Thomas Bay & Petersburg, Alaska
Tendrils of fog slipped along the hillsides heavily laden with old-growth Sitka spruce and western hemlock as we anchored in Thomas Bay for our morning’s adventure at Cascade Creek. Our Zodiacs carried guests from the Sea Lion to the pebble-strewn beach for a hike along the creek and through the dense forest. Our naturalists told us about the life-cycle of the ancient trees surrounding us, and we viewed many unusual native plants such as devil’s club, a member of the ginseng family. This thorny plant was valued by the native inhabitants for its healing properties. Some guests chose to set out on a vigorous hike up the valley. As we ascended the ridge, we experienced the challenge of navigating through the thick, wet forest with its many streams and fallen trees. Other guests viewed Thomas Bay from the comfort of our Zodiacs. Following the hikes and Zodiac cruises, we retuned to the Sea Lion for our short journey to Petersburg, Alaska.
Settled by Norwegian fishermen in the 1890s, Petersburg retains its Scandinavian character. Situated along the Wrangell Narrows that separate Mitkof and Kupreanof Islands, Petersburg remains a home port for many vessels fishing for salmon and halibut in the rich offshore waters (pictured). By volume, it is the 12th most profitable fishing port in the United States. When we arrived at Petersburg, our guests had the opportunity to walk or bike through the small community (population 3,000). Some guests chose to take a Zodiac across the narrows and hike to a bog. The bogs of Southeast Alaska offer a fascinating contrast to the rich forests. The highly acidic waters provide few nutrients to the plants and animals that live there. Yellow cedars that grow hundreds of feet tall in the surrounding forests barely rise above waist level in the bogs. Yet, some plants thrive in the bog. Sundews use their sticky hairs to trap small insects and digest them. Bog orchids also live in the harsh environment. We finished our day in Petersburg with a pleasant walk along the docks to learn more about the various types of fishing boats in the port. All in all, it was a beautiful and rewarding day in Southeast Alaska.
Tendrils of fog slipped along the hillsides heavily laden with old-growth Sitka spruce and western hemlock as we anchored in Thomas Bay for our morning’s adventure at Cascade Creek. Our Zodiacs carried guests from the Sea Lion to the pebble-strewn beach for a hike along the creek and through the dense forest. Our naturalists told us about the life-cycle of the ancient trees surrounding us, and we viewed many unusual native plants such as devil’s club, a member of the ginseng family. This thorny plant was valued by the native inhabitants for its healing properties. Some guests chose to set out on a vigorous hike up the valley. As we ascended the ridge, we experienced the challenge of navigating through the thick, wet forest with its many streams and fallen trees. Other guests viewed Thomas Bay from the comfort of our Zodiacs. Following the hikes and Zodiac cruises, we retuned to the Sea Lion for our short journey to Petersburg, Alaska.
Settled by Norwegian fishermen in the 1890s, Petersburg retains its Scandinavian character. Situated along the Wrangell Narrows that separate Mitkof and Kupreanof Islands, Petersburg remains a home port for many vessels fishing for salmon and halibut in the rich offshore waters (pictured). By volume, it is the 12th most profitable fishing port in the United States. When we arrived at Petersburg, our guests had the opportunity to walk or bike through the small community (population 3,000). Some guests chose to take a Zodiac across the narrows and hike to a bog. The bogs of Southeast Alaska offer a fascinating contrast to the rich forests. The highly acidic waters provide few nutrients to the plants and animals that live there. Yellow cedars that grow hundreds of feet tall in the surrounding forests barely rise above waist level in the bogs. Yet, some plants thrive in the bog. Sundews use their sticky hairs to trap small insects and digest them. Bog orchids also live in the harsh environment. We finished our day in Petersburg with a pleasant walk along the docks to learn more about the various types of fishing boats in the port. All in all, it was a beautiful and rewarding day in Southeast Alaska.
