Today was not our first day in Alaska, but it was our first day immersed in Alaska as we had imagined it to be. This morning we were able to walk among the forest’s trees, paddle along the coastline in kayaks, and cruise the rugged landscape in Zodiacs to see the wildlife we had dreamed about before we arrived. It hardly seems possible that it all happened in one day, but it did. Somehow, it touched us—the water droplets clinging to the leaves and petals of a wildflower, the ancient footprints left by generations of bears, or the sound of the sea lions bellowing on their rocky perches. Whatever it was, we will no longer be the same.
9/3/2022
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National Geographic Quest
Ushk Bay and Peril Strait
National Geographic Quest arose amidst light clouds within the protected waters of Ushk Bay. This area is known for a salmon stream and yields plenty of opportunity for kayaking and exploring the vast meadows of its inner waterways. On this day’s occasion, guests were able to hike and paddle their way along the coast of Ushk Bay and witness firsthand the life cycle of Pacific salmon making their way upstream. As we transited through Peril Strait, we were lucky to see humpback whales. These immense mammals were “lunge feeding” very near our ship. Being able to witness this event was unique for guests and staff. Lunge feeding is process through which individual whales push their gaping mouths through the surface and collect any fish or planktonic invertebrates in the process. Witnessing this behavior was truly a remarkable experience for all. We will cherish this moment for a lifetime.
