Our morning began at George Island, a place with both natural beauty and historical significance. Situated at the northern end of the Inner Passage and facing Cross Sound and the vast Gulf of Alaska to the west, this island was established in 1942 as a World War II military installation to ward off potential Japanese invaders. A mile-long hike to the impressive 18-ton, 50-caliber gun that was left behind took us past shooting stars in full bloom under chorusing orange-crowned warblers, and black sand beaches with singing fox sparrows. Once we reached the gun’s perch high above the island’s northwesterly shore, we could see sea otters diving in the kelp patches while whales spouted further offshore. Those of us who chose to kayak along the coastline were rewarded with wonderful views of sea stars, limpets and barnacles (and even an octopus, for a lucky few!).
After lunch, we cruised a short way to the Inian Islands. As the tide streamed through the narrow passages separating these impressive islands from the mainland to the north and the much larger Chichagof Island to the south, it created whirlpools and eddies that roiled the water’s surface. Eagles swooped down amidst flocks of black-legged kittiwakes to feed on the hapless critters swept up by the tides and Steller’s sea lions dove beneath the waves, occasionally surfacing with a fish in their mouths. We were even fortunate enough to have some close encounters with humpback whales that came to feed in the nutrient-rich waters.
Whether kayaking, touring the shores in our inflatable boats, or hiking under the forest canopy, we all enjoyed an exciting day on the edge of the Inside Passage!
