Thomas Bay, Petersberg
As the wakeup call came this morning we were entering a beautiful area just east of Petersberg, Alaska called Thomas Bay. For many of us this morning would hold the challenge of doing the most demanding hike that we had attempted on this voyage. So right after breakfast we put on our raingear, hats and boots, took Zodiacs to shore and headed up the Spurt Lake trail. This particular hike is not a boardwalk, groomed or manicured trail, but a very primitive one with lots of what we like to call “ boot-sucking-mud “. So off we went through this stunning rain forest habitat, sloshing through mud, climbing under and over fallen trees, and having a true wilderness experience! Some of the faster hikers separated out and took off with a purposeful pace, “let’s try to make it to the lake”, while others took a more leisurely approach and stopped for interpretation along the way.
Meanwhile, National Geographic Sea Lion repositioned further up the Thomas Bay, and the non-hikers were treated to a Zodiac cruise near the glacier at the head of the bay. What a wonderful way to explore any area of Southeast Alaska!
By late morning the hikers were all back to the landing beach, and ready to head to the ship. By-the-way, some did make it to the lake. The cruisers were back on board the National Geographic Sea Lion, and we were ready to get underway for our afternoon activities in Petersberg.
Right after lunch the ship entered the harbor and tied up to the pier. Almost immediately the different activities started, scenic flights, “bog” walks through a muskeg area across Wrangell Narrows, biking around town, dock walks and just taking a leisurely stroll to check the fishing village of Petersberg. Yes there was rain this afternoon, but it didn’t seem to dampen anyone’s spirit as we did our explorations of the area around this lovely community.
Just before dinner we had the honor of having a short presentation from Doctor Andy Szabo, who is the director of the Alaska Whale Foundation, which is located out of Petersberg. He explained about the on-going work that they are doing studying Humpback whales. Much of what they have learned in the fifteen-plus years that the study has been in progress has been in Southeast Alaska. They are truly remarkable creatures, and Andy helped put into perspective what we were so privileged to experience during our whale sighting on our previous days of travel.
Another wonderful and exciting day in Southeast Alaska. Oh yeah, did I mention the Dungeness crab feast for dinner!
