Desolation Sound, Tenedos Bay, 9/18/2024, National Geographic Quest
Aboard the
National Geographic Quest
Alaska
Today, National Geographic Quest spent the day exploring Desolation Sound. We dropped our anchor in Tenedos Bay where we spent the morning enjoying our excursions. Some guests got up extra early to do a long one-way hike. Others enjoyed a variety of hiking options and kayaking in the scenic bay.
Nathan Kelley developed his love for nature as a kid at his family’s cabin in Northern Wisconsin. Family fishing trips, camping, hiking and a trip to his first National Park in the Everglades, all vigorously shaped his passion for the natural world. ...
The ocean shimmered all around us as we cruised along looking for wildlife this morning. Amidst sightings of harbor seals, sea lions, and many different types of birds, we learned more about the ecosystems around us during presentations from our field staff. This afternoon we went ashore to Alert Bay where we had an amazing, educational, and joyful time experiencing the culture and people that live here. Our undersea team took this time to explore all the beautiful life living underneath the dock upon which we landed to go ashore.
Today marked the first day of our expedition on board National Geographic Venture, where we will navigate the over 900 mile stretch of coastline between Seattle and Sitka. At sunrise, we arrived at the beautiful Sucia Island. Guests enjoyed a hike across the island to Fossil Bay, guided by the naturalist staff who spoke about the local flora and fauna. A highlight for many guests was the pink salmon berry flowers. This afternoon, in great spirits, guests braved the rain and explored the bay both by kayak and Zodiac. Glaucous and Boneparte’s gulls flew overhead, and Steller sea lions and harbor seals danced through the water as we set sail for tomorrow’s destination, Victoria.
What a stunner of a day here in Victoria once the fog lifted this morning! Clear skies and comfortable temperatures made the various excursions all the more enjoyable. From an all-day tour to Bouchard Gardens, bike rides, secret gardens, and historical walks, our guests enjoyed their day in Victoria! Walking around downtown Victoria was a feast for the eyes with the beautiful arrangements of colorful and bountiful flowers. The flowers that lined the walkways of the Empress Hotel were spectacular! Downtown Victoria and the adjacent area have 1,600 hanging baskets of flowers adorning the lamp posts. We also enjoyed the beauty our dive team discovered under the sea. They came back with some spectacular footage of what lies beneath the waves. Beautiful kelp forests, crabs, and fish galore.
