George Island is a historical landing site, home to 19 soldiers during World War II. Our goal was a six-inch caliber artillery piece left behind by the military, but that would wait as a group of us decided to take advantage of the extremely low tide and explore the tide pools along the shore. It was a wise choice as the rocks were littered with purple and orange ochre sea stars and sea anemones, and the small pools of seawater a welcome refuge for sculpins and other small fish. We could have spent all morning exploring the shore, but the artillery beckoned.
The trail is only a half mile in length but it is easy to become lost in the gardens of sculpted rocks and beds of skunk cabbage. Banana slugs are always a highlight of the forest and we are just in time for many of the wildflowers that fill the rainforests of Southeast Alaska. At trail’s end, the huge gun emplacement and the ruins of a few small buildings are a reminder of the part that Alaska played in the war to end all wars. The weather could have been better but the backdrop of the Fairweather Range was a view not often afforded our guests.
After lunch we once again board our inflatable boats and this time the ride itself is the destination. We cruise around the Inian Islands, a group of islands at the north end of the inside passage. Every day, millions of gallons of seawater are exchanged at this opening to the sea. This grand movement of water creates upwellings that stir a soup of nutrients and attract a myriad of sea life. Our first sighting is of sea otters safely nestled in the bull kelp, a refuge from the ever present waves. We watch in silence and smile at the cute nature of these little furry creatures. It’s then onto a group of Steller sea lions who are taking advantage of nice comfortable rocks heated by the warm rays of the sun. There is never a time when birds of many sorts are not flying overhead or around our boats. Guillemots, cormorants, kittiwakes and bald eagles abound. Viewing these from the level of our inflatables is an experience in itself. Our water level view gives us a different perspective and appreciation of the wildlife and scenery we are experiencing.
Back onboard we are treated to a “Taste of Alaska,” a sampling of true Alaskan delicacies like smoked sausage, smoked salmon, and even some Alaskan chocolate to top off the tasting. A savory way to end this most delectable and enjoyable day.
