Ideal Cove and Petersburg
In the early morning hours a sleepy blanket of fog merged the sky with water surrounding the National Geographic Sea Bird as we traveled to our remote destination of Ideal Cove. After a full stretch class and breakfast, our expedition activities ensued with four hiking options. Aerobic, long, medium, and short paced treks were led through the forest. Some opted for an active leg stretcher loop walk around two lakes, where others gained more from an interpretive stroll with talented naturalists. The temperate rain forest terrain turned from a plank boardwalk near a stream to meadow openings peering into small lakes with lily pads and wildflowers stretching in every direction. The stunning backdrop consisted of Sitka Spruce, western Hemlock trees, and of course craggy snow covered mountains. Zodiac tours that went out simultaneously saw an array of birds such as guillemots and eagles. The kelp forests were full to examine and the fog lifted showing us panoramic views of the entire bay complete with the immense mountain range.
Lunch was enjoyable but quick due to preparation for arrival in the historic town of Petersburg. The sun burned off the fog and the reflective day became bustling with a full docket of four flights over the LeConte Glacier, biking in town, and dock, bog, and photo walks. Many simply decided to walk the main street of this productive fishing mecca. To finish off our uncharacteristically sunny southeast Alaskan day, we feasted on crab and then had a lovely dessert in the lounge while Andy Szabo gave a detailed photo presentation on whale feeding behaviors in southeast Alaska. The day went smoothly and I will state we will mostly likely all sleep well tonight!
