Today was our first day on board! We left Juneau last night and this morning we woke up to a typical Alaskan day: overcast and sprinkling, low clouds ribboned throughout the forests that met the water’s edge. Our morning began with hikes, from casual to bushwhack. Our guests got their first chance to explore a temperate rainforest — and she was stunning! Williams Cove does not have a human-maintained trail system, so we used game trails — trails left by animals as they pass through their forest home. After lunch we headed deeper through Tracy Arm to South Sawyer Glacier. Each year she continues to recede, and a few returning guests remarked at what a dramatic loss of ice she has had since last they were with us. Aside from marveling at the glacier face today, we also marveled at the amount of rain we had… so much so that massive chocolate-milk-colored cascading waterfalls were bursting along the mountain sides next to the glacier face. As rocks fell into the water, loud booms echoed between the fjord walls. Naturalists on board that have been working in Alaska for over twenty years have never seen such a sight in Tracy Arm. We took Zodiacs to gaze upon large icebergs and sneak a bit closer to the face of South Sawyer. We observed Artic terns, a few gull species, and a species of phalarope. Soaked but happy, our guests returned to the ship to warm up. What an amazing GLACIER DAY!
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.