This morning, we woke up on the border of Canada and the US. Once National Geographic Quest cleared Customs, we officially entered Alaska! We made our way into Misty Fjords for an afternoon of adventure! Everyone took a Zodiac cruise through Owl Pass to soak in the beauty of this glacially carved fjord. The water was so still. Everywhere we looked, the landscape’s reflection was mirrored back. Owl Rock, a potential hibernaculum (a place for hibernation) for little brown bats, is a basalt rock formation that ignites awe in all who set their eyes upon her. After lunch, guests kayaked in the fjord and observed harbor seals, grizzly bears (a mum and two cubs), and multiple bird species. Today was another stunning day in paradise.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 15 May 2023
Misty Fjords National Wilderness Forest, 5/15/2023, National Geographic Quest
- Aboard the National Geographic Quest
- Alaska
Kimberly Wood, Naturalist
Kimberly A. Wood is a Hawaii based international marine researcher, photographer, filmmaker, boat captain and educator. Her research focus is often based in population distribution, diversity and habitat usage of cetacean species, however, she has al...
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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.
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Desolation Sound
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 !







