Le Conte Bay and Petersburg
Wild places are reminders that the world does not revolve around us, and our individual lives, wherever we traveled from and left behind. Being in the moment is one of the best things about being “out here,” as you are face to face with nature and wilderness, and whatever form it offers up is unpredictable and part of the adventure. We did know we had ice, that was a given, being at the mouth of a bay where a glacier named Le Conte calved from several miles away, and being at low tide, many of the large bergs were grounded, which gave us the opportunity to view them up close from our nimble Zodiacs. What makes them so appealing is that each one has its own character—beginning with size—many as large at least as National Geographic Sea Bird. Then there is the color, shape, and what wildlife might be drawn to them and what’s living out there. We saw plenty of gulls situated at the top, as if they knew this was a photo expedition, posing in a most strategic place. So entertaining were many harbor seals diving to and fro in close proximity of the ice, again great photo ops. Three trumpeter swans were the highlight, and a rare treat to see, probably taking a rest on their migratory route. On our way back to the ship while traveling along the shoreline, numerous eagles, both juvenile and mature were spotted, mostly sitting atop the beautiful Sitka spruces. What a splendid morning, and I think we all got a feeling of what John Muir meant from his first impressions of glaciers and ice—a “peculiar awe,” both inspiring and humbling.
The rest of our day was filled with Petersburg, a small fishing town built and still being supported around the fishing industry. The choices were like being a kid in a candy shop from scenic flights over glaciers, walking through a bog with a naturalist, or a bike ride around the island and town with the wellness specialist, and dock or photo walks around town with photo experts. Mixing with the locals in shops or visiting the two taverns in town another option, or perhaps meeting a grumpy old sea lion, who has a reputation of living around the fishing boats and being a bit aggressive towards anyone he can harass, as evidenced by our video chronicler!
Our day ended with a special dinner—fresh caught Dungeness crab and happy birthday to our wonderful chef, John Young, then an impressive show of best photos by Michael Melford, National Geographic photographer.
