It was another wonderful day as National Geographic Sea Lion voyaged into the northernmost reaches of our cruise in Southeast Alaska, inside Glacier Bay. Early risers witnessed a spectacular alpenglow sunrise while the Fairweather Mountains shined with pink exuberance. The weather continued to cooperate and gave us excellent visibility with remarkable views of the surrounding mountaintops.
The vessel entered fjords filled with bergy bits and growlers as we cruised up the bay. We first passed Lamplugh Glacier resting on the low-tide shoreline as a river of glacial melt flowed out its central ice cave. We then progressed to Johns Hopkins Glacier, which was bordered by towering steeply carved and polished walls of stone. Intense sounds of glacial ice cracking and echoing thunder from massive calvings were heard while at Margerie Glacier. The Grand Pacific Glacier was covered in deep layers of moraine, looking almost like a mountainside itself and not the great glacier that hid beneath.
In addition to the brilliant glaciers and other pleasant sights, wildlife was abundant too. Hundreds of harbor seals were seen resting on the floating ice near the face of the massive Johns Hopkins Glacier. Mountain goats were spotted skillfully climbing along the steep, rocky, and treacherous terrain along the cliff sides above the turquoise water at Gloomy Knob. Phrases like: “Isn’t that the cutest bird you’ve ever seen!?” coupled with gasps and squeals of excitement were raised when we saw our first puffins. A number of tufted puffins were buzzing about South Marble Island overhead of groaning Steller sea lions. A healthy number of sea otters were also occasionally seen floating on their backs.
We then concluded the day with National Geographic Sea Lion coming alongside at the Bartlett Cove dock. Short guided and independent walks were taken around the visitor center and lodge. Signs of isotactic rebound from the retreating glaciers are evident along the shoreline. Ponds laden with lily pads were surrounded by lichen and moss-filled forest. And an appreciation for humpbacks’ size and beauty were reflected upon at the skeletal exhibit of a whale affectionately named Snow.
