The day began with rain and mist, not surprising given that Southeast Alaskan weather is described as having “liquid sunshine.” It continued as we ported in the Norwegian-influenced town of Petersburg, Alaska. Hikes at the muskeg and around the dock and town allowed opportunities to appreciate the unique fishing culture and charm of this Alaskan gem. Some of us decided to take a self-guided stroll, visiting local shops and fixtures. The evening recap and dinner focused on the theme of harvesting the bounty of the sea, complete with a crab feast. Another day full of wonder.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 22 May 2017
Petersburg, Alaska, 5/22/2017, National Geographic Sea Bird
- Aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird
- Alaska
Amy Sobesky, Wellness Specialist
Throughout her years of study, performance, and teaching as a professional ballet dancer, Amy Sobesky was drawn to the inspiration and awareness of the mind-body connection through the healing arts. The study of ballet, modern, and flamenco dancing ...
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Voyage to Alaska, British Columbia and Haida Gwaii
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We had a phenomenal day at Glacier Bay National Park. The sun was out, as was the wildlife. The bow was the place to be. Please enjoy the dialogue of the day from the bow: Ah, Lovely Sunrise. Dall’s porpoise! Killer whales! Oo, swans! Calving center! Bald eagle on ice. Brown bear, That’s a big one. Bald eagle in nest. I wish someone would find me a marmot. Marmot at 10! Where? Do you see that crack in the rock? To the left you’ll see a tree. Now go below the tree to the round rock. 6 goats plus bonus outcast goat. Low goats on ledge, wedged in nicely. Goats, goats everywhere, and a marmot here or there. Two puffins. Nice beak action. It’s like “I Spy” out here. Low goat at 11. Oh, really low goat. Oh, yea that’s a fella. Goats looking right at us, folks, good goat face. Oh, and whale spots at 1. Oh boy, I’m exhausted. That’s ok, take it one goat at a time. There’s a spout off the point. Classic humpback. Oh, glaucous winged gulls nesting at 2. And otters! Fly by puffins! Porpoising harbor porpoise! Needless to say, we had a good time. Photo by Shannon Malone
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Tracy Arm
As we continued our way north through Alaska, we had a favorite stop of mine in Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness. We had a rainy day, which I enjoy because we can see at higher elevations since the rain turns to snow and, in turn, the snow feeds the absorption zone of the Sawyer Glaciers. We went out in the Zodiacs and navigated around the icebergs and bergy bits, even collecting a piece for the ice melt-off challenge. Once underway out of Tracy Arm, we saw some humpback whales. One whale had an entanglement of line on its fluke. The line was causing an obvious cut to the marine mammal. The correct authorities were notified about the condition of the whale and location of the sighting. Hopefully the whale will be assisted soon and the entanglement removed. Several other humpbacks were seen shortly after, luckily no entanglements on these. They were demonstrating surface feeding behavior, with one lunge feeding and the other making bubbles to catch its prey.