National Geographic Quest anchored in Hanus Bay as the departing clouds of dawn gave way to warm and breezy conditions. The focus for the voyage’s final day was hiking one of the Tongass National Forest’s premier backcountry trails. A well-maintained path from the landing site winds above a tidally ephemeral salt lagoon and along the rapids-strewn river that flows down from Lake Eva. The forest along the trail was exceptionally beautiful, exuding a joyful mood after yesterday’s much-needed rain.
Hikers got glimpses of blue herons and a brown bear with two cubs. Wild berries, bird songs, and the jolly roar of the river provided delightful accompaniment. Some guests also explored via small boats; today they kept to protected inlets, avoiding a stiff breeze and choppy waves out on Peril Strait. Highlights of their time on the water included encounters with harbor seals, minks, and a squadron of red-breasted mergansers. Some boats executed long, slow drifts along rocky shorelines; through the dazzlingly clear waters guests could see rich undersea life. Quiet coves were a perfect spot for boat drivers to turn the engine off for a moment of profound natural silence, away from the hum of the ship and the crunch of boots on gravel.
