Glacier Bay National Park, 5/8/2024, National Geographic Venture
Aboard the
National Geographic Venture
Alaska
We spent our day enjoying the beauty of Glacier Bay National Park. After hiking in the early morning, we were treated to a welcome by NPS Ranger Hailey and the Tlingit people who have called this land home for thousands of years. As we cruised around the bay in rain, wind, and sun, we watched the beauty of the park reveal itself to us.
Kayvon Malek is an underwater videographer whose work as an expedition guide and in the wildlife documentary industry have taken him pole to pole. After taking a scuba course on a whim in college, Kayvon’s newfound obsession led him to working as a r...
Today we awoke as we passed through Wrangell Narrows and docked at Petersburg. The day was eventful, as guests and staff biked, hiked, and strolled around the island while learning about its culture, beauty, and ecosystem. Many saw their first muskeg, a bog with specially adapted plants, as they braved the rain. Once back onboard, we were greeted by a group of playful killer whales, including at least one calf. We witnessed tail slaps and even a few spy hops! After a lively crab feast, we all joined Luke as he led a rowdy game of trivia. The lounge was full of belly laughter until after 10pm.
After clearing customs, National Geographic Quest made its way deep into the stunning and massive fjord walls of Misty Fjords, en route through Behm Canal and Rudyard Canyon towards God’s Pocket. We had a delicious brunch and then disembarked for kayaking and Zodiac tours. We enjoyed the lovely and serene views, including waterfalls, lush landscapes, and many ducks. You could say it was very…gneiss! On our way north, we ran into an unexpected visitor… the sun! While it didn’t last long, it did mean we had a full bow of guests enjoying the day. Onwards towards Petersburg!
Last night, we set sail from Elliot Bay during a beautiful sunset. We headed north towards the San Juan Islands and awoke as we lowered anchor at Sucia Island. For the first half of the day, guests and staff explored the island on foot, taking in the dappled sunlight through the forest of Western red cedar, Douglas fir, broad leaf maples, and madronas. Groups saw interesting geologic formations and sighted harbor seals among many species of seabirds. After a lovely lunch, we explored more of Sucia Island, this time by water. Guests kayaked in Echo Bay and took Zodiac tours around the island. The warm, sunny weather, incredible plant and animal sightings, and high spirits made this first full day on our Treasures of the Inside Passage expedition one for the books.
