Endicott Arm/Tracy Arm
A misty morning brought the National Geographic Sea Lion into Endicott Arm. Myriad ribbons of water streaked the high precipitous cliffsides. The skies cleared nicely as we cruised toward the head of the inlet, where we stopped short of Dawes Glacier. Originating from the Stikine Icefield beyond the Canadian border, the Dawes tumbles down to sea level and calves into the deep fjord. By the time we embarked the Zodiacs for our final outing, the sun beamed down on us and bounced off rock and ice. Our inflatable crafts wound their way amongst huge multi-blue-hued icebergs and dramatic scenery to the impressive face of this tidewater glacier. We observed the active face of the glacier from a safe distance, aware of its power and proximity. While we reflected on the many special moments of the past week, we experienced a spectacular calving event, creating another voyage highlight that we will remember for many years. A large wave emanated from the tons of ice that broke off the face, plunged into the water and then surged back to the surface.
The National Geographic Sea Lion cruised back down Endicott Arm and watched some humpback whales in Holkham Bay before we crossed “The Bar” over the terminal moraine that leads into Tracy Arm. We had a couple quick glimpses of black bears along the shore, and we had an up-close experience with “Hole-in-the-Wall” waterfall. Glaciers cut U-shaped valleys that drop steeply from the shoreline, allowing the National Geographic Sea Lion close access along the rock walls. We continued up this narrow and tortuous scenic fjord to where it splits at Marguerite Island. The right side was completely packed with ice from the South Sawyer Glacier, so we chose the left channel and cruised up for a late afternoon look at the dramatic scenery surrounding (North) Sawyer Glacier.
Our final cocktail hour was festive as we reveled in our good luck and the quality of our remarkable experiences throughout the duration of our voyage. We ate a superb dinner and visited with the new friends with whom we shared so many extraordinary and exceptional moments.
A misty morning brought the National Geographic Sea Lion into Endicott Arm. Myriad ribbons of water streaked the high precipitous cliffsides. The skies cleared nicely as we cruised toward the head of the inlet, where we stopped short of Dawes Glacier. Originating from the Stikine Icefield beyond the Canadian border, the Dawes tumbles down to sea level and calves into the deep fjord. By the time we embarked the Zodiacs for our final outing, the sun beamed down on us and bounced off rock and ice. Our inflatable crafts wound their way amongst huge multi-blue-hued icebergs and dramatic scenery to the impressive face of this tidewater glacier. We observed the active face of the glacier from a safe distance, aware of its power and proximity. While we reflected on the many special moments of the past week, we experienced a spectacular calving event, creating another voyage highlight that we will remember for many years. A large wave emanated from the tons of ice that broke off the face, plunged into the water and then surged back to the surface.
The National Geographic Sea Lion cruised back down Endicott Arm and watched some humpback whales in Holkham Bay before we crossed “The Bar” over the terminal moraine that leads into Tracy Arm. We had a couple quick glimpses of black bears along the shore, and we had an up-close experience with “Hole-in-the-Wall” waterfall. Glaciers cut U-shaped valleys that drop steeply from the shoreline, allowing the National Geographic Sea Lion close access along the rock walls. We continued up this narrow and tortuous scenic fjord to where it splits at Marguerite Island. The right side was completely packed with ice from the South Sawyer Glacier, so we chose the left channel and cruised up for a late afternoon look at the dramatic scenery surrounding (North) Sawyer Glacier.
Our final cocktail hour was festive as we reveled in our good luck and the quality of our remarkable experiences throughout the duration of our voyage. We ate a superb dinner and visited with the new friends with whom we shared so many extraordinary and exceptional moments.
