Showers from the previous two days have re-hydrated the parched lichens and crispy mosses of the forest. While sunshine and warm temperatures have been appreciated by the residents and visitors to Southeast Alaska, the forest has patiently waited for life-giving hydration to fall from the sky. Today at Cascade Creek, small rivulets spilled out of the forest edge. Mosses were soft and spongy to the touch once again. Lichens turned bright green in color and soft and pliable in texture. The roar of Cascade falls was enhanced with the recent precipitation, and the mist at the viewing area had us thoroughly soaked and our raingear dripping within seconds.
For some a climb uphill, along a boardwalk and skirting a cliff trail brought us to a bridge where we could actually stand over and look down into the confusion of water. The verdant greens of false lily of the valley, queen’s cup, and twisted stalk carpeted the forest floor. Licorice fern draped itself from tree branches and devils club stood as multi-stemmed umbrellas.
The National Geographic Sea Bird was skillfully maneuvered to the Petersburg dock in a parallel parking like fashion. Audible along the waterfront was an industrious cacophony as vessels were being readied for an opening of king salmon fishing. Our industry was more recreationally oriented as we strolled the trails on Kupreanof Island to the muskeg environs, moseyed the docks looking for the “octopus’ garden,” and ambled around town capturing snapshots of this photogenic piece of authentic Alaska.
After feasting on Dungeness crab we retired to the lounge and revisited the highlights of our day over a scrumptious apple-rhubarb crisp. Alpenglow lit the snowcapped mountains to the northeast as the National Geographic Sea Bird navigated west in Frederick Sound towards sunset and tomorrow.
