Peril Strait, Sergius Narrows, Sitka
The morning began with the National Geographic Sea Bird holding our place against the currents at the entrance to Peril Strait, a narrow winding passage leading us to our destination of historic Sitka. The early sunshine of dawn was slowly being replaced by cloudy skies. When the tides were right, our Captain entered the strait and we were on our way. Although Peril Strait is wide enough for vessels to pass, the currents make it challenging. Standard procedure for all vessels in this narrow waterway is to provide a radio alert for all concerned, warning of our presence, and possibly ensure that the need to pass is limited. Unfortunately the humpback whales that inhabit these waters don’t have radios, and as luck would have it, we encountered a cow and calf. As we slowed to view this Alaskan right of spring, the mom and her baby slowly made their way safely by and we were once again on our way.
The National Geographic Sea Bird docked at the historic pier at No.1 Lincoln Street, the site of the Old Russian Warehouse and wharf used when Sitka was a center of world trade. During the Russian/American period, Sitka was the largest town on the west coast of North America. Shortly after docking, our guests disembarked and spread throughout town. The morning was filled with explorations of the Alaska Raptor Rehabilitation Center and the Sitka National Historic Park, complete with beautiful totems along the trails. After lunch on board many guests opted to continue exploring Sitka with visits to the Sheldon Jackson Museum and Saint Michaels Cathedral, not to mention short hikes around town and on the many trails available.
Evening found us experiencing a wonderful wine tasting, along with a sampling of Alaska’s bounty in the form of special hors d’oeuvres from some of the small towns we have visited. The combination of this special faire, the brilliant sunset and excellent company made for a very special Alaskan moment.
The morning began with the National Geographic Sea Bird holding our place against the currents at the entrance to Peril Strait, a narrow winding passage leading us to our destination of historic Sitka. The early sunshine of dawn was slowly being replaced by cloudy skies. When the tides were right, our Captain entered the strait and we were on our way. Although Peril Strait is wide enough for vessels to pass, the currents make it challenging. Standard procedure for all vessels in this narrow waterway is to provide a radio alert for all concerned, warning of our presence, and possibly ensure that the need to pass is limited. Unfortunately the humpback whales that inhabit these waters don’t have radios, and as luck would have it, we encountered a cow and calf. As we slowed to view this Alaskan right of spring, the mom and her baby slowly made their way safely by and we were once again on our way.
The National Geographic Sea Bird docked at the historic pier at No.1 Lincoln Street, the site of the Old Russian Warehouse and wharf used when Sitka was a center of world trade. During the Russian/American period, Sitka was the largest town on the west coast of North America. Shortly after docking, our guests disembarked and spread throughout town. The morning was filled with explorations of the Alaska Raptor Rehabilitation Center and the Sitka National Historic Park, complete with beautiful totems along the trails. After lunch on board many guests opted to continue exploring Sitka with visits to the Sheldon Jackson Museum and Saint Michaels Cathedral, not to mention short hikes around town and on the many trails available.
Evening found us experiencing a wonderful wine tasting, along with a sampling of Alaska’s bounty in the form of special hors d’oeuvres from some of the small towns we have visited. The combination of this special faire, the brilliant sunset and excellent company made for a very special Alaskan moment.
