Inian Islands, Elfin Cove and George Island, 7/20/2017, National Geographic Sea Lion
Aboard the
National Geographic Sea Lion
Alaska
Our first adventure this morning was amongst the wildlife of the Inian Islands. Later, some of our guests visited the small village of Elfin Cove and its protected inner harbor, while others kayaked around George Island, stand up paddle-boarded in a bit of quiet water, or made their way up to a World War II, 6-inch, 50 caliber gun emplacement. Those on inflatable boat tours circumnavigated the island and watched otters and northern sea lions.
Pete Pederson has always been attracted to the out-of-doors and is fascinated by the diversity of life and how natural systems function. He studied zoology and completed his Master of Science degree in wildlife management at Humboldt State University...
On the last full day of our voyage, we woke in Endicott Arm near the Dawes Glacier. We spent the morning enjoying Zodiac tours to the face of Dawes Glacier and watched multiple calving events. We were also able to spot several harbor seals, waterfalls, and a couple harbor porpoises on the way. After lunch we had the opportunity to participate in a polar plunge. Forty people decided to brave the frigid water for a short swim. Those of us not eager to jump into glacier water were able to watch from the bow. After the polar plunge, we warmed up on board as we started transiting towards Juneau. On the way, we stopped at a beautiful waterfall to once again admire the amazing natural beauty of Alaska. During our farewell recap, we were treated to a quick visit by a humpback whale. We ended our day with a slideshow made up of our favorite photos and memories of an amazing week on board National Geographic Quest .
Under radiant blue skies and with the stunning backdrop of the Coast Mountains, guests aboard National Geographic Quest enjoyed a spectacular day in Petersburg, Alaska. Known as “the town that fish built,” Petersburg welcomed the ship with warmth and charm. Guests explored by Zodiac through the bustling marina, biked scenic roads around Mitkof Island, and joined local guides for immersive hikes highlighting native traditions and deep connections to the land and wildlife. A particularly intrepid group of 17 guests tackled the challenging seven-hour hike up (and then back down) Petersburg Mountain, rewarded with sweeping views and a sense of triumph. The day ended in true Alaskan style, with a lively crab feast on board. Crew members served up the local delicacy while proudly donning t-shirts featuring the whimsical marine art of Southeast Alaska’s own Ray Troll. It was a day of sunshine, sweat, stories, and seafood—an unforgettable chapter in their Inside Passage adventure.
National Geographic Quest visited the low-lying limestone landscape of northwestern Kuiu Island today. Our morning at Halleck Harbor provided a mix of familiar and new. Hikers encountered several “new-to-us” forest understory plants associated with the bedrock’s regionally unique chemistry. Farther-ranging, bushwhack-style hikes glimpsed signs of beaver. Kayakers enjoyed launching from an even, soft gravel beach to share a calm bay with sea otters and abundant intertidal life. A few fortunate paddlers spotted a black bear on the beach. The afternoon brought exploration via Zodiac of the maze of long, narrow, glacially-gouged Keku Islands. Bald eagles and marbled murrelets abounded, while sea lions and black oystercatchers made occasional appearances. Moss and wildflowers provided lovely hanging garden grottos on limestone walls towering over narrow channels. Glassy waters reflected a mix of sun and passing rain showers. Rainbows and humpback whales highlighted a gorgeous evening of cruising Frederick Sound.
