Ideal Cove & Petersburg
Morning welcomed us with typical Southeast Alaska weather. Dense fog shrouded the mountains from visibility as the National Geographic Sea Lion navigated south through Fredrick Sound on our way to Ideal Cove. Located on the Southeastern shore of Mitkof Island this destination certainly lived up to its name. As we anchored the fog had begun to lift and the guests were eager for their first look at this unique coastal forest ecosystem. The rampart of Sitka spruce and hemlock that encroach right to the high tide line mask the rich life found within the Tongass National Forest.
The boardwalk trail that winds through the forest led us up the valley paralleling a picturesque creek. All the while the songs of Townsend’s Warblers, Winter Wrens, Pine Siskins, and Varied Thrushes accompanied our groups. The massive trees that dominate this ecosystem buffered the cool morning air coming of the ocean and filtered the rays of light creating a calm and serene atmosphere. We stopped to get close looks at the various species of herbaceous plants along the way. Each group of hikers was greeted by sunny blue skies as they exited this enchanted world, making for a wonderful introduction to the temperate rainforests of Southeast Alaska.
The afternoon was spent in the fishing town of Petersburg. This community, rich in Norwegian heritage, has fishing in its blood, with every shape and size fishing vessel moored at its docks. The activity on the docks of fishermen getting the fleet ready for the next catch added an extra element to the day. Several guests chose to partake in an exploratory walk to another unique component of the Tongass National Forest, a muskeg forest. This short and leisurely stroll yielded several new species of birds for the trip including; Northern Flicker, Red-breasted Sapsuckers and Stellers Jay. The muskeg with the contorted and bonsai like coastal pines dotting the moss laden ground has many species of plants that can tolerate this acidic and ever wet habitat, most impressive and unique being the tiny and insectivorous sundews. Many of our guests also opted for the scenic floatplane flight over the Le Conte glacier and the surrounding rugged landscape.
The day was concluded with a feast of fresh Dungeness crabs acquired right here in Petersburg. We are all excited to see what Southeast Alaska has in store for us tomorrow.
