Once again we awoke pleasantly surprised by clear skies and glassy water, which certainly isn’t the norm for southeast Alaska. National Geographic Quest entered the northwestern most waters of the region during the early hours of the morning. The day was about as full as can be with hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, Zodiac cruising and of course enjoying fine meals. The Inian Islands are always nature-rich due to the tumultuous currents churning up nutrients to be feasted upon. Bald eagles, gulls, and cormorants were out in abundance as well as the curious Steller sea lions. The wildlife highlight actually took place in an unexpected location, a small bay below the historical 18-ton, 6-foot-long 50 caliber WW2 emplacement. There in the bay, a lone humpback fed for over an hour with the most spectacular backdrop you could ever wish for. Casual hikers, moderate hikers as well as Zodiac cruisers were able to observe this beauty from all angles.
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.
