After a late night of humpback whale watching by Windham Bay, everyone was energized and ready to explore the temperate rainforest this morning. The sun was shining as we mucked our way to the trailhead. Skillfully designed, the plank trail led us by streams and lakes and through lush rainforest and muskeg. When we returned to the ship, Andy Szabo, a researcher with Alaska Whale Foundation, entertained us while educating us about humpback whales.
We entered the Petersburg harbor after lunch and marveled at the Captain’s ability to maneuver the Sea Bird amidst the hustle and bustle of the fishing vessels. During our afternoon in Petersburg there were many opportunities to explore this small fishing town. Several people got a bird’s eye view of the area including the nearby Le Conte Glacier while flight seeing. Others explored the town by bike or on foot. On the history tour, we learned the location of Petersburg was determined by the proximity to tidewater glaciers that provided the ice necessary to keep the fishery catches fresh. Later, we walked along the docks observing the boats responsible for catching the tasty salmon, halibut, and crabs we enjoy on our dinner plates. A few fishermen eagerly shared with us information about their lifestyles, illustrating both their expertise and passion for chosen lifestyle. During cocktail hour, Becky Knight, a longtime resident and commercial fisherwoman, provided a genuine view of life in an Alaskan fishing town. As we dined on Dungeness crab, we departed Petersburg with a new understanding of fishing and excitement for the adventure that lay ahead.
