It’s our final full day of expedition travel aboard National Geographic Quest, and every day leading up to now has only raised the bar for what to expect in the world of natural wonders here in Southeast Alaska. In the early morning hours, we crossed the terminal moraine towards Sawyer Glacier(s), with whispers of whale sightings, icebergs starting to sprinkle the surface of the water, and a general anticipation for the day’s schedule increasingly building. The included photos show some of the highlights throughout the day, moments that were reflected and retold from different perspectives during cocktail hour this evening. As the evening drew to a close, we shared a beautiful and delicious dinner with incomparable company.
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.