We started the morning by entering Tracy Arm. This involved crossing a shallow bank at the right time of the day, with the necessary depth, tide, and current. Our skilled bridge officers safely entered the Arm and we began to see larger and larger pieces of ice drifting far from the South Sawyer Glacier.
After a delicious breakfast, we had our Operation Briefings. Guests learned about safety measures required for excursions via kayaks and Zodiacs — as well as bear safety to apply while on shore.
We brought National Geographic Venture up to the Sawyer Glacier (which is no longer a tidewater glacier), and enjoyed sunshine and blue skies. Streaming waterfalls cascaded off the surrounding cliff faces.
We next made our way to the southern portion of the glacier and loaded our teams into the Zodiacs for a closer visit. Beautiful sapphire-blue and sea-glass-green icebergs passed our way as we approached South Sawyer.
We spotted a mountain goat at the tree line, which was an unexpected treat. On our approach to the quarter-mile boundary of the glacier base, we observed some curious harbor seals looking our way.
We witnessed quite a spectacle with the amount of calving that was occurring. Sheets of ice fell, causing large waves and swells in the once-calm waters. The harbor seals did not seem the least bit concerned by this. Our second run of Zodiac rides promised and delivered similar results, and all returned to the boat with big grins and beautiful photos.
