Tracy Arm & Williams Cove
Our first day in Southeast Alaska was quite rewarding. The spectacular weather stayed with the National Geographic Sea Bird as we made our way south to the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness Area, which is part of the Tongass National Forest; the largest National Forest in the United States. The ship was steered around small patches of brash ice on our way to Dawes Glacier which lies in the southern part of Endicott Arm. Once we arrived, the Zodiacs were lowered so we could enjoy a close up view of the ice and marvel at the forces involved in the movement of glaciers throughout geologic time. During one of the Zodiac adventures a black bear was spied on shore. We had a nice view of the bear as it searched for food and swatted the abundant insect life hovering around it. Amazing calving was also witnessed as thousands of tons of ice broke off the face of Dawes and crashed into the water below.
During the middle part of the day the ship was moved north to Tracy Arm and Williams Cove. During the transit, two backcountry rangers came aboard to tell us about the Wilderness area we were traveling through. Once we arrived in Williams Cove there were chances to kayak along the cove and walk in the stunning temperate rain forest that is home to many plant and animal species. Hundreds of salmon were massing for the annual spawn, but the streams were very dry, so the fish would have to wait for the nurturing rains to come and replenish the drainages.
During dinner the ship lifted anchor and headed out into Stephens Passage towards our next adventure.
