Sitka, Tongas Rainforest

Sitka in Alaska was where we did a very memorable hike in the rain forest. It was so interesting and beautiful and our guides gave us an interesting account of the plant and insect life  as well as the forest vegetation. We had already done a few forest walks on our travels in Alaska but this one was quite special and I just never get tired of the beauty of the forests Above is a banana slug. Our guide told us that if you hold one for long enough it will slowly anaesthetise that part of your hand. I didn't try but they are huge.

 We walked a mile and a half up over a hill and down into Mosquito Cove. No mosquitos though, thank goodness.

 There were lots of little barnacles on pieces of rocks on the shore. Very pretty.

 A bit of an obstacle course in parts. This side of the island gets very high winds at times and takes out many of the shallow rooting trees.

 There were plenty of wild berries for the bears to eat. Many are edible and we tried some that the guides told us were safe.

 A huge black Arion slug which is a very invasive species. We were advised to try and avoid stepping on them as their mucus is nasty and sticks to your shoes. The only way to remove it is to use paint thinners.

 These are Huckleberries and very nice to eat. Juicy and sweet.

 Had more than our share of rain over the last two weeks. Will be pleased to put my raincoat away.

 Lots of moss and lichen carpets. Beautiful.

Then finally over the next hill and down onto another beach.

 Fresh water was coming down between the rocks and through the windblown sand making it fan out like a river and making braided patterns. It was like watching a sand timer.

 The crevices in the rocks once the tide was out, showed plenty of coloured stones covered in the tiny barnacles.

 It was exciting to sea a beautiful green sea anemone. Richard walked out to a rocky point where there was a very large rock pool with dozens of anemones

 Many of the trees were laden with lichen. Everywhere there are so many very intense shades of green.

 Another banana slug.

 On the way back to town we sailed through this narrow gap into another beautiful bay. I just can't get enough of all this scenery. Its stunning.

Devils Club plant from which they use the berries to make a salve to help relieve  joint pain especially arthritis. We  bought some in Sitka and Richard has been rubbing it on his arthritic fingers and says it is definitely helping.