What an action-packed day we had in the fishing community of Petersburg, Alaska! National Geographic Quest docked in the morning, and our adventures soon began. We offered multiple options of various hikes in the temperate rainforest and to a bog (muskeg), Zodiac cruises to observe fishing vessels in the harbor, flightseeing over the Stikine Icefield, and a bicycle tour through the backstreets of Petersburg. In addition, there was time to stroll into town to observe Alaskan life. After we all boarded our vessel in the late afternoon, we cruised north out of Wrangell Narrows and had evening recap, including the introduction of the officers and hotel staff by the Captain. After a traditional fresh crab dinner, the sun slowly set, highlighting the clouds in the west and peaks to the east. In true Alaskan fashion, humpback whales and a large group of bald eagles were sighted. All in all, it was a perfect ending to a magical day.
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.
