National Geographic Venture was bathed in sunlight, a few clouds, and warm weather – a climate that is relatively uncommon for Southeast Alaska. Our first full day began with staff introductions, as well as a wonderful presentation on smartphone photography by naturalist and certified photo Instructor Kim Nesbitt. In the afternoon, guests prepared for a wonderful outing. Zodiacs cruised along Tracy Arm, dodging growlers, bergy bits, and icebergs on their way to the face of South Sawyer Glacier. Along the way, the natural history staff spotted harbor seals, Arctic terns, bald eagles, and other animals. At the end of the arm, guests in Zodiacs watched calving at the face of the glacier while enjoying the waterfalls in the fjords.
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.