Overcast skies did not slow down our Petersburg activities. Among other events, Global Explorers had an exclusive hike in the muskeg with only their guide and the ship doctor. Fairy barf lichens and British soldier lichens were fun finds in the forest. Up in the bog, the challenge was to touch the edge of a sundew to feel the sticky bits that capture small insects. Muskeg soil is nutrient poor, and one way this plant obtains fertilizer is by killing insects and letting them nourish the roots they drip upon. Activities continued after lunch with a guided hike to Raven’s Roost through the muskeg and the forest where wildflowers were abundant.
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.