Waking on National Geographic Quest, we arrived at the dock in Petersburg, a small, quaint fishing town located near the LeConte Glacier. Guests were delighted to explore the town in so many ways, and we stayed the whole day. Some guests took a Zodiac across the channel to Kupreanof Island to hike a beautifully maintained trail through the muskeg, a nutrient deficient bog that creates unique growing conditions for plants. Others went on a guided bike tour, circumnavigating the whole town over six miles. Still others explored Petersburg by water, taking a Zodiac around the channel and the bustling fishing marina. They had the opportunity to speak with local fishermen and learn more about life in 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.