This incredible week of whales, bears, and ice continued to awe and inspire us on our last full day with a cherished experience traveling through Stephens Passage in the early morning and later in Holkham Bay in the southern Endicott Arm branch of this vast fjord. After cruising the morning looking for wildlife and stunning views of huge rock walls, cliffs, and waterfalls, we approached the Dawes Glacier for ice tours weaving around the colossal blue ice chunks. Dawes did not disappoint with displays of calving and small displacing waves from the ice that fell into the water. Even some of the icebergs broke apart and calved, showing the inside ice bubbles, holes, and various shades of bright blue.
Our exquisite crew aboard National Geographic Sea Bird came out to “the rescue” to warm up our brave fellows on the quest for tidewater glacial ice. Our heroic expedition leader, John Mitchell, led the crusade by driving Anna Marie Becker-Hoover, hotel manager, and her lovely stewards, Sonja Hagemeier, Hayley Chwazik-Gee, and Katie Bayliss out to distribute hot chocolate, crème de menthe, and hazelnut. There were also two special guest appearances by Seattle office stars, Billie McCaslin and Amy Davidson. All were merry and enjoyed their hot beverages as they watched blue ice float by. Blue being the color reflected by the light spectrum creating unique shades.
The scenic view leaving the fjord’s glacially smoothed, towering cliff walls was equally spectacular as the wispy fog lifted and the sun shone through at the horizon line. We continued on route as we all said farewell. The well-presented slideshow, put on by Ian Markham, highlighted the wildlife of the exploratory week. The final captain’s dinner was outstanding and while we enjoyed our food we watched a beautiful sunset as whales fluked and passed by. A wonderful day and week!
