In Sitka, Alan and I split up for the day – always a bit of a gamble, but often a good one. This time? Definitely a win on both sides.
I headed out on what was supposed to be a small-group photography tour.
Turns out… I was the group.
Just me, my guide, and a day that felt completely custom-built.
My guide – lovely young woman – seemed just as delighted by the situation as I was, and off we went in our van, chatting like old friends by the second stop. What followed felt less like an excursion and more like being shown around by someone who truly loved where she lived.
Our first stop was Starrigavan Recreation Area, where we wandered along the Estuary Life Trail. It was one of those peaceful, quiet places where the world feels a little hushed – water weaving through grasses, birds doing their thing, and that soft Alaskan light that photographers dream about.
From there, we made our way to a beach just as the tide had gone out – perfect timing. Tide pools revealed all sorts of tiny, fascinating life, and I happily shifted into macro mode, crouching, leaning, and probably looking a bit ridiculous while photographing whatever caught my eye. (Worth it.)
We looped back through a mossy forest trail that looked like something straight out of a fairytale – everything lush and green and textured. This was my kind of place. Every few steps there was something new to focus on – lichen, droplets, patterns, layers. Slow photography at its best.
Next up was a historic seaplane launch – simple, but interesting, and a reminder of how important these planes are in a place where roads don’t always get you where you need to go.
And finally, we ended with a view out over Sitka Sound toward Mount Edgecumbe – a beautifully symmetrical, dormant volcano that looks almost too perfect to be real. Calm water, soft skies… the kind of scene you just stand with for a minute before even thinking about your camera.
Meanwhile… Alan had his own adventure.
He headed out on a wildlife cruise through Sitka Sound – wrapped in comfort – ha! he stayed on top of the boat the whole time, snacks in hand, scanning the water and shoreline for whatever might appear. No bears or deer this time (they don’t always RSVP), but he did spot seal lions, sea otters, and added a few new birds to his ever-growing list.
But the real highlight?
A gray whale.
Not something you see every day, and certainly not something you forget. He came back with that look – the one that says, “You missed something pretty special,” but in the nicest possible way.
And honestly, I was okay with that.
Because while he was out chasing whales, I was (figuratively) knee-deep in tide pools, wandering mossy trails, and soaking up a one-of-a-kind, just-for-me Sitka experience.
Two very different days… both exactly right.