LeConte Glacier & Petersburg
This morning dawned another beautiful day in Southeast Alaska and we celebrated the clear sky with sun salutations on the bridge deck. As we drew closer to LeConte glacier, we passed a number of icebergs, growlers, and bergy bits. According to measurements in the Atlantic shipping lanes, icebergs are considered any piece of ice above 5 meters tall, bergy bits are anything 1 to 5 meters high and a growler is a bit of ice under one meter high.
We explored the melt waters of LeConte glacier by Zodiac, passing beneath ice sculptures ranging in size from a few meters to ones over 70 feet tall. Only one tenth of the icebergs show above water, so the majority of the sculptures were hidden beneath the waves. The color of the ice also varied greatly from a white, snow-like consistency, to a clear aquamarine blue that reflected light like diamonds. Several harbor seals poked their heads out of the water as we passed between the icebergs, curious about our activities and interested in our explorations. It’s pupping time for the furry creatures and we saw tell-tale signs of the mothers’ births on the floating ice.
Before lunch we were joined by Dr. Fred Sharpe, one of the foremost humpback whale researchers in Southeast Alaska. As part of Lindblad’s dedication to protecting the environment, we sponsor environmental conservation efforts in many parts of the world that we travel. The Alaska Whale Foundation is one of the organizations sponsored by Lindblad travelers, and that contribution goes to Dr. Sharpe’s cutting edge research with the amazing humpbacks in these waters. As the primary investigator, his work has gone into further understanding the humpback’s complex social behaviors. During his presentation, the guests learned intriguing facts about the lives of humpback whales. For example, when the animals feed, they open their mouths so wide, they ingest as much as two thirds of their body weight in water!
After two rounds of Zodiac cruises at LeConte, we picked up anchor and motored towards Petersburg, a small fishing town at the northern end of Wrangell Narrows. Founded by Norwegian fishermen 100 years ago, Petersburg is a quaint Alaskan town with one main strip where locals and visitors alike browse outerwear clothing shops and the one-stop hardware store.
A short Zodiac ride across Wrangell Narrows found many guests at the boardwalk trail of Petersburg Creek. Three of our naturalists led a nice hike to a muskeg where we viewed several bird species including the downy woodpecker and a Stellar’s Jay. We also got a good look at a number of interesting plant species such as the carnivorous sun dew that feeds on small insects. Bleached wolf scat and a black bear footprint gave life to the larger mammals that inhabit the area.
After a wonderful day exploring the glacial fjords and beautiful Petersburg, we enjoyed an immense crab feast and set sail towards our next adventure.
