Today we sailed into the Wrangell Narrows and tied up at the pier in Petersburg, Alaska. We had a full day to explore this unique small town and its surrounding environs. The economy is driven primarily by fishing, and we saw boats come and go all day long. The patriotic spirit of the residents was evidenced by the holiday festivities in the best American traditions: food booths, hotdog eating contests, and even a dunk booth to support the local Little League team. There were multiple options to explore the forests and muskegs around town, offering a chance to stretch our legs and learn more about the local environment.
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.