We awoke in Scenery Cove within Thomas Bay, well known for its, well...scenery. We gazed upon a small creek surrounded by meadow and forests that rose unchecked to majestic high peaks. Red-throated loons called, and Bonaparte’s gulls and the ubiquitous marbled murrelets floated about in the surrounding water. We didn’t stay long, for we had more important things planned.
Cascade Creek has a waterfall that tumbles 50 feet or so onto rocks where great volumes of mist erupt into the air and drift across a verdant hillside. Some stayed to enjoy this rugged sight, while others hiked along a trail that crossed through the mist and up to the level of the top of the waterfall. We hiked along the side of the creek’s deeply cut gorge to a stout bridge. We looked down into the churning and cascading water that dropped through a narrow slot. The view was not only spectacular but a bit terrifying from our secure perch. Some energetic hikers continued on a longer walk that climbed up over steep rocks and crossed a section of numerous downed trees that had been once tossed like matchsticks by a blast of wind.
An exploratory cruise in one of our expedition landing craft went to a large meadow and river mouth. Round grey heads rose out of the water and watched us with their large, dark and innocent eyes. They sank quickly and went on about their harbor-seal business. Three Sitka black-tailed deer carefully watched us as we slowly passed. These are a different subspecies than those found south of British Columbia. You may notice in one of today’s expedition photos that they have a shorter face and are smaller. Average weight for does is about 80 pounds, considerably more diminutive than those found farther south.
After lunch and a superb program by our Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, we headed for town. The lifeblood of Petersburg is conspicuous even from a distance as we entered the Wrangell Narrows. Fishing boats were tied to the docks, and hundreds of gulls dotted the water in front of the canneries. There were many trolling boats, gill netters, and even a shrimp trawler moored adjacent to our ship. There were also many vacant slips because of an “opener” for the purse seine fleet that will end today. Dock walks, a visit to a muskeg, bicycling, aerobic hiking, a harbor cruise in our inflatable boats, and limited shopping were other activities for the afternoon.
Our guest speaker, Becky Knight, answered questions about life in Petersburg that gave all of us a warm and pleasant feeling for the people that make this place their home. She and her husband brought up two sons here. They live as a family that is supported by fishing so understand life from a fisherman’s viewpoint.
After a fresh crab feast, we entered into Stephens Passage and sailed on for more adventures that would unfold as we continued to explore this beautiful region.
