Alaska Icy Point 4/8/18

Landed at Icy Point this morning, population 400.  The port consists of a tiny huddle of native shops, a spindly pier sticking out into the sea and a tram ride into the woods.  There’s also Zip-lining.

We took the tram ride.  The 100-foot tall Western Hemlock and Sitka Spruce forest is second-growth, replanted after the loggers cleared the island in the early 1900s.  With 200 inches of rain a year, greenery is not lacking.  Anything not moving is covered in moss.

Salmon and crab are the main sources of income, now with the welcome addition of cruise-ship tourists.

Zaandam at Icy Point

Deer checking out noisy visitors

Fishing boat hauled-out for repairs

Old Man's Beard moss hanging from trees

Icy point tourist village

On our ride, we encountered Black-tailed deer and Bald Eagles, as well as a plethora of plants used by the natives for food or medicinal purposes.

Returned to the ship for lunch, clutching a jar of native balm made from Devil’s Club to rub on Reggie’s aching muscles.

At least it wasn’t raining.