Our first full day on National Geographic Quest took us to Tracy Arm and the Sawyer and South Sawyer Glaciers. In classic Alaska fashion, our entry into this glacially carved fjord came complete with low clouds and “liquid sunshine,” making for moody and dramatic vistas from the ship. As luck would have it, the liquid sunshine gave way to actual sunshine just in time for our afternoon Zodiac trips through the ice to the face of the South Sawyer Glacier. Watching the glacier calve into the fjord while harbor seals swam by in the distance made for an amazing afternoon adventure of ice, rock, and biology!
7/15/2024
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National Geographic Quest
Baranof Island, Alaska
The first morning aboard National Geographic Quest introduced guests to the enchanting coastal temperate rainforest ecosystem. As they emerged from their cozy beds, a misty drizzle and low-hanging clouds greeted them, casting a serene and mystical ambiance over the treetops and calm waters. Our initial day of exploration led us to Baranof Island's Rodman Bay, an area rich in logging and fishing history. The undersea team plunged into the dark tranquil waters, capturing the incredible diversity of marine life for an evening show-and-tell session. Guests donned their boots and rain gear, ready to embrace their first off-ship adventure. Some guests chose a Zodiac cruise, hoping to encounter wildlife, and they were richly rewarded. Bald eagles dotted the trees, harbor seals peeked curiously from the water, and marbled murrelets, mergansers, Bonaparte’s gulls, and surf scoters made delightful appearances. Others opted for a shoreline walk, discovering brown bear prints before venturing into the extraordinarily lush rainforest. The day's exploration brought back many smiles as guests gathered for cocktail hour, sharing warmth and stories. The expedition team’s evening recap highlighted the day's wonders. Tomorrow promises even more adventure. What surprises will Glacier Bay unveil?