Petersburg, Mitkof Island
Lush temperate rainforests, wet muskegs, and bustling fishing towns characterize Southeast Alaska, and the day’s adventures focused on these vastly different environments. The path for our morning walk wound between towering Sitka spruce and western hemlocks laden with delicate lichens, licorice ferns, and thick cushions of olive-colored moss. In the dappled sunlight of the understory, immense leaves of skunk cabbage and devil’s club added a brighter shade of green to that of the more subdued conifers. Berries of all sorts decorated the shrubs and low-growing groundcovers with sparks of orange, watermelon-red, and deep blue. We found it impossible to pass them by without tasting a few of the juicy, ripening fruits. Several groups of hikers reached a secluded lake rimmed with wetland vegetation. Alert with ears cocked, Sitka black-tailed deer looked up from their browsing for a better look at the intruders in their domain.
Once tied up in Petersburg, guests scattered in all directions. Flightseers took to the air by floatplane and helicopter for visits to nearby glaciers. Many opted for the muskeg walk with a chance to explore a fascinating bog dominated by spongy peat moss, tiny carnivorous plants, and dwarfed trees. A local fish-processing plant opened its doors for those wanting new insight into the primary industry in this authentic Alaskan community. The afternoon also provided time to stroll through the harbor where fishing boats choked the docks and to wander into downtown Petersburg, where the Norwegian heritage is proudly displayed.
The galley staff took advantage of our stay by purchasing fresh Dungeness crab for dinner. Soon after we departed, steaming platters of this fresh catch and plates of tasty ribs lay ready and waiting on the dining room tables. Evening sunlight bathed the forested hillsides as the Sea Lion cruised through the flat-clam water of Frederick Sound and Scenery Cove after another full day in Southeast Alaska.
Lush temperate rainforests, wet muskegs, and bustling fishing towns characterize Southeast Alaska, and the day’s adventures focused on these vastly different environments. The path for our morning walk wound between towering Sitka spruce and western hemlocks laden with delicate lichens, licorice ferns, and thick cushions of olive-colored moss. In the dappled sunlight of the understory, immense leaves of skunk cabbage and devil’s club added a brighter shade of green to that of the more subdued conifers. Berries of all sorts decorated the shrubs and low-growing groundcovers with sparks of orange, watermelon-red, and deep blue. We found it impossible to pass them by without tasting a few of the juicy, ripening fruits. Several groups of hikers reached a secluded lake rimmed with wetland vegetation. Alert with ears cocked, Sitka black-tailed deer looked up from their browsing for a better look at the intruders in their domain.
Once tied up in Petersburg, guests scattered in all directions. Flightseers took to the air by floatplane and helicopter for visits to nearby glaciers. Many opted for the muskeg walk with a chance to explore a fascinating bog dominated by spongy peat moss, tiny carnivorous plants, and dwarfed trees. A local fish-processing plant opened its doors for those wanting new insight into the primary industry in this authentic Alaskan community. The afternoon also provided time to stroll through the harbor where fishing boats choked the docks and to wander into downtown Petersburg, where the Norwegian heritage is proudly displayed.
The galley staff took advantage of our stay by purchasing fresh Dungeness crab for dinner. Soon after we departed, steaming platters of this fresh catch and plates of tasty ribs lay ready and waiting on the dining room tables. Evening sunlight bathed the forested hillsides as the Sea Lion cruised through the flat-clam water of Frederick Sound and Scenery Cove after another full day in Southeast Alaska.
