Endicott Arm & Ford’s Terror
The National Geographic Sea Lion was greeted this morning by a tame blanket of silky grey clouds comforting the snowcapped mountains, which in turn, comforted us. Rays of light waltzed on water as earth and sky found space to meet. Floating on the surface were sculptures of ice that brought with them reminiscence of a child’s imagination spotting a white rabbit in a drifting cloud.
Following the morning’s breakfast we began our exploration of Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. The grandeur of the glacier and surrounding scenery did not disappoint those who'd traveled so far to see the dream of witnessing Alaska’s wilderness cross over into reality. The magnitude of the glacier, its brilliant blue hue, and the pinnacled surface gave it the appearance of a powerful empire, the destination of our pilgrimage. Our celebration was shared with curious harbor seals and their young pups as they welcomed our arrival while Arctic Turns and gulls sang and danced overhead.
Heading towards the glacier, the Zodiacs maneuvered around floating ice that sparkled like diamonds and sapphires. The mountains themselves were spotted with emerald green shrubs growing above the rust and moss painted rocks. Saying farewell to Endicott Arm, our fearless group headed towards Ford’s Terror. Although we had heard tell of Harry Ford’s skiff being stranded decades before due to rapidly retreating tides, we put our trust in the National Geographic Sea Lion’s crew. The sun emerged just in time to bless our journey. Upon entering the fjord any apprehension quickly dissipated as we found ourselves surrounded in all directions by breathtaking waterfalls that tickled rocks before offering themselves to the fjord. Awareness of the tides and observing the waterfalls slowly carve a path down the mountainside, we were reminded of the consistency of change, and with it an appreciation of these captured moments. As time for our departure neared, the realization of the true treasure of Alaska became clear……the memories that are now part of each traveler’s story forever. Following an evening recap and a last supper, our adventurers said goodbye to the lingering twilight and drifted away to the lullaby sung by the hum of the engine and the gentle sway of the sea.
The National Geographic Sea Lion was greeted this morning by a tame blanket of silky grey clouds comforting the snowcapped mountains, which in turn, comforted us. Rays of light waltzed on water as earth and sky found space to meet. Floating on the surface were sculptures of ice that brought with them reminiscence of a child’s imagination spotting a white rabbit in a drifting cloud.
Following the morning’s breakfast we began our exploration of Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. The grandeur of the glacier and surrounding scenery did not disappoint those who'd traveled so far to see the dream of witnessing Alaska’s wilderness cross over into reality. The magnitude of the glacier, its brilliant blue hue, and the pinnacled surface gave it the appearance of a powerful empire, the destination of our pilgrimage. Our celebration was shared with curious harbor seals and their young pups as they welcomed our arrival while Arctic Turns and gulls sang and danced overhead.
Heading towards the glacier, the Zodiacs maneuvered around floating ice that sparkled like diamonds and sapphires. The mountains themselves were spotted with emerald green shrubs growing above the rust and moss painted rocks. Saying farewell to Endicott Arm, our fearless group headed towards Ford’s Terror. Although we had heard tell of Harry Ford’s skiff being stranded decades before due to rapidly retreating tides, we put our trust in the National Geographic Sea Lion’s crew. The sun emerged just in time to bless our journey. Upon entering the fjord any apprehension quickly dissipated as we found ourselves surrounded in all directions by breathtaking waterfalls that tickled rocks before offering themselves to the fjord. Awareness of the tides and observing the waterfalls slowly carve a path down the mountainside, we were reminded of the consistency of change, and with it an appreciation of these captured moments. As time for our departure neared, the realization of the true treasure of Alaska became clear……the memories that are now part of each traveler’s story forever. Following an evening recap and a last supper, our adventurers said goodbye to the lingering twilight and drifted away to the lullaby sung by the hum of the engine and the gentle sway of the sea.
