Today we cruised up Tracy Arm, a spectacular glacially-carved fjord in Southeast Alaska. The fjord averages about one mile wide, is 28 miles long, and measures about 1000 feet deep. Activities this morning included kayaking amongst the floating icebergs and Zodiac cruising to get closer to the face of the South Sawyer Glacier. Those on the Zodiac cruises noticed an abundance of harbor seals hauled out on many of the floating icebergs. After lunch, National Geographic Quest cruised out of the fjord in the strange water falling from the sky (WHAT IS THAT??). It was an exceptional week and after dinner there were many emotions as we bid Alaska farewell, at least for now.
7/28/2024
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National Geographic Venture
South Sawyer Glacier, Alaska
As the sun rose, we crossed the bar into Tracy Arm in Fords Terror Wilderness Area. The steep walls and endless waterfalls made for a dramatic scene as we motored toward our destination. We split into two groups, loaded into Zodiacs, and made off for South Sawyer Glacier. We passed by icebergs of all shapes and sizes, and were spied on by curious harbor seals. The face of the glacier was dynamic and thunderous. We were all astounded by powerful calving events, which sent waves our way and put smiles on our faces. And of course, a surprise visit from the cocoa boat was the cherry on top of an awesome visit to South Sawyer Glacier. In the afternoon, we loaded into kayaks and paddled throughout the fjord. We watched pigeon guillemots, marbled murrelets, and harbor seals swim through the milky glacier meltwater. We floated by rushing waterfall after rushing waterfall. The sun poked its head out and we were surprised by the warmth we felt as we paddled next to icebergs. It was an amazing first day of exploring on our journey, and we are all excited about what the rest of the week has in store.