We started off our first day exploring Southeast Alaska by cruising through Sergius Narrows, where we were greeted by bald eagles, sea otters, and even a humpback whale that breached just off the bow of National Geographic Venture. After a morning of cruising through some windy and rainy Southeast Alaskan weather, we pulled into a more protected area to go onshore at Ushk Bay. A light rain allowed us to test out all our rain gear as we hopped into Zodiacs and crossed choppy waters to get to shore. Luckily, we escaped the blustery winds into the warm environment of the temperate rainforest. It was a great day for exploring and learning about the many trees, mosses, and plants that make up the Tongass National Forest of Southeast Alaska.
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.