This staff members’ favorite activity in Southeast Alaska is cruising through the Inian Islands. An incredibly special place with biodiversity so rich, it borders on extraordinary. Directly in the middle of the entrance to Icy Strait, and thus, all the inland waters of Southeast Alaska, a huge amount of water rushes past this small archipelago with every tide. Our morning activities were full of marine mammals of all descriptions hunting in the incoming tide and enjoying the late salmon run. For our afternoon, we moved back inland just a few miles to Port Althorp and a nearby salt chuck. Kayaking and hikes of all durations and speeds were offered. A highlight day of any expedition.
7/18/2024
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National Geographic Quest
Freshwater Bay, Chichagof Island
This morning before breakfast, the bridge team of National Geographic Quest spotted orcas in Freshwater Bay. Eager to see this iconic whale species, the bow was quickly occupied by excited guests, staff, and crew. We could not have asked for better conditions. A sunny, calm morning with at least a dozen orcas! Wow! After breakfast we went ashore at Kennel Creek on Chichagof Island and split into aerobic, moderate, and casual walking groups. After yesterday’s wet forest at Fox Creek, we welcomed the firm, dry ground of an old logging road. Along our walks there were abundant signs of brown bears. One of the two aerobic walks had fresh bear tracks on top of their footprints upon their return. In the afternoon cruising down Chatham Strait, we enjoyed time on deck soaking up the sun when an eagle-eye naturalist spotted a group of humpbacks ten miles away! As we approached, we could see that this was no small group, as twenty-three whales were bubble net feeding! This day will long be imprinted in our memories of wild Alaska.