As with so many mornings onboard the National Geographic Sea Lion, we awoke to new and beautiful surroundings. Today, it was the entrance to an incredible place: Williams Cove in the Tongass National Forest. This cove lies at the threshold of Tracy Arm, a narrow-cut, glacial fjord. Named for local outdoorsman of the early 1900s, Valta Williams, this cove juts north into the iconic, verdant temperate rainforest of Southeast Alaska. Guests embarked on walks of various desired lengths: slow and photographic, medium and brisk, or long (and with a bit of blueberry-bushwhacking). Eventually, all parties made it (eagerly) back to the ship in time for a delicious, well-deserved lunch.
After lunch, the sight to see was simply out the window of and on the bow of the ship. As we navigated though 30-mile long, narrow Tracy Arm, evidence of the recent glacial activity towered high above us on either side. Steep carved granitic walls, spilling over with waterfalls, led our way up to the glaciers that helped to form these valleys.
As we ventured further up the fjord, the floating ice grew thicker. The National Geographic Sea Lion stopped about a mile short of Sawyer Glacier and deployed four small inflatable boats. Once aboard these smaller vessels, guests and staff navigated the thick ice to get a full view of the glacier. A relatively fast-moving “river of ice”, rich in deep blues and bright whites, Sawyer Glacier thundered and crumbled into the water. As we enjoyed the view from the small inflatables, another appeared – serving hot cocoa and smiles! Now warmed from the inside out, we enjoyed the glacier and a number of harbor seals for a while longer before returning to the ship.
Another day of exploring southeast Alaska has been a treat. From the dripping trees, to the teal blue water, to the elaborately sculpted ice, every moment spent here is absorbed by and impressed upon us. The secret is to take the time to notice them all and enjoy the journey.
