Today our intrepid explorers woke up to a typical overcast and wet Southeast Alaska morning as National Geographic Venture sailed into the town of Petersburg. However, the rain did not dampen our spirits as we explored the town and the beauty of the surrounding natural environment. Guests hiked the local trails, toured the fishing boats and docks on Zodiac rides, and visited the town. As the rain cleared up in the afternoon, guests continued to explore Petersburg, this time adding bicycle and flightseeing tours to the mix. We ended the day with a local, fresh Dungeness crab feast, followed by an entertaining evening of trivia led by the naturalists.
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.