Today our intrepid explorers woke up to a typical overcast and wet Southeast Alaska morning as National Geographic Venture sailed into the town of Petersburg. However, the rain did not dampen our spirits as we explored the town and the beauty of the surrounding natural environment. Guests hiked the local trails, toured the fishing boats and docks on Zodiac rides, and visited the town. As the rain cleared up in the afternoon, guests continued to explore Petersburg, this time adding bicycle and flightseeing tours to the mix. We ended the day with a local, fresh Dungeness crab feast, followed by an entertaining evening of trivia led by the naturalists.
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.
