Thomas Bay, Cascade Creek & Petersburg
The slow, steady drizzle blanketing the National Geographic Sea Lion did not deter our excitement for the surprise that awaited us at Thomas Bay. If nothing, it was a premonition for what lay ahead! After an early breakfast, we loaded the Zodiacs to start our adventure into the forest!
Arriving on the rocky, weed-covered beach at Cascade Creek, we were greeted by a glimpse of a lush, green forest and the unmistakable sounds of a huge waterfall! Starting our hikes into the forest, we did not have to go far before we were at the head of Cascade Creek, a beautiful waterfall that is known as Southeast Alaska’s natural ‘stairmaster.’
Walking through this dense forest, it felt as if the fairies and nymphs of our childhood memories were peeking out at us from under the soft, moss and fern-covered ground. After climbing the boardwalk stairs, the natural structure of the area led us gradually uphill. As we went winding through various species of plants and trees as well as the occasional pile of moose droppings, the rain slowly stopped. We took this as an opportunity to relish in the natural beauty of the sights and sounds Cascade Creek had given us.
Back on the ship, still deliriously in awe of Cascade Creek, the excitement grew for the next adventure ahead of us!
Docking at Petersburg, AK, we were anxious to learn the ins and outs of this fishing village of about 3,500 residents. Some of us perused the fishing boats, chatting it up with the locals, others bike riding in the slow drizzle that had slowly crept back up. The rest of us loaded the Zodiacs to embark on another journey, this time to Petersburg Creek, a perfect example of a bog in Southeast Alaska.
This hike, much different from the morning hike at Cascade Creek, allowed us to learn and view some of the many plant species located in Southeast Alaska, like shore pines, which are natural bonsais. Also spotted on the hike were deer, eagles and steller’s jays.
Back onboard the National Geographic Sea Lion, we recapped the days events and put on our best crab cracking clothes to indulge in a Petersburg Dungeness Crab Feast! After the feast, our bellies full of crab, we prepared ourselves for another day full of adventures in Southeast Alaska!
