Today we had numerous options for activities while exploring the charming fishing town of Petersburg and its beautiful surroundings. While the ship remained docked all day, we went out for various adventures—exploring the intertidal zone at Sandy Beach, investigating the muskeg (bog) on Kupreanof Island, and embarking on a strenuous hike through the lush, old forest on Petersburg Mountain. We explored the town on foot, on bicycles, and even walked the docks and learned about fishing business, and the marine invertebrates attached to the docks themselves. It was a fun, enriching day, and during dinner, we each had different stories to share as we feasted on fresh, local Dungeness crab.
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.
