Our first day of the trip was an impressive introduction to Alaska and had no problem living up to the trip’s name, Wild Escape. Many guests were still asleep when the expedition leader called them outside with her morning wake-up call to take in our first wildlife sighting, a humpback whale near the ship. After breakfast and some orientation briefings, we headed outside into the pristine and primordial looking landscape of Endicott Arm. At the head of this ice-strewn, 25-mile-long fjord is the Dawes Glacier, where we spent the majority of the day exploring its awe inspiring creation of 2,000-feet-high cliffs of granite and gneiss and the thousands of icebergs, bergie bits, and growlers left in its receding wake. We were treated to a presentation on phone photography by photo instructor Lauren Buchholz on the way out of the fjord and an after-dinner presentation on glaciology and the Ice Ages by yours truly.
7/16/2024
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Mount Riley
Today aboard National Geographic Sea Lion, we docked in the charming town of Haines, ready for a day of exploration and adventure. My group decided to hike Mount Riley, eager to experience the challenge and beauty of this local landmark. We set off in the morning, the trail leading us through dense, lush forests. The hike was invigorating, with varying terrain that kept us engaged and challenged. Despite the overcast skies, the journey itself was rewarding. The forest, shrouded in mist, had a mysterious and enchanting quality, making the hike feel like a walk through a hidden world. The camaraderie among our group added to the experience. We shared stories, laughter, and the occasional encouragement as we navigated the trail, and we had a real sense of achievement upon reaching the summit. Today’s hike up Mount Riley was a testament to the beauty of the journey. Our day in Haines provided a memorable adventure in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness.