Today we reached the southernmost location of our journey through Southeast Alaska onboard the National Geographic Sea Lion. We woke up at a place called Thomas Bay where we explored a beautiful forest trail with lush temperate rainforests and an impressive waterfall. Cascade Creek was the destination for our morning. Walks of several lengths were offered and all of them had a magnificent view of the waterfall at a very short distance. The adventurous ones, who joined the longer walks, enjoyed the mist that lightly showered them throughout the trail.
This afternoon we visited a scenic Southeast Alaskan town called Petersburg. This remote town is located in Mitkof Island and it differs from other towns as it has a very strong Norwegian heritage. The main source of income here is the well maintained fishing fleet of purse seiners, gillnetters, long liners, crabbers and tenders. To feature the fishing industry as part of the culture of Southeast Alaska, we offered “dock walks” where we talked in detail about the different fishing boats. We also touched base on the sustainability and health of these fisheries, which happens to be one of the best managed in the world.
We also got to explore the muskeg environment by taking shuttles across Wrangell Narrows to the island of Kupreanof. Through a well maintained trail we learned about the amazing adaptations of the tiny plants that have evolved under very harsh conditions. The muskeg, better known as peat bog, is an acidic and nutrient poor environment where insectivore plants, berries and tiny flowers can thrive.
We all had the chance to visit town and walk down Main Street. We either went window-shopping or purchased interesting things at the local shops including, of course, the hardware store.
