As National Geographic Quest eased into its anchorage outside of the terminal moraine guarding the outlet to the Le Conte Glacier, our expedition leader Rab gently woke us for our Zodiac cruise to see the icebergs. We loaded up and soon enough found many large icebergs that had drifted down the fjord. Deep blue colors, beautiful shapes, and dazzling sunlight peeking through the clouds made for some spectacular photos. Some Zodiacs picked up smaller bits of ice so that we could pass them around and get a first-hand look and taste of glacial ice. Small shooters erupted from a few of the more active icebergs, while a very small Sitka black-tailed deer was spotter grazing on shore. What a wonderful way to start another brilliant day in Southeast Alaska!
Once back on board, we all enjoyed a hearty brunch and then met in the lounge to learn more about our afternoon in Petersburg. This town may be small, but it is mighty in its ability to bring in fish. Since this was the height of the fishing season, most of the docks we empty. All available boats were plying the nearby waters chasing the elusive salmon confident that the harbor was guarded by one of the largest Steller sea lions any of us have seen!
After a fascinating recap by our naturalists, our hotel manager surprised us, dressed as a sea otter to show us how our crab feast was going to work. She put on quite a display; showing us how to crack open the crab on our bellies! With that in mind, dinner was a raucous success and topped off with chocolate pots-de-crème in the lounge.
