Misty Fjords National Monument
Welcome to the vast and amazing state of ALASKA!!! It was truly a thrilling day on the National Geographic Sea Lion. The weather held true to this area of Alaska, being damp, rainy, and “misty”; greeting us as we awoke. Upon entering Alaska and the alluring Misty Fjords, we saw evidence of glaciation all around us. The dance between ice and land were apparent while viewing the gorgeous inlets that were long ago carved by sheets of slow moving ice. The sheer rock cliffs, on either side of us, were stunning as we coursed through narrow deep channels. One marvelous highlight was the “owl’s face.” It is a huge section of granite that, in the process of exfoliation, forms the shape of a wise old owl. Despite all this grandeur, the snowcapped mountains stole the show by reminding us how miniscule we really are in comparison to the grand scheme of things with their looming presence and immense beauty.
After cruising, and a brief pause in Punchbowl cove, we made our way through Rudyerd Bay. We arrived at our launching spot and our Zodiacs set out to find wildlife, close up views of the waterfalls, and rock walls. Harbor seals were spotted along with immature Bald Eagles, Barrow’s Goldeneye (a duck like bird) and the infamous Skunk Cabbage in various stages of sprouting and growing.
While eating lunch and getting under way, we headed toward Revillagigedo Island inside the Behm Canal and continued to travel northward into Southeast Alaska. During this transit time, Gretchen Pederson introduced Southeast Alaska with entertaining and informative words, while some of us spied Dall’s Porpoises playing in the wake of the ship. Another wonderful and breathtaking day onboard!
