Thomas Bay & Petersburg
Early this morning we investigated Scenery Cove—aptly named for its beautiful scenery. Snow-capped peaks, the forest and the mountains mirrored in the water and the rising fog created a magical atmosphere.
We explored this sun adorned temperate rain forest by foot at Cascade Creek near Thomas Bay. We hiked along an impressive cascade to a wooden bridge from which we could see the fast flowing water from above. Further on, the walk became more challenging as the freshly constructed boardwalk gave way to a more muddy and root-obstructed path. One of the highlights of the day was in encountering a rough-skin newt along the trail. These amazing amphibians spend the initial stages of their lives as aquatic larvae and live out their adult lives in very humid habitats of the forest floor. This rainforest salamander is also known for producing a deadly toxin that protects it from being ingested by predators.
Our afternoon was spent in the town of Petersburg, located on Mitkof Island. Just a short Zodiac cruise separates Mitkof from Kupreanof Island, where we explored a trail that crosses through a classic Alaskan bog or muskeg, as it is known locally. Mosses and the settling down of other organic materials through the years create a less permeable substrate, turning the old growth forest into an acidic and nutrient-poor environment. Plants that survive here have amazing adaptations to deal with these conditions. The sundew, for instance, captures and digests insects.
Petersburg is a small fishing town of Norwegian heritage. Here we walked down main street and rode bicycles along a five-mile loop. Some of us took the opportunity to take a float plane ride gaining a different perspective of the area and a close look at La Conte Glacier from above.
Early this morning we investigated Scenery Cove—aptly named for its beautiful scenery. Snow-capped peaks, the forest and the mountains mirrored in the water and the rising fog created a magical atmosphere.
We explored this sun adorned temperate rain forest by foot at Cascade Creek near Thomas Bay. We hiked along an impressive cascade to a wooden bridge from which we could see the fast flowing water from above. Further on, the walk became more challenging as the freshly constructed boardwalk gave way to a more muddy and root-obstructed path. One of the highlights of the day was in encountering a rough-skin newt along the trail. These amazing amphibians spend the initial stages of their lives as aquatic larvae and live out their adult lives in very humid habitats of the forest floor. This rainforest salamander is also known for producing a deadly toxin that protects it from being ingested by predators.
Our afternoon was spent in the town of Petersburg, located on Mitkof Island. Just a short Zodiac cruise separates Mitkof from Kupreanof Island, where we explored a trail that crosses through a classic Alaskan bog or muskeg, as it is known locally. Mosses and the settling down of other organic materials through the years create a less permeable substrate, turning the old growth forest into an acidic and nutrient-poor environment. Plants that survive here have amazing adaptations to deal with these conditions. The sundew, for instance, captures and digests insects.
Petersburg is a small fishing town of Norwegian heritage. Here we walked down main street and rode bicycles along a five-mile loop. Some of us took the opportunity to take a float plane ride gaining a different perspective of the area and a close look at La Conte Glacier from above.
