Petersburg & Federick Sound
Our morning began with a light mist as we traveled through Frederick Sound, arriving at Mitkof Island just before breakfast. Captain Carden skillfully docked the Sea Lion as we approached the charming fishing town of Petersburg, known for its Norwegian heritage. Fishing began in this area about 2000 years ago when local Tlingit people set up a fishing camp. Today Petersburg is home to 370 fishermen and fishing is the backbone of the economy, bringing in $34.2 million.
We enjoyed a fun-filled morning of activities. Some chose to explore Petersburg on bicycles. Others strolled around town chatting with locals and browsing in stores, catching up on their shopping. A tour of the harbor pleased many who learned about the different fishing vessels they passed, including longliners, trollers, gillnetters, and crabbers. Summer being the busiest season, it attracts about 1,100 people who come to work processing fish such as salmon, halibut, and black cod.
Those interested in hiking crossed Wrangell Narrows in Zodiacs to reach Kupreanof Island. A group of enthusiastic people walked along a boardwalk to explore a muskeg, otherwise known as a peat bog. This wetland is characterized by sphagnum moss, poor drainage and plants from the heather family. The trail continues along Petersburg Creek through Sitka spruce and western hemlock of the Tongass National Forest.
Our afternoon and evening were magical. We dropped Zodiacs near Five Fingers Lighthouse and the friendly keeper invited us to have a look around. The original structure was built in 1902 but destroyed by fire in 1933. The current building was completed in 1935. A brilliant rainbow arched over the lighthouse as we were heading back to the Sea Lion.
Dinner was a delicious feast of Dungeness crab and then we had the best possible dessert: as the light waned, we were visited by three Killer Whales – a delightful ending to a splendid day.
Our morning began with a light mist as we traveled through Frederick Sound, arriving at Mitkof Island just before breakfast. Captain Carden skillfully docked the Sea Lion as we approached the charming fishing town of Petersburg, known for its Norwegian heritage. Fishing began in this area about 2000 years ago when local Tlingit people set up a fishing camp. Today Petersburg is home to 370 fishermen and fishing is the backbone of the economy, bringing in $34.2 million.
We enjoyed a fun-filled morning of activities. Some chose to explore Petersburg on bicycles. Others strolled around town chatting with locals and browsing in stores, catching up on their shopping. A tour of the harbor pleased many who learned about the different fishing vessels they passed, including longliners, trollers, gillnetters, and crabbers. Summer being the busiest season, it attracts about 1,100 people who come to work processing fish such as salmon, halibut, and black cod.
Those interested in hiking crossed Wrangell Narrows in Zodiacs to reach Kupreanof Island. A group of enthusiastic people walked along a boardwalk to explore a muskeg, otherwise known as a peat bog. This wetland is characterized by sphagnum moss, poor drainage and plants from the heather family. The trail continues along Petersburg Creek through Sitka spruce and western hemlock of the Tongass National Forest.
Our afternoon and evening were magical. We dropped Zodiacs near Five Fingers Lighthouse and the friendly keeper invited us to have a look around. The original structure was built in 1902 but destroyed by fire in 1933. The current building was completed in 1935. A brilliant rainbow arched over the lighthouse as we were heading back to the Sea Lion.
Dinner was a delicious feast of Dungeness crab and then we had the best possible dessert: as the light waned, we were visited by three Killer Whales – a delightful ending to a splendid day.
