We started our day exploring the ice gardens of La Conte Bay, cruising in and out of the blue icebergs and smaller bergy bits by Zodiac. Some of the bergs had been left stranded on the sand bar at low tide, and here and there we saw bald eagles perched atop the ice. After our morning adventures we made our way into the small town of Petersburg, a fishing community with Norwegian heritage. Guests explored the docks, the area’s unique muskeg ecosystem, and worked on their photography before spending the afternoon watching the incredible 4th of July celebrations happening around town. Activities included a herring toss, a blindfold rowboat race, and a fire engine hose-powered bicycle race! The day ended with an incredible sighting of orcas at sunset. A very happy 4th of July here in Southeast Alaska!
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.
