Before breakfast this morning we watched eight humpback whales swimming in tight formation in an area known to have abundant herring. Most likely these whales were feeding together below the surface. We then entered a bay where dozens of sea otters were resting in a group. They floated on their backs, sticking their rear flippers out of the water, and covering their eyes or their ears with their forepaws. Each otter had a favorite position for keeping all four limbs as dry and warm as possible. We watched them very quietly so as not to disturb them. A few miles away, three killer whales swam back and forth past the shoreline of an island.
We threaded our way through narrow passages and strong tidal currents at the west end of Icy Strait. Here and there a humpback whale or some Steller sea lions broke the surface.
For the afternoon we explored the forests and waters of George Island. Kayaking as beautiful. We paddled past cliffs where sea birds perched, and looked through an enormous sea arch. Sea otters poked their heads up, and we peered down to see bright purple and orange sea stars clinging to the rocks. Some of the younger hikers decided that a quick swim was the best way to cool off after their outing!
