Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Our glorious Glacier Bay day started at 6:00am by picking up ranger Linda and Tlingit interpreter Bertha from Bartlett Cove. The excitement grew from there as we ventured up into the bay in search of evidence of glaciers, icebergs, and snow-covered craggy mountain peaks of the Fairweather Range. The goal and final destination will be the looming hunk of ice that is known as the Margerie Glacier and its relative Lamplugh Glacier.
South Marble Island proved to be stunning with lively Steller sea lions meandering around, grumbling and bellowing from their rocky perches. Traveling the whole way up, there were wildlife sightings of a fluking humpback whale, mountain goats, and an assortment of birds. The highlight was the immense amount of bears sighted. Nine brown bears total- with two separate mothers and their respective cubs!
Upon arrival at the Glaciers, we were treated to a spectacular show of “calving” with displays of enormous ice chunks falling into the water with thunderous sounds. It was a fantastic day for wildlife viewing, breathtaking glacier action, and warming up in the lounge with informative cultural presentations.
To end this amazing day we had a chance to get off the ship in Bartlett Cove, stretch our legs, and take in the beauty of a calm evening of twilight in Southeast Alaska. The hiking groups learned about ground rebound from glaciation, geology, and the lush flora and fauna of the spruce and hemlock forests. The birds whistled us their evening songs, as we all shared quiet moments on the boardwalk and time spent around the lodge. Sweet tunes and lullabies wishing us a good sleep after our adventures at Glacier Bay on the National Geographic Sea Lion.
