Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier, 7/29/2024, National Geographic Sea Lion
Aboard the
National Geographic Sea Lion
Alaska
We woke up today in beautiful Endicott Arm. Despite the rainy forecast, we awoke to sunny blue skies. We took the opportunity to kayak in the amazing weather. Some guests got the opportunity to kayak with a harbor porpoise while others took their kayaks right up to waterfalls.
After a delicious lunch on board, we took our Zodiacs to the face of Dawes Glacier. We were treated to several calving events and took pictures with incredible ice sculptures. It was a perfect day in Southeast Alaska.
Kylee Walterman grew up in central California where she was in close proximity to the ocean, mountains, deserts, valleys, and national forests; this is where she found a passion for the natural world. She attained a Marine Science degree with a biolo...
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Southeast Alaska is renowned for its stunning fjords, carved by ancient glaciers that weave through towering mountains and dense forests. During today’s expedition, we had the privilege of exploring these majestic landscapes, witnessing the dramatic beauty of the South Sawyer Glacier icebergs and venturing to the face by Zodiac for an up-close encounter with nature's icy wonders. Where towering ice cliffs calve into the sea, spectacular icebergs form of varying shapes and sizes. These icebergs, sculpted by nature's relentless forces, ranged from small, crystalline pieces to massive, blue-tinged behemoths that floated serenely in the fjord's icy waters. Each iceberg seemed like a unique sculpture, reflecting the sunlight in hues of cobalt and white, a testament to the glacier's inexorable movement and transformation. They become resting spots for harbor seals, gulls, and eagles. Kayaking through the calm waters surrounded by mountains and lush forests is a truly magical experience. Gliding past glaciers and icebergs while keeping an eye out for seals, otters, and even whales is an unforgettable thrill. The region's diverse marine life and pristine waterways make it a kayaker's paradise. A chilly polar plunge and Zodiac driving for the Global Explorers made for an unforgettable expedition!
National Geographic Sea Bird dropped anchor in Port Houghton at 0630 today. Port Houghton extends 11 nautical miles east and inland from Stephens Passage and offers an exclusive look at some of the most wild and rugged terrain in Southeast Alaska. The table is set for the coastal brown bears and black bears here in Alaska. The berries are ripe. The skunk cabbage fruit is abundant. And salmon are moving into streams and beginning their spawning dance. During our morning hikes, we had the privilege of sharing this pristine forest with the bears that were just out of sight. Abundant fresh signs told the tale of their proximity. We weighed anchor while we ate a delicious lunch and headed out of Port Houghton. Humpback whales greeted the ship as soon as we entered Stephens Passage. They were cooperatively feeding, using a technique known as bubble-net feeding. We had the honor of watching these whales gorge on herring. Moving farther into Stephens Passage, we were soon surrounded by hundreds of humpback whales. There was no direction that guests or crew could look without seeing blows, breaching, tail slapping, peck slapping, and fluking. What an incredible day!
