Rounding off an exceptional trip, our last full day aboard National Geographic Sea Lion was filled with views of beautiful ice in Tracy Arm. To add to the wonder of Southeast Alaska, mountain goats were spotted from the ship as we cruised toward the tidewater glacier, South Sawyer. Harbor seals were scattered among the bergy bits and growlers, while we marveled at the river of ice that is a tidewater glacier. On our way back to the ship, an American bald eagle was spotted launching itself from a rocky outcropping, adding the final touches of America’s iconic beauty.
6/29/2024
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness
Early this morning, National Geographic Sea Bird turned out of Stephens Passage and into Holkham Bay, which marks the entrance to the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness area. This vast track of wilderness received Congressional protection in 1980 and encompasses 653,179 acres. Our day was spent traveling up Tracy Arm in hopes of reaching the face of South Sawyer Glacier. By 8:00 am, the ship reached her destination of an exposed island that faces a small entrance to Sawyer Glacier with South Sawyer within eyesight. Zodiacs were dropped, and our two groups enjoyed Zodiac rides and kayaking among the icebergs. The carved walls of the fjord, decorated with waterfalls and the beauty of spring flowers, greeted each and every passenger, no matter their transport. A lovely, warm day made all activities comfortable, including a polar plunge that was photographed and enjoyed by all! As we finally began our journey out of Tracy Arm, two black bears were spotted on shore doing what bears do…feeding and smelling each other!
