Today we cruised up Tracy Arm, a spectacular glacially-carved fjord in Southeast Alaska. The fjord averages about one mile wide, is 28 miles long, and measures about 1000 feet deep. Activities this morning included kayaking amongst the floating icebergs and Zodiac cruising to get closer to the face of the South Sawyer Glacier. Those on the Zodiac cruises noticed an abundance of harbor seals hauled out on many of the floating icebergs. After lunch, National Geographic Quest cruised out of the fjord in the strange water falling from the sky (WHAT IS THAT??). It was an exceptional week and after dinner there were many emotions as we bid Alaska farewell, at least for now.
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.
