Waking to another day in Southeast Alaska, we made for the shore to begin fording the path into Ideal Cove. The temperate rainforest lived up to its name with every visible inch covered in greenery. With the June rain reawakening the forest, guests were treated to bright lichen brimming on the trees and humming birds about in the air, while listening to the long-noted song of the Hermit’s Thrush echoing off the trees. Moving further through dense skunk cabbage coverage, guests came to a clearing to view the large lake awaiting and those who continued on were treated to a rare view of moose munching on the foliage of the muskeg. It is difficult to enter such spaces seeking one thing when so many present themselves for our eyes to digest. Perhaps it is the porcupine crossing the path or the woodpecker waiting at eye level on a tree for the camera’s rise to capture that make the moment, likely it is simply the act of being there, breathing the Alaskan air, and noticing the difference that sets our minds to appreciation.
The afternoon brought us to the small fishing town of Petersburg. The docks were above with fisherman prepping for the upcoming season—loading nets, changing oil, and looking out to the water in hopes of another chance at making a living doing something they love. A myriad of activities awaited our guests. From dock tours to bog walks, bicycle tours or glacier viewing from the heights achieved by a float plane—the day provided a full menu of experiences. Not to be outdone, the kitchen staff of National Geographic Sea Lion prepared a veritable feast of Dungeness crab and the sound of cracking shells was heard long into the night. We do not ask of Alaska, rather it asks of us. Such a place stretches the legs as well as the mind, making us more than what we were when first we came. We can only hope that the days to come will continue to provide in such a manner.
