Sitkoh Bay is an extraordinary place to visit here in Southeast Alaska. Guests on board National Geographic Venture awoke in a place of peace and quiet. Water within the bay remained completely still as our vessel approached the anchoring. Quickly, Zodiacs were lowered onto the water’s surface – a shear sign of another day of adventure. Everyone on board was given the opportunity to hike on the trail or kayak along the shore banks. Kayakers explored the shallow coastline, noticing many sea jellies within the water column. Hikers spent their time walking under the forest canopy, stepping carefully to not disturb any banana slugs in the middle of the trail. After morning operations were complete and lunch commenced, our captain moved our expedition party into Chatham Strait to search for wildlife. Humpback whales, breaching salmon, and even Dall’s porpoises were spotted on the beautiful last day of our voyage.
9/9/2023
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National Geographic Quest
Ushk Bay
Morning fog swallowed the Southeast Alaskan wilderness. As we cruised into Ushk Bay, anticipation seized the vessel. This morning’s hikes and Zodiac cruises were to be our final operations of the trip; every last one of us was eager to be ensconced in the wonders of the Tongass once again. Following a delicious breakfast — prepared by head chef Paul Cotta and his dedicated team — we set out for shore. Through a light rain we cruised on Zodiacs toward our landing, scattering bald eagles and common mergansers that had congregated along the shore. Ushk Bay’s annual salmon run was nearing its conclusion —and we could smell it. The shoreline was littered with rotting carcasses of pink and chum salmon, many of which were picked apart by corvids, gulls, and bears. Whether or not any of these individuals survived long enough to spawn is a mystery, but there is one certainty amidst this carnage — their sacrifice is not in vain. Their carcasses will enrich this place, injecting the forest with nutrients from the sea. Our last afternoon was spent cruising toward our anchorage near Sitka. The final day of a Lindblad Expeditions cruise is always a hard day. We have all forged new bonds in the fires of wilderness. Every one of us has found ourselves challenged and rewarded, humbled and humored, inspired and inspirational throughout this week. Our new bonds will, thanks to modern technology, be preserved in photographs and videos. Many will be carried on through photos and emails, but this group will never be reconstituted. Though it’s hard to say goodbye, the impermanence of this troupe makes the experience all the more poignant. These adventurers will surely be missed.
