Misty Fjords National Monument has an annual rainfall of about 160 inches. That averages to about a half inch per day. The past two stormy days had above-average rain, and gossamer waterfalls appeared — some coming from the top of 3000-plus-foot cliffs surrounding the fjord known as “God’s Pocket.” This lovely inner bay has mostly cliff walls and deep water. One end of the long pocket has a wetland with an active salmon creek running through it. Harbor seals popped their heads up around our Zodiac; they were here to take advantage of a fish dinner. Guests had the choice of kayaking near this wetland, or cruising by Zodiac along the outer edge of the pocket. The question of the day was, of course, “What are you in God’s Pocket?” This writer proclaims to be a shiny nickel. And in jest, her husband is lint.
7/21/2024
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Tracy Arm and Williams Cove
Today, National Geographic Sea Bird visited the South Sawyer Glacier. The fjord leading up to the glacier is lined with high and rugged snowcapped mountain peaks, gorgeous waterfalls, and stunning wildlife. In 1879, naturalist John Muir visited the Tracy Arm Fjord. He described the area as, “shut in by sublime Yosemite cliffs, nobly sculptured, and adorned with waterfalls and fringes of trees, bushes and patches of flowers.” This quote captures the same essence and beauty of the Tracy Arm Fjord that we experienced today. But John Muir was never visited by pirates delivering hot chocolate via Zodiac! Dressed in pirate regalia, National Geographic Sea Bird’s fantastic hospitality team delivered hot chocolate topped with whipped cream to guests on Zodiacs as they toured the glacier. After this, we dropped anchor in Williams Cove at the west end of the fjord for a fabulous bushwhack along brown bear trails. Ah, the spirit of exploration!
