A calmer morning greeted us after a bumpy evening. Winds had picked up, so we adjusted plans to make the most of our day. After breakfast Joselyn gave a talk sharing some “Secrets of Survival” from the plant world —showing how we can learn about our environment by learning to “read” the plants around us. Next our National Geographic Photographer Camille Seaman entranced us with a presentation; she shared the very personal story of her journey to where she is today and where her future sights are set. During this time the ship repositioned to spend the afternoon at the spectacular Walker Cove. There we enjoyed incredible scenery with waterfalls, steep glacier-carved walls, salmon streams, and peaceful almost-glassy water conditions. Kayakers, standup paddleboarders, and Zodiac cruisers all got their fill. The Global Explorers even got the chance to earn their Zodiac driving licenses… and then it was all-hands-on-deck for an Alaskan polar plunge! What an incredible final afternoon — we truly packed it all in, including a rare full transit of the entire Behm Canal!
7/21/2024
Read
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!