Massive limestone peaks vault from the hills beyond the bow of Don Hernandez’s skiff as he heads for the shore of Suk Dáa Bay. His friend, Elsa Sebastian, hops out and hefts her trekking pack onto the beach. In true fisherman form, she suits up, pulling her Grundens bibs over her Xtratufs before setting off with her hiking partners.
The grasslands sway and flicker with drops of dew as Elsa looks towards the velvet cliffs of old growth forest surrounding her on the northern end of Prince of Wales Island. Ravens, crows, gulls and eagles soar in an orchestra of bird calls. Spawning salmon tremble in the rush of the nearby stream.
The majesty of the land is palpable.