Early this morning National Geographic Sea Lion entered Glacier Bay National Park and temporarily docked at Bartlett Cove. We were joined by National Park Service Ranger Patrick and Cultural Interpreter Faith, who would spend the day on board to tell the remarkable story of this extraordinary place. We departed the dock and commenced our journey northward. In a day, we would cover the dramatic 65-mile, two-century glacial retreat that opened the bay.

In the smooth waters of the lower part of the bay, guests out on the decks spotted several humpback whales. These endangered animals are federally protected and enjoy additional security in the park. Vessels observe speed limits and cannot change course to “watch” humpback whales. Charismatic sea otters were also scattered about this morning. A recent arrival in Glacier Bay, they now number about ten thousand.

South Marble Island is the summer home to various species of seabirds, including black-legged kittiwakes, glaucous-winged gulls, pelagic cormorants, pigeon guillemots, common murres, and two species of loveable puffins. In addition, there were many Steller sea lions hauled out and resting on the rocks, which today had a stunning mountain backdrop.

We enjoyed sunshine and comfortable temperatures as we soaked up the scenery throughout the day. Another wildlife sighting was of mountain goats on Gloomy Knob. We spotted some nannies with their young kids on the precipitous slopes. There was an interesting interaction when a young bald eagle made a landing on the calcareous rocks near a mountain goat.

Patrick and Faith provided commentary, answered questions and conducted activities with the young people on board. After lunch we arrived at the end of Tarr Inlet, where the Grand Pacific, Ferris and Margerie glaciers block further vessel travel. Margerie Glacier is an active tidewater glacier, tumbling from the lofty Fairweather Range to sea level. As the glacier moves forward, masses of ice calve off the face of the glacier and fall into the water with a thunderous roar and tremendous splash. We were fortunate to witness several calving events during the time we spent in front of the glacier today.

Sea Lion returned to Bartlett Cove during dinner and we had an opportunity to go ashore to visit the lodge, with its museum display and giftshop, and to walk the nearby trails, where some people spotted a black bear and a porcupine. The lovely song of the hermit thrush resonated through the forest

Darkness fell as we departed the park and we completed the day by watching humpback whales lunge feeding along the strong current lines in the rich mix of Southeast Alaskan waters.