Today was a quintessential Southeast Alaskan day, and we have the soaking wet rain gear and smiles to prove it. We began our morning on George Island. We explored the forest and beaches of this special place and hiked to a World War II gun site that was decommissioned in 1944. After a small reposition during lunch, we found ourselves anchored off the Inian Islands and ready for an incredible afternoon of exploring these rich and diverse waters on a Zodiac cruise. As we warmed up again on National Geographic Venture, humpback whales were sighted in the distance, and a lone male orca graced those of us up late as darkness began to set.
9/4/2024
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National Geographic Quest
Kelp Bay and Hidden Falls
It was drizzling a bit as we made our way to the scenic anchorage at Kelp Bay. Through the drizzle, we were excited to see a sow brown bear with her two cubs fishing for salmon in the stream! It was a fantastic start to an amazing day. Our guests went on some beautiful hikes through the dense temperate rainforest, which had the fresh scent of rain and evergreens. One of the hikes led to a muskeg and a huge beaver pond. It was worth the effort to get there. During lunch, we repositioned National Geographic Quest to a bay near Hidden Falls where there is a salmon hatchery. At the hatchery, the air buzzed with activity as brown bears, Steller sea lions, and birds feasted on the salmon schooling at the fish ladder. The massive bears of varying ages and sizes stood poised to strike at the wriggling fish. They snatch their prey in their powerful paws and jaws. This time of year, the bears are hyper focused on feeding, so they can replenish their reserves before their winters sleep. Our viewing of the bears was a thrilling reminder of nature’s raw and untamed beauty.