Our second morning on National Geographic Sea Lion started out with a visit to a beautiful area of Thomas Bay called Scenery Cove. Still conditions and low clouds hanging on the hillsides made for a very photogenic cruise into this small but lovely inlet. After a short stay, we cruised into another arm of Thomas Bay, heading for the site for our morning activities, Cascade Creek.
This National Forest trail, along a raging mountain stream, is one of the more dramatic walks that we have on our itinerary for this area of Southeast Alaska. Not far up this boardwalk trail is a magnificent waterfall, with a blanket of mist constantly streaming through the adjacent forest. After climbing further up the trail we reach a suspension bridge over this same high energy stream, with another opportunity for dramatic images to be captured by our more adventuresome hikers. There was also a longer, more aerobic hike offered for those who wanted to get a more extreme cardiac workout in before we left for the lovely fishing town of Petersburg, and our afternoon activities!
The weather improved by the minute, and we had great conditions as we headed across the eastern portion of Frederick Sound. Right after lunch Sea Lion arrived in the harbor at Petersburg, tied up to the dock, and we soon started our different excursions. There were muskeg walks, dock walks, photo walks, flightseeing trips and just exploring this hard-working community on our own. The weather continued to cooperate throughout the day, and just about everything went off without a hitch!
Soon it was time for “all aboard”, and Sea Lion set sail back into Frederick Sound, heading throughout the night toward our next adventures! Another incredible day in Southeast Alaska!
