Today we had numerous options for activities while exploring the charming fishing town of Petersburg and its beautiful surroundings. While the ship remained docked all day, we went out for various adventures—exploring the intertidal zone at Sandy Beach, investigating the muskeg (bog) on Kupreanof Island, and embarking on a strenuous hike through the lush, old forest on Petersburg Mountain. We explored the town on foot, on bicycles, and even walked the docks and learned about fishing business, and the marine invertebrates attached to the docks themselves. It was a fun, enriching day, and during dinner, we each had different stories to share as we feasted on fresh, local Dungeness crab.
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.
