Cascade Creek & Petersburg
This morning found us cruising through absolute calm waters and clear skies on our way toward Cascade Creek and the early hikes. Before getting there, however, we took a look at Baird Glacier and cruised into Scenery Cove, which has earned its name for good reason. Finally, the anchor went down and breakfast was served, as we prepared for our morning activities.
Right after breakfast, zodiacs took us to shore, and we divided into our hiking groups: aggressive, medium and leisurely. This morning many of the guests decided to do the longer, aggressive hike, which turned out to be a large group heading up the trail. Very soon we arrived at a beautiful waterfall, where the cameras started clicking away, and the spray started coating our lenses and glasses in a fine mist. Next were steep steps, as we climbed above the waterfall, on our way to the bridge and the upper part of the trail. This is where the trail took us through mud, roots and rocks, as we continued to climb along Cascade Creek and our turn-around point. We all made a safe return to the landing beach and were soon back on board, heading toward Petersburg, and an afternoon filled with lots of different activities.
Before lunch we were treated to a talk by Dr. Fred Sharpe from the Alaska Whale Foundation, about his research on Humpback whales and their feeding behaviors. He has been studying in these waters for twenty three years. The presentation was wonderful, and we all learned a lot more about these incredible animals!
After lunch the National Geographic Sea Lion docked in Petersburg and our afternoon activities started immediately, with scenic flights, bog walks, biking and just exploring this beautiful small fishing community. The weather continued to be spectacular, and turned into a shorts and t-shirt afternoon. It could not have been better for all the flights, bikes and walks!
There was another special surprise that many of us got to enjoy – some of the Fourth of July festivities that were going in town. There were blind-folded rowing races and a herring throwing competition; only in Petersburg, Alaska!
It was finally time to leave and make our way toward Frederick Sound, and an evening of scenic cruising and whale watching. But, before we got to that, there was one more special treat for us at dinner: fresh Dungeness crab!
Shortly after dinner, the first Humpbacks were spotted in the distance. The announcement was made to come join the naturalists on deck, and soon we coasted into the middle of numerous whales feeding right near the surface, while we enjoyed one of the most incredible sunsets, and evenings, you will ever see in Southeast Alaska. Oh yes, did I mention the beautiful moon rise behind us! What a way to end a perfect day!
