near the ship, when a family of adorable sea otters decided to investigate who we were. The mother otter was making a plaintive call, but her baby was intent on swimming over toward us. Another adult, presumably the father held back at first, but then joined in to take a closer look at the strange creatures sitting in a black rubber boat pointing shiny cameras toward them.
Our Zodiac driver then continued on along the beautiful cliffy shoreline where a bald eagle seemed to be in residence every few hundred yards.
Then we approached a rocky knob littered with fat Steller sea lions. Much growling and grunting was going on, but they didn’t pay much attention to us. As we continued around the island, we encountered a raft of sea lions. Usually a boat approaching such a group results in their quick dispersal. However, these animals, like the otters, were intrigued by us and swam very close, popping up here and there, to stare with their dark, watery eyes at us humans. Close-up photos were easy to capture.
Our afternoon excursion was at George Island, the location of a World War II gun site and a lovely beach, perfect for tide-pooling. Guests had an opportunity to hike and kayak around the scenic bay in glorious sunshine.
Finally in late afternoon, our ship transported us to the tiny, remote village of Elfin Cove, where we got a taste of small town Alaska living.
