We started the day in the company of almost impossibly blue icebergs, exploring by Zodiac. Replenished with a delicious brunch, we were ready for an afternoon of activity in Petersburg. This charming fishing village with a Norwegian flavor provided opportunities for guided hikes through muskeg and forest, dock walks in harbors full of well-cared-for fishing boats, and even some exploration of the underwater world by ROV. Getting into the friendly small-town mode, some strolled the main street, browsing stores and chatting with locals.
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.