Leconte Bay & Petersburg
Sea Bird 1 - Alaska Rain 0
Try as it might, the chilly rain could not keep us down today—we had too much to do! Our morning began as the Sea Bird maneuvered to anchor in LeConte Bay. Although we were still several miles from the actual face of LeConte glacier, constant calvings keep the Bay well stocked with icebergs, bergie bits, and growlers. Zodiac ice tours were first on our list of morning activities. Bundling up in our wet weather gear, we spent the morning cruising, “oohhing,” and “ahhing” around massive, magnificent chunks of ice. Several large pieces rolled and cracked throughout the morning, demonstrating that the ice is always in a state of change. As the tours continued, harbor seals popped their curious heads up, gulls glanced at us from their lofty perches atop the bergs, and even some harbor porpoises cruised past us. Thanks to the low tide, we were allowed a great look at the glacier’s terminal moraine. Two eagles and a harbor seal were also thankful for the low tide, as the moraine provided them a comfortable seat from which to watch us. Upon our return to the Sea Bird, we were greeted with cups of steaming hot chocolate. Yum!
As we warmed up and dried off, we said farewell to the bergs, and made our way to the small fishing village of Petersburg. Despite the steady rain, many of us decided not to pass up the afternoon’s activity, a hike to Petersburg Creek. After a quick zodiac ride to the landing, those who joined the hike were rewarded with excellent, close-up views of Sitka black-tail deer. The deer stood quietly in the muskeg, watching us watch them. Returning to the ship for the remainder of the afternoon, we were dripping, but quite satisfied with our sightings.
Of course, we couldn’t visit a working fishing village and not partake of its main industry: seafood. Our recap this evening did not feature guests or staff, but a local fisherwoman, Becky Knight, and our Hotel Manager, Judie Blewitt. Becky educated us on the life of a fishing family; Judie told us how to correctly identify different species of crab-eaters. As the Sea Bird pulled away from the dock, we all moved into the dining room, ready to devour our crab feast. Passing the tiny town of Petersburg, the lights twinkled outside, while inside, the room was filled with the sound of crabs crackin’ and the butter dripping from our chins!
Sea Bird 1 - Alaska Rain 0
Try as it might, the chilly rain could not keep us down today—we had too much to do! Our morning began as the Sea Bird maneuvered to anchor in LeConte Bay. Although we were still several miles from the actual face of LeConte glacier, constant calvings keep the Bay well stocked with icebergs, bergie bits, and growlers. Zodiac ice tours were first on our list of morning activities. Bundling up in our wet weather gear, we spent the morning cruising, “oohhing,” and “ahhing” around massive, magnificent chunks of ice. Several large pieces rolled and cracked throughout the morning, demonstrating that the ice is always in a state of change. As the tours continued, harbor seals popped their curious heads up, gulls glanced at us from their lofty perches atop the bergs, and even some harbor porpoises cruised past us. Thanks to the low tide, we were allowed a great look at the glacier’s terminal moraine. Two eagles and a harbor seal were also thankful for the low tide, as the moraine provided them a comfortable seat from which to watch us. Upon our return to the Sea Bird, we were greeted with cups of steaming hot chocolate. Yum!
As we warmed up and dried off, we said farewell to the bergs, and made our way to the small fishing village of Petersburg. Despite the steady rain, many of us decided not to pass up the afternoon’s activity, a hike to Petersburg Creek. After a quick zodiac ride to the landing, those who joined the hike were rewarded with excellent, close-up views of Sitka black-tail deer. The deer stood quietly in the muskeg, watching us watch them. Returning to the ship for the remainder of the afternoon, we were dripping, but quite satisfied with our sightings.
Of course, we couldn’t visit a working fishing village and not partake of its main industry: seafood. Our recap this evening did not feature guests or staff, but a local fisherwoman, Becky Knight, and our Hotel Manager, Judie Blewitt. Becky educated us on the life of a fishing family; Judie told us how to correctly identify different species of crab-eaters. As the Sea Bird pulled away from the dock, we all moved into the dining room, ready to devour our crab feast. Passing the tiny town of Petersburg, the lights twinkled outside, while inside, the room was filled with the sound of crabs crackin’ and the butter dripping from our chins!
