Inian Islands
5/18
Pond Island and Kelp Bay
Pond Island is an island in the Chatham Straight, which is the channel of water that is east of Sitka on Baranof Island. Like the name implies, the island has several ponds with all kinds of interesting life going on. The best part is that the wild flowers are now starting to bloom, so the Island is even more beautiful this time of year. We spent the morning exploring the island and doing some kayak ops around the area. This was the sunniest day we have had in Alaska to date, not one drop of rain at all. This made it pretty good for exploring, because there was no mental set backs from being all wet.
5/19
Today we were back to the Inian Islands, this time I actually got to explore around for a bit. We took a trip around the Island of Inian on a zodiac, there is so much wildlife in the water now. It’s pretty interesting to be here this time of year, the animals are all heading up here from their winter homes and they are getting some good food because of it. The water is so rich with life, the whales and the other migrating animals get nice and fat up here in the spring and summer. I’m glad that I get to see it all happen.
In just a couple of days now I get off the boat, 4 more full days left! I’m excited to get home and return to some type of normalcy, but on the other hand, I have grown so used to this life that I have no idea what “normal” really is anymore. Either way, it will be good to see friends and family, go for a nice long hike, and even drive my old rust bucket truck. I’m looking forward to it, but I’m also going to miss the routine that I have now. I’ve got some good ideas for things to do, so it’ll be good.
June 4th, 2008 at 12:47 am
Hi Clay, I was on the Sea Lion from May 17-24, Sitka to Juneau, the tail end of your rotation. Your blog came up as I was working on my photos from the Expedition and I was Googling “Inian Islands”. It was interesting to read about the trip from an “insider’s” point of view.
Thanks,
Kathi