South of the Chilkat Peninsula where Haines is perfectly tucked away between Mounts Ripinsky and Riley lay a chain of islands that extend for miles providing opportunities of paddling unspoiled Alaskan backcountry. Steep cliff bands that battle the winds that funnel through the fjord are paired with rocky beaches that invite any adventure-minded individual to set up camp and complete any combination of multi-day ventures that exist here. These islands fit very well with the theme of adventuring here in Alaska: never ending possibilities.
My target for the Sunday afternoon paddle I found myself on was Anyaka Island; the second closest island to Seduction Point which lies at the tip of the peninsula. Leaving from the state park beach, it was a short 5 mile stretch to reach the point where the islands laid in clear view with nothing but a slight breeze and slack high tide to reach out to them. It was at this time that I began to kick myself for getting out so late in the day as I was adding up the number of hours it would take to paddle back versus daylight. Getting back by 9 o'clock meant that I had to cruise at a pace that is never afforded to me while paddling with the groups I usually find myself with on the water. A pace and tempo that has never felt as amazing as the one I was able to keep did. Watching Talsani Island pass in front of Mount Sinclair that climbs 7000 feet from the water occupied my interest for the majority of the crossing. Hanging glaciers that feed the cascading waterfalls that plummet thousands of feet to the Lynn Canal litter the mountain sides that rise out of the water. The glasslike water reflected each strip of whitewater and snowcapped peak.
Reaching the north end of Anyaka, I began my circumnavigation around the island, planning on paddling back to my take-out towards the setting sun. A trip out to an island as remote and untouched as Anyaka is never complete without a run and jump into the water and taking a much needed salt water rinse. The scene could not have been more picturesque as I pulled my boat onto shore after exploring the western shore with a harbor seal partner. The sun was breaking through illuminating the Davidson Glacier and Chilkat Range across the inlet and the water had managed to become even more calm. "Maybe 9:30 would be better... or even 10..."
A sunset enjoyed from the water, especially while sitting in a boat, has yet to be topped for me. My pace had not only been slowed by wrapping up the longest single stretch I had paddled in years, but also recognizing that a moment was taking place that needed to be remembered. Being in wild places all over North America have presented the majority of these kinds of moments from the icefields of the Canadian Rockies to the waters of Coastal Georgia. What excites me most is never the question of if I will experience more of these important moments but rather where they will be. Plenty more to be had here in Alaska through the remainder of my time here, of that I am sure.
A sunset enjoyed from the water, especially while sitting in a boat, has yet to be topped for me. My pace had not only been slowed by wrapping up the longest single stretch I had paddled in years, but also recognizing that a moment was taking place that needed to be remembered. Being in wild places all over North America have presented the majority of these kinds of moments from the icefields of the Canadian Rockies to the waters of Coastal Georgia. What excites me most is never the question of if I will experience more of these important moments but rather where they will be. Plenty more to be had here in Alaska through the remainder of my time here, of that I am sure.
