Today we woke south of Juneau, near the mouth of Holkham Bay, where the terminal moraine of a glacier lies. Terminal moraines are where a glacier has continually pushed sediment downhill into a single place. This creates a shallow bar where we have to time the tides correctly to enter the bay. The depth can be 1000 feet, then suddenly just 50 feet over the top of the bar, making the currents challenging to navigate. We then cruised through the morning all the way to the back of Tracy Arm fjord. After breakfast, we took Zodiacs closer to South Sawyer Glacier where we witnessed calving (big chunks of ice breaking off) and shooters (ice that has broken off underneath the water and “shoots” to the surface.) There were many harbor seals, gulls, and Arctic terns. We also drove around big blue icebergs that must have broken off recently, because an hour later it looked very different due to melting. Later we had lunch, and the ship repositioned to a small beach next to a waterfall. We then kayaked off that beach for the rest of the afternoon. The weather was off and on rain, just like it should be in Southeast Alaska. We had a lovely dinner, which was followed by an informative talk about iPhone photography by our certified photo instructor Alex. Being able to get close to glaciers and kayak with small chunks of ice in the water was a treat!
7/24/2024
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Misty Fjords National Monument
Misty Fjords National Monument, administered by the United States Forest Service, is a region of stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and temperate rainforests. These fjords offer ample opportunities to spot a wide variety of animals in their natural habitats. We began the morning with a double bear sighting at the head of Behm Canal. Zodiac cruising in Walker Cove is an ideal way to experience the beauty and tranquil waters of this fjord. Gliding past sedge meadows and salmon streams while keeping an eye out for seals, eagles, and even bears is an unforgettable thrill. The region's diverse marine life and pristine waterways make it a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. Our cameras and binoculars continue to search for bears, whales, and beautiful light in the waning hours of our voyage. Exploring the untouched wilderness of Southeast Alaska has provided us with a chance to witness nature at its most raw and majestic.