Sitka, Alaska is known for its mountains which sprout from the ocean and provide a stunning backdrop to the fishing boats which constantly traverse its water. However, Sitka averages 87 inches (7.25 feet) of rain per year which means it is constantly cloudy. It was pretty lucky that our first visit to this scenic city coincided with 3 days of sunshine! We were blown away by the juxtaposition of mountains and ocean. A series of fortunate events allowed us to explore enjoy the region and my camera was constantly clicking.

Mountains and Sunsets

We stepped off our short, 40-minute, flight from Hoonah to Sitka and received an invite. My pilot was an avid hiker and wanted to bring my wife, Kassie, and I out hiking at Mosquito cove. After an instant “yes” on our part we were on our way. The coastal drive brought us to the edge of town (Sitka only has about 17 miles of road), and in short order we were on the trail to Mosquito Cove. Tall spruces provided a high canopy and the loamy smell of the undergrowth mixed with the salty-fresh air of the ocean. The rocky coast reminded me of the shores of Maine, except the tall mountains made it distinctly Alaskan. A colorful sunset met us at the end of the hike and graced us as we returned to the trail head. An amazing way to start our time in Sitka!

The next day we ventured to the top of Harbor Mountain. Winding switchbacks made me a bit car-sick, but the big payout was the views from the top. The many islands of the Sitka region lay below us and the blue skies allowed for miles and miles of views.

Blues skies reflect off a pool on Harbor Mountain, Sitka, Alaska.

The sprawling bays and Islands surround Sitka, Alaska as seen from Harbor Mountain.

I was struck by the character of this dead tree in the alpine on Harbor Mountain, Sitka, Alaska.

DSC_4187-Pano — A colorful sunset puts Mount Edgecumbe in shadows in Sitka, Alaska

From oceans to mountains, the amazing scenery of Sitka, Alaska.

A sunset at Mosquito Cove, Sitka, Alaska.

A sunset through some tall spruces along the trail to Mosquito Cove

The Aurora Borealis and Night Skies

The clear conditions in Sitka happened to align with a level 5 aurora forecast. I knew the only place that I wanted to go was to the dark skies and huge vistas of Harbor Mountain. The Northern Lights began almost as the sun went down and stretched far to the south over Mount Edgecumbe. By 10:30 PM the aurora was far overhead and dancing in incredible sheets of green and pink. I was blown away by its presence over the oceans and landscape.

Aurora Borealis, Sitka Alaska, Harbor Mountain, Green Aurora, Purple Aurora, Ocean, Mountains

The Aurora Borealis arches over Mount Edgecumbe in Sitka, Alaska.

The Aurora Borealis reflects off a pool in a muskeg on top of Harbor Mountain

The Aurora Borealis appeared as the sunset

Pinks ribbons of the Aurora Borealis reflect from a pool on top of Harbor Mountain.

Hues of purple reach to the south near Mount Edgecumbe, Sitka, Alaska.

An incredible display of Aurora reflects of the ocean and highlights the islands outside of Sitka, Alaska.

Can you spot the big dipper?

Tall bands of aurora dance over the ocean in Sitka, Alaska.

The moonless night in Sitka, Alaska made the Milky Way shine. I caught this shooting-star, whose tail stretched long in the sky.

The Milky Way over Harbor Mountain, Sitka, Alaska.

On the Wing

The flight from Sitka to Hoonah was the capstone to a remarkable trip. The sunny conditions persisted and showcased tall mountains, alpine lakes, colorful bays, and long fjords.

Flight, Sitka, Fly, Harris Air, Hoonah, Mountains, Ocean

The flight from Sitka to Hoonah was a filled with mountains and bays.

The stretch of water separating Baranof Island from Chichagof Island.

Mountains on Chichagof Island.

The flight from Sitka, Alaska to Hoonah is filled with mountains and incredible views.

Putting how large the scerery is with a wing from our airplane.

The 18+ foot tides of Homer Alaska define life on the seashore. Its consistency and rhythm are the drumbeat of the ocean. During the summer each day, salmon return to the “Fishing Hole” with the incoming and outgoing tide chasing schools of baitfish, only to be chased by fisherman. Shorebirds feed at the tideline and in the exposed rocks which contain many insects and invertebrates in the crevices. Tide pools contained trapped wonders to because observed with curiosity, and which have evolved to survive the temporarily dry conditions. They often closing up, or shrinking under the sand to conserve water. My time in Homer, Alaska was focused around the seashore, fishing, beach combing, birding, and peering into tide pools. These pictures and experiences are both through my lens, and Kassie’s too.

Tide Pools

Peer into a tidepool, and what shall you see? Small creatures, shells, or an anemone.

As the tide goes out, large boulders hold water and sea creatures – tide pool!

The tentacles of a green anenome reach for the surface in a a tide pool.

This large, lone, mussel displays one of its unique characterists. The strong, hair fibers of its holdfast which secure it to a a rock.

Within a tidepool I watched this tiny hermit crab discover, and then attempt to pry loose this limpet for dinner. For scale, this tiny limpet is half the size of a dime, and the crab even smaller.

This particular anenome in the tide pool was very striking. Wedged between two rocks, I was able to capture it through the surface of the water!

(1) The sand flats in between the rocks may holder larger treasures….

(2)… like this starfish! This large star fish was 10 – 12 inches across. We moved it to a wetter, and safer tide pool.

This image of a dead clam among the rocks, and surrounded in seaweed seemed to imbibe the whole concept of tidal change to me.

Diamond Creek Homer — The tideline in Homer is far, far above the ocean level. By nature’s laws, the ocean and the hill have reach an agreement on who’s domain is who’s.

Birding

As we walked along the beach a northwestern crow began to dig a hole along the surf line. To our astonishment it jerked out a thin, silvery, and wriggling Sandlance from the bottom of the hole. Hopping forward a bit further the crow did it again, and again. Other crows were doing the same thing, and were apparently highly efficient hunters. I relayed this video (below) to a birding group, and was informed this hunting behavior may be specific to Homer crows. Have a watch, and let me know your guesses on how they locate the eels. I have not a clue!