Petersburg and Kupreanof Island
Morning found the Sea Lion cruising in Frederick Sound, with a swing into Thomas Bay and Scenery Cove, aptly named. With clouds settled down over the mountains and the gentle but persistent rain falling, this is how southeast Alaska should be. We entered Wrangell Narrows to dock at the charming fishing community of Petersburg, situated on Mitkof Island. The forest of masts arising from the many fishing boats mimicked the forest trees on the heights above.
A walk into town followed lunch. We found an interesting collection of shops and stores, as well as an excellent museum. Petersburg is indeed “the town that fish built” and the story of the long association between man and fish here is well told. Several guests elected to take a helicopter ride over Le Conte Glacier, with a short landing on the glacier itself. Others enjoyed a Zodiac cruise across Wrangell Narrows to Kupreanof Island and a walk through some beautiful rain forest and a classic southeastern Alaska bog. It is hard to imagine a landscape so wet. The trail is elevated over the bog on floating boardwalks, and the density of living and recycling life is astounding.
Our soaked but happy bodies got back to the ship just in time to dry off and then adjourn to the lounge for warming libations and companionship. A special guest, Becky Knight, told us about life in a family of fisher folk. She answered many questions about the fishing lifestyle as well as details of the various kinds of fishing operations, which succeed themselves through the year.
Five of the steward staff then challenged the guests to a game of “tell the truth”. Even though very astutely questioned by the assembled company, they outfoxed us. This set the stage for a sensational crab feast, a perfect end to a day of rich experience.
