Today’s expedition began with National Geographic Venture cruising into Halleck Harbor on Kuiu Island. Guests were offered chances to hike along the rugged coast or kayak to explore the intertidal zone, which is perfectly exposed due to the extremely low tides often found in Southeast Alaska. Hikers in the temperate rainforest discussed the components of forest succession, and the intertidal groups explored the exposed rocks to find sea stars, small fish, and crabs. In the afternoon, the ship ventured north through Chatham Strait, coming across sea otters, humpback whales, and a variety of bird life on an unusually sunny Alaska afternoon.
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.