Petersburg, Alaska, 5/16/2023, National Geographic Quest
Aboard the
National Geographic Quest
Alaska
After transiting Wrangell Narrows in the morning, we arrived in Petersburg before lunch. We disembarked for a variety of activities. Some guests chose active options like biking and hiking while others spent time exploring this authentic and genuine Alaskan fishing town.
John’s passion is lifelong learning and sharing what he learns about the natural world with explorers young and old. He grew up in rural Ohio and graduated from Marietta College with a BA in Recreation Management. Wanderlust hit when John decided t...
National Geographic Quest arrived at Green Inlet in brilliant sunshine this morning. All onboard enjoyed arriving accompanied by rays of sunshine pouring through the forest that blanket the steep hills. Guests spent the morning kayaking and touring the local area by Zodiac. Zodiac cruisers found a variety of birds and tumbling waterfalls.
Billowing wisps of fog ribboned their way among the drooping bows of Sitka spruce as our ship cut through Johnstone Straight. Uncle Jim showed us many of his priceless treasures. Marveled by the craftsmanship of cedar spoons and intricate beadwork, the highlight was the opportunity to lay hands on a Chilkoot blanket, only ever seen behind protective panes of glass. The rain showers slowed as the gangway was lowered, and we took to the streets of Alert Bay. On foot or by bus, we made our way to U’mista Cultural Center. Enriching artifacts lined the walls for us to see, while outside we heard tales from a master carver and got to witness the artist in his element. A truly unique experience awaited us in the big house. Dancers in well-detailed regalia stomped and twisted in concert while the white smoke wisps weaved in the spaces between us and a nearly forgotten culture. The tribe invited us down for one last dance, and as we walked out the doors of the big house, wonder and joy reflected on our smiling faces.
Today was a lovely introduction to the expectations of this temperate rainforest. Our morning was spent cruising towards Desolation Sound in search of wildlife. We had an incredible presentation from our Tlingit guest speaker, Jim Thomas, and an introduction to smartphone photography with a presentation from Photo Instructor Alex. After lunch, guests had two rounds of Zodiac tours into Prideaux Haven, a stunning glacially carved archipelago filled with sea stars, algae, ducks, and the misty mystical-ness of British Columbia. It was a fun full day on board National Geographic Quest !
