A layer of low fog shrouded the waters of Petersburg, adding mystery to an otherwise sunny day in Southeast Alaska. The importance of salmon to the people of Petersburg was not lost on us, as we talked with the locals and learned about the role that salmon play in their lives. The Crystal Lake Hatchery, where Chinook and coho salmon were just about to spawn, taught us about the fascinating lifecycle of salmon and how they provide for the forest, people, and wildlife of the region. On dock walks, we looked at the various vessels in Petersburg and were invited aboard a trawler to see the catch of the day and experience the excitement of the crew. We also learned about the fishing industry and saw firsthand the processing of salmon from Tonka Seafoods, where freshly frozen salmon are prepared for delivery. When not off learning about the salmon industry, some lucky explorers were able to view a bear—one of the other Alaskan salmon consumers.
7/21/2024
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Tracy Arm and Williams Cove
Today, National Geographic Sea Bird visited the South Sawyer Glacier. The fjord leading up to the glacier is lined with high and rugged snowcapped mountain peaks, gorgeous waterfalls, and stunning wildlife. In 1879, naturalist John Muir visited the Tracy Arm Fjord. He described the area as, “shut in by sublime Yosemite cliffs, nobly sculptured, and adorned with waterfalls and fringes of trees, bushes and patches of flowers.” This quote captures the same essence and beauty of the Tracy Arm Fjord that we experienced today. But John Muir was never visited by pirates delivering hot chocolate via Zodiac! Dressed in pirate regalia, National Geographic Sea Bird’s fantastic hospitality team delivered hot chocolate topped with whipped cream to guests on Zodiacs as they toured the glacier. After this, we dropped anchor in Williams Cove at the west end of the fjord for a fabulous bushwhack along brown bear trails. Ah, the spirit of exploration!