Tongass National Forest
As soon as we poked our heads out of our cabins today, we felt the brisk temperatures, the high wind chill, and the rain clouds above. Everyone knew we were in a temperate rainforest. As an expedition goes, plans change. This morning due to thick glacial ice at Le Conte Bay we made a choice to explore more of the Tongass National Forest by hiking at Ideal Cove.
The hikes split up into several groups as we trekked into the lush, damp forest. New growth was sprouting all over the forest floor with the beginning of spring, including huge clearings containing blossoming skunk cabbage. Skunk cabbage is a plant that ideally grows in damp places usually near a river or bog. This common bear food produces enough heat to begin its cycle through snow. Due to the calcium oxalate crystals, the plant is not palatable for humans. At other places along the boardwalk we saw a variety of birds, squirrels, and one group even had the opportunity to view a bull moose! Ideal Cove was an excellent plan B to start our day.
This afternoon we were docked alongside a quaint Norwegian fishing community called Petersburg. After a quick lunch we disembarked on our own adventures exploring the community. Some chose to explore the town of Petersburg by foot and/or bike in to check out the local shops. Others walked around the docks admiring the vast array and assortment of different fishing boats and equipment. The rainy afternoon didn’t stop the rest of us from going across the channel on a second bog walk.
After enjoying the outdoors on a wet and brisk day, nothing feels better than to come back to a feast onboard the National Geographic Sea Lion. Steamy and succulent king crab legs, barbecued ribs and a toasty atmosphere greeted us in the dining room. If that wasn’t enough of a conclusion the lounge offered us a sweet night cap of chocolate bread pudding. All will be sleeping well tonight!
As soon as we poked our heads out of our cabins today, we felt the brisk temperatures, the high wind chill, and the rain clouds above. Everyone knew we were in a temperate rainforest. As an expedition goes, plans change. This morning due to thick glacial ice at Le Conte Bay we made a choice to explore more of the Tongass National Forest by hiking at Ideal Cove.
The hikes split up into several groups as we trekked into the lush, damp forest. New growth was sprouting all over the forest floor with the beginning of spring, including huge clearings containing blossoming skunk cabbage. Skunk cabbage is a plant that ideally grows in damp places usually near a river or bog. This common bear food produces enough heat to begin its cycle through snow. Due to the calcium oxalate crystals, the plant is not palatable for humans. At other places along the boardwalk we saw a variety of birds, squirrels, and one group even had the opportunity to view a bull moose! Ideal Cove was an excellent plan B to start our day.
This afternoon we were docked alongside a quaint Norwegian fishing community called Petersburg. After a quick lunch we disembarked on our own adventures exploring the community. Some chose to explore the town of Petersburg by foot and/or bike in to check out the local shops. Others walked around the docks admiring the vast array and assortment of different fishing boats and equipment. The rainy afternoon didn’t stop the rest of us from going across the channel on a second bog walk.
After enjoying the outdoors on a wet and brisk day, nothing feels better than to come back to a feast onboard the National Geographic Sea Lion. Steamy and succulent king crab legs, barbecued ribs and a toasty atmosphere greeted us in the dining room. If that wasn’t enough of a conclusion the lounge offered us a sweet night cap of chocolate bread pudding. All will be sleeping well tonight!
