Ideal Cove, Mitkof Island/Petersburg
“Just when I thought this trip could not have been any more perfect, the early wake up call came” said guest Vivian Riefberg.
That’s right, we had another amazing day here on the National Geographic Sea Bird.
There are few experiences that compare to waking up at 5:45 am on a sunny Alaska morning, and witnessing an orca breaching right in front of our boat. “Pshhhh” is what we heard as we rushed to the bow in our pajamas to see the largest species of the dolphin family, also known as the “killer whale.” This orca put on a spectacular show as it tail slapped, and it catapulted itself out of the water. The repetitive sighs of disbelief and clicking camera shutters proved that this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
People who have spent time in Alaska will say that even the harshest weather can deliver adventure, beauty and fascinating ecosystems. However, we are all unpacking our shorts today. When it’s 72 degrees outside and gleaming with sunshine, this intense wild wonderland turns into a sweet summer sanctuary.
Our first destination was Ideal Cove, which is located on Mitkof Island. As we hiked along a pristine boardwalk trail, we appreciated multiple shades of green, gorgeous sulfur-colored fungus, and listened to the brooks as they sipped on last winter’s snowmelt. Sitka spruce and western hemlock shaded the forest floor as we made our way to sunny bogs and an exquisite lake.
As we concluded our hike we had a group of swimmers dipping in the water’s edge. They surfaced with smiling faces and refreshed expressions as they sighed in the cold water.
As we raised our last Zodiac we got a visit from another Zodiac belonging to Fred Sharpe from the Alaska Whale Foundation. He and his researchers joined us for lunch after Fred gave us information regarding the research and status of Humpback whales. We learned about behavior, migration, and also the progress of their research. We continued to our afternoon in Petersburg, which is a small fishing village with Norwegian origins.
The afternoon in Petersburg could not have been any better. Some went hiking and explored the bogs on Kupreanof Island. Others decided to take a bike ride around town and admired the many eagle nests situated in Petersburg. We also had guests that chose to do a Dock Walk. The Dock Walk was a great way to learn about the local fishing communities, the types of boats they use and the fishing industry.
We concluded the day with a fresh crab dinner and a deep appreciation for an opportunity to explore Southeast Alaska.
