Scenery Cove was the setting for this morning’s wake-up call with clouds swirling around the temperate rainforest of legendary Thomas Bay. We anchored near Cascade Creek for a unique hike in the Sitka spruce and western hemlock forest covered with every shade of green. The thundering waterfall on Cascade Creek could be heard from the beach as we entered into the thick rainforest from the rocky shore. Approaching the roaring falls, the air was filled with mist from the massive amount of water cascading over the falls. From here, we climbed above the falls to experience a temperate rainforest filled with ferns, lichens and mosses. There is more biomass here than in a tropical rainforest. One of the special creatures found here is the rough-skinned newt, which is highly sensitive to environmental changes and, therefore, enjoys the pristine environment of Southeast Alaska. Our model posed nicely for newt photos. Bright orange on the underside warns of its highly toxic nature.
Back onboard, our photo expert Rich Reid gave a presentation on his Southeast Alaska photo assignment with National Geographic covering biking in the Inside Passage and his work with Lindblad Expeditions. Meanwhile, the ship repositioned to Petersburg. Captain Nettles did an excellent job threading our ship through a fleet of fishing vessels in the harbor to tie up to the dock. From here, our guests disembarked for various activities including a muskeg walk, dock and town exploration, or a bike ride around Petersburg. The muskeg (peat bog) is an interesting environment where sphagnum mosses, sedges, heathers, and carnivorous plants reign. Photographers found myriad patterns and textures to keep them occupied. Some focused on the many ripe berries, and then snacked on their subjects.
Petersburg is a colorful working fishing village with friendly people and not much tourism. Local fisherperson Becky Knight came aboard for recap to share her family's experience of many decades of changes in the fishing industry. Some of the more interesting facts were the record run of pink salmon this season and how the fishing industry has adjusted to changing policies. Interested and intrigued, guests engaged her with many questions.
This evening we were treated to somewhat of a Lindblad tradition after visiting Petersburg; a delicious Dungeness crab feast. After our dining pleasures, Undersea Specialist Ian appeared in the lounge wearing his dry suit and dive tank. He answered several questions on how to survive in cold water and showed his video shot earlier today while snorkeling in Petersburg Harbor. Many critters, such as anemones and tubeworms, thrive under the docks and on the pilings. People were very animated while perusing their photographs and visiting with each other after the day’s events.
