This morning National Geographic Venture anchored in the scenic bay between Mitkof Island and mainland Alaska. Guests and staff took to the Zodiacs and explored an iceberg graveyard. Fed by the LeConte Glacier — the most southerly tidewater glacier in the northern hemisphere, and one of the fastest flowing as well — there is a seemingly unending supply of massive ice monoliths to explore by boat. Once back on board, we enjoyed a fabulous brunch prepared by the amazing hotel team as the ship navigated to the town of Petersburg. The afternoon featured a plethora of activity options ranging from long walks, to bike rides, to cultural experiences, to harbor tours. To cap it all off, the hotel team outdid themselves again and put on a fabulous Alaskan crab feast! A truly incredible day.
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.