Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

Many know Alaska as the last frontier. It is one of the last places in the world where the touch of man’s hand cannot be seen. Glacier Bay National Park and Reserve is a spectacular example of nature’s finest gifts with the stunning peaks, countless species of animals and breath taking views of glaciers.

Our first stop in Glacier Bay this morning was at South Marble Island. Like all of this national park, South Marble Island was covered by glaciers that once dominated this entire landscape. Today, this island is a perfect haul out for hundreds of Steller sea lions and numerous seabirds like black-legged kittiwakes, oystercatchers and tufted puffins.

It has been the most pondered dilemma throughout the history of mankind, is the grass really greener on the other side? As it turns out, it really is. The grass is, in fact, greener on the other side! This question was cemented in the back of our minds as we sailed alongside Gloomy Knob. Gloomy Knob is a 1331ft monolith well known for the always fun sightings of mountain goats perched high along the cliffs. Week in and week out, these goats display their graceful balance in the same general area on Gloomy Knob. Today, however, the goats seemed to have vanished. With binoculars glued to faces, and wildlife spotting tensions running high, these now allusive goats were noticed on a much greener, luscious cliff face on the other side. Having this age old question finally answered, smiles spread across the bow.

The fog began clearing, the clouds rising slowly, gave view to the north end of Russell Cut and a large coastal brown bear foraging in the barnacle covered rocks after the tide had gone down. As the ship neared the shore the cinnamon colored bear became shy and began advancing up the steep slope. On his ascent, the path taken was through a large patch of ice and bright white snow. As he turned to participate in human watching, the contrast of a gleaming white background against the textured brown fur gave way to a photographer’s fantasy.

As we continued to make our way north we were privileged enough to get within a quarter of a mile to Margerie Glacier and the mammoth Grand Pacific Glacier. As we stood on the bow of the ship getting blasted in the face with the clean, crisp wind sliding off the top of this magnificent blue frozen river, our Hotel Manager kept us warm with hot chocolate and peppermint Schnapps. The sounds of this 250ft tall glacier seem fictitious. The thunderous cracking of ice will distract any conversation and force one to investigate what may take place. How can something so far away be so voluble?

On our way south, toward the entrance/exit of Glacier Bay National Park we stop to bid farewell to our park ranger guest and pile towards the gangway to get some much needed exercise. Muscles tense from icy temperatures, bellies full of anything from blueberry scones to braised lamb shank, and memories jam-packed with the wonders of Southeast Alaska, we enjoy nature walks in Bartlett Cove with our families and new travel companions recently met on the National Geographic Sea Bird.