Canada and Alaska

The ship arrived very early this morning at the Inian Islands. We enjoyed a nice breakfast before heading out on a Zodiac to explore the area.

The Inian Islands area is wilder and rougher than places located on the protected inner waters. Here, the force of the winter seas has scraped the rocky shore clean of trees or vegetation, for about 15 metres above sea level.

There was incredible amount of wildlife in the area, including avery large sea lion rookery. Sea lion bulls can weigh up to a tonne or more, and they are very territorial, especially when they are guarding their harems (which can include to around 30 females).

We also saw a very cute family of otters.

The weather was certainly wilder here so we were glad to get back to the ship and warm up again. We enjoyed a nice lunch on the ship as we sailed on to Icy Strait Point.

We got to Icy Strait Point mid-afternoon, at which point we disembarked and went for a nice walk.

As well as beautiful scenery, this area was home to quite a number of Bald eagles. It was incredible to observe them, especially as they circled above the water looking for fish to hunt. It is a life-or-death struggle for both the hunter and the hunted because once the eagles lock their talons around a fish, they don’t let go. While the eagles seem to win most of the time, if they underestimate the size of the fish, it can pull them under and drown them. It was quite captivating watching these battles play out.

We got back onto the ship, changed, and headed to the theatre for the pre-dinner show.

After a lovely dinner, we then headed back to the theatre for the after-dinner show and from there, we went to the nightclub for some late-night dancing and frivolity with a few of the passengers we’ve met along the way.

Tomorrow, we’ll be at sea all day, so we’ll just be relaxing on the ship.