Thomas Bay and Petersburg
During our daily stretch class this morning, the National Geographic Sea Lion was approaching Thomas Bay, located at the southern end of Frederick Sound. We anchored in the Bay for our excursions this morning at Cascade Creek. The Zodiacs took us onshore where we dropped off our life vests and started on our hikes, in full gear for Southeast Alaska. Rain boots and rain pants become our best friends when exploring the forest trails. Some guests chose the leisurely and moderate hikes, eager to learn more about the plants and creatures who live in this beautiful temperate rain forest. A smaller group opted for the faster hike to get more exercise and explore deeper onto the trail.
Our attention was needed in order to walk the narrow boardwalk and the steep stairs leading us up to a roaring cascade. The water was gushing down over huge boulders and the sprays were refreshing as we were climbing up the stairs moving further up along the creek. As we were heading further into the forest, the trail turned to mud and challenging fallen trees and root systems made it a little more strenuous but we kept up the pace as we were eager to go as far as we could. We were rewarded as we reached a beautiful waterfall way up above the sea level.
Back on board Rich Kuchner gave us a presentation on bears in Alaska as we were sailing to Petersburg for the afternoon activities. Sunshine greeted us as we were docking in the thriving fishing community on the northern tip of Mitkof Island. Founded by Peter Buschman in 1897, Petersburg proudly displays its Norwegian heritage. The familiar cry of the eagle was heard throughout the afternoon as young eagles, perched up in the trees, appeared to be observing the coming and going of human kind down below.
Some guests got a chance to fly over the LeConte Glacier, while others rode the Zodiacs across the Wrangell Narrows to Kupreanoff Island, and walked the muskeg. Other guests opted to visit the area by bicycles, and a group of avid photographers captured the spirit of the town with their cameras. Later on, Andy Szabo, from the Alaska Whale Foundation, came on board to present the social interaction of Humpback Whales.
Everyone had a wonderful day and enjoyed the feast of Dungeness crab freshly caught out in the bay.
