Tracy Arm
Today we explored one of the most spectacular locations on the planet. Tracy Arm is part of a massive wilderness area that encompasses everything from a series of deep fjords up to an ice cap on the border of Canada. Wildlife, scenery, waterfalls, and glaciers; this place has it all. Spending all day exploring this paradise was the perfect way to end our voyage exploring Alaska’s coastal wilderness.
Early in the morning we crossed the old terminal moraine and entered into Tracy Arm. Winding amongst the narrow cliffs we slowly made it to within a few miles of the South Sawyer Glacier, the body of ice responsible for carving the scenery. Boarding Zodiacs, we spent the morning amongst the ice in this breathtaking spot. Curious harbor seals approached us, but our primary focus was on the ice. South Sawyer has some of the bluest ice anywhere on the planet, and we were surrounded by it. Huge pieces bobbed around us, spat out by the glacier during massive calving events. One corner of the glacier was pure blue, and the reflections produced on the glassy water made for some wonderful photo opportunities.
After lunch, we slowly made our way back down the fjord. Stopping at many waterfalls allowed for plenty of time to soak in the scenery. As we passed back over the “bar”, exiting the fjord, killer whales were spotted. We quickly reversed course, reentering Tracy Arm, and followed this group of four transient orcas. They led us past more blue bergs, and along the shoreline as they hunted for harbor seals or porpoise. As the afternoon progressed we finally said good bye to Tracy Arm. Having spent the day in this wilderness area, the most protection of any area, was certainly a privilege. A day like today, filled with scenery and wildlife, was the icing on the cake that is Southeast Alaska.
