Today’s trip into Glacier Bay National Park started on a different note from any I’ve taken previously. We had stopped in Bartlett’s Cove last night to pick up Ranger Chelsea, and our Alaskan Native Interpreter Mary, then worked our way up-bay to Johns Hopkins Glacier while we all slept. Thus, we awoke to clear skies, cool temps, and the majesty of Johns Hopkins Glacier—how superb! All was not quiet at the glacier, and we were treated to several awe-inspiring and very loud calving events before we pointed our bow to the south for our trip through the park. On the way south we saw much wildlife, including brown bears, mountain goats, tufted puffins, Stellar sea lions, sea otters, and much more of Alaska’s wildlife heritage.
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.
