Today we had the pleasure of waking up in Frederick Sound on our way to LeConte Bay. Our morning mission was to explore the vast masses of ice that have calved off the face of LeConte Glacier. Named after a California scientist Joseph LeConte, the glacier was once the fastest receding glacier in the entire world: At one point it was documented a retreat of half a mile in five months. We loaded into our Zodiacs and ventured in between the icebergs, studying the various textures and nuances of each chunk of ice. Retiring to National Geographic Quest to get warm, we docked the ship in the town that fish built: Petersburg, Alaska. The afternoon encompassed a plethora of options including bog walks, aerobic hikes, dock walks, bike riding, and exploring the town on foot. We finished the day with a large crab feast where everyone onboard could enjoy the fruit of this quaint town of Petersburg.
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.
