At approximately 6:00 a.m. National Geographic Venture stopped by the headquarters of Glacier Bay National Park at Bartlett Cove and picked up Ranger Daniel to spend the day with us. We sailed north toward Russell Island and went through the “Russell Cut” to look for wildlife, where we encountered a mother humpback and her calf. Turning the corner, we found a brown bear on a beach eating barnacles, mussels, and many other creatures found in the intertidal zone. Further north we spent time in front of the Margerie, Ferris, and Grand Pacific Glaciers, and even saw a bit of calving. Heading south, “Gloomy Knob” showcased quite a few goats and another brown bear. South Marble Island is a hotspot for birds, sea lions, and sea otters.
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.