Entering Glacier Bay National Park this morning, the first order of business for National Geographic Sea Bird was to pick up two very special guests. National Park Ranger Brad Mason, and Cultural Heritage Guide, Faith Grant joined our group to provide their intimate knowledge of the area, helping to paint a more complete picture of the landscape we would be traversing. We would be traveling more than 60 miles into the park, offering the chance to view a wide array of geological and biological diversity. Glacier Bay National Park has one of the largest collections of tidewater glaciers. The park is also something of a geological wonderland, with smatterings of physical phenomenon and glacial landforms unique to this part of the world.
Following a brief introduction to the park, our guests gathered on the outer spaces of the ship with binoculars and cameras ready as we came upon South Marble Island. South Marble Island is a whirlwind of activity providing a protected location for many species of seabirds as well as a haul out for northern sea lions. The snorting snarls of the sea lions and the squawking of glaucous winged gulls provided the soundtrack for our trip by the island. In this relatively small space, bird lovers were welcomed by a variety of winged creatures including black oystercatchers, tufted puffins, black legged kittiwakes, and the common murre. And just in case not everyone was convinced of the variety of species that call Glacier Bay home, just on the other side of the ship, sea otters floated on their backs and a humpback gave us a show, slapping its large fin on the water in a gesture of greeting.
As our journey deeper into Glacier Bay continued, guests took advantage of the good weather by spending the day gathered on the bow scanning for wildlife. Searching the landscape of snow-capped mountains and dramatic cliffs, a small patch of green revealed a feeding ground for a large number of mountain goats. The goats displayed their amazingly adept grace for the terrain as several scampered up and down the steep mountain face.
An absolute joy to have with us was Native Voices Cultural Guide, Faith Grant. Faith’s presence aboard is the embodiment of an ancient culture that has not only been able to hold onto the thread of its traditions, but is today thriving and finding the breath of renewed appreciation. In her own gentle and personal way, Faith passed the day meandering about the ship and falling into brilliantly authentic moments of conversation and interaction with individuals aboard. Sharing the view of this incredible landscape through the eyes of a native Tlingit is a treasure many will continue to cherish in their memories of their Glacier Bay experience. The deep understanding of the relationship that not only connects humans to the environment, but in effect is inseparable from them is a teaching Faith imparts with grace and tenderness from one who has experience living this truth.
The trip into the park culminated with National Geographic Sea Bird getting up close and personal with Marjorie Glacier. This beautiful tidewater glacier was stunning, glowing white and brilliant blue, reflecting the brightness of the sunlight. Several calving events were observed, allowing moments to witness the type of events that continually change and shape the landscape of Glacier Bay.
