Today was an exciting day for all on National Geographic Quest when we visited the small Norwegian fishing village, Petersburg, Alaska. Several activities filled the day, including a chance to go on a guided biking tour around town, a hike through a muskeg with Lindblad naturalists, and a Zodiac tour of the active fishing harbor. A surprise treat was being able to gaze underwater at the colorful invertebrate sea life attached to the pilings and docks in the harbor, as well as along the shoreline at low tide. Undersea specialist, Christine West, used an ROV or underwater drone to explore the marine life sitting just beneath our feet. She presented a video of her findings in the evening. It was a busy day filled with laughs and seeing new places, one we won’t soon forget!
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.
