Today, we woke up in front of Margerie Glacier, where we were treated to a small calving event. The incredible sound of “white thunder” broke the serene silence, and we watched a small tidal wave flip a few small pieces of ice. We moved to Russell Cut to get a peek at Johns Hopkins Glacier. Harbor seals were pupping. We kept our distance, so we didn’t disturb the mom/pup pairs. Continuing our wildlife outing, we stopped at Gloomy Knob, where we successfully looked for mountain goats. A few even had kids. Upon approach to South Marble Island, we spotted over 50 northern sea otters before we stopped at a hot spot for Steller sea lions and puffins. We ended our day by stretching our legs off the ship at Bartlett Cove, where we were treated to sightings of a spruce grouse with chicks and a sleeping porcupine sitting low in a tree. Today was a photographer’s dream.
9/4/2024
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National Geographic Quest
Kelp Bay and Hidden Falls
It was drizzling a bit as we made our way to the scenic anchorage at Kelp Bay. Through the drizzle, we were excited to see a sow brown bear with her two cubs fishing for salmon in the stream! It was a fantastic start to an amazing day. Our guests went on some beautiful hikes through the dense temperate rainforest, which had the fresh scent of rain and evergreens. One of the hikes led to a muskeg and a huge beaver pond. It was worth the effort to get there. During lunch, we repositioned National Geographic Quest to a bay near Hidden Falls where there is a salmon hatchery. At the hatchery, the air buzzed with activity as brown bears, Steller sea lions, and birds feasted on the salmon schooling at the fish ladder. The massive bears of varying ages and sizes stood poised to strike at the wriggling fish. They snatch their prey in their powerful paws and jaws. This time of year, the bears are hyper focused on feeding, so they can replenish their reserves before their winters sleep. Our viewing of the bears was a thrilling reminder of nature’s raw and untamed beauty.