Glacier Bay National Park
Another amazing Alaskan adventure! We spent the entire day cruising around the fjords and glaciers of Glacier Bay National Park. Biology, geology and history mingled together as we observed birds, mountain goats, rock formations and ice creations. After breakfast we visited South Marble Island and found Tufted Puffins, Common Murres, and a variety of gulls flying, floating, and feeding. As the island receded into the distance, Marylou Blakeslee, our guest Park Ranger for the day, presented us with background information on the history of the Park, including its significance in the Tlingit culture. Back on deck, naturalist Joe Holliday explained the geology of Gloomy Knob and Composite Island. Two sea lions appeared, their long necks reaching out of the water, but quickly lost interest in the discussion and dove beneath the surface.
Next we maneuvered around ‘jaw-drop point’ to gaze down the long, ice-choked bay leading to Johns Hopkins Glacier. A quick inspection counted 13 different valley, hanging and tidewater glaciers dropping from the 6000 foot cliffs that surrounded us. The sheer scale of the area was impossible to comprehend. Returning to the main fjord, we headed up Tarr inlet to the base of the Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers.
What a sight – more than 2 miles of tidewater glacier reaching into the sky. Pale blue seracs bulged from the center of Margerie, overhanging the water. Deep cracks and crevasses fragmented the jagged front. Black-legged Kittiwakes and Glaucus-winged Gulls wheeled through the air or perched on icebergs. We were all filled with anticipation, seeking the majesty and raw power of a glacial calving.
After an hour of listening to groans and thunderclaps, and watching ice slide into the sea, our eyes turned to the southern face of Margerie Glacier. In a matter of seconds, an apartment-building sized fragment of ice plunged into the water. Spontaneous cheers of amazement and energetic applause broke out as we watched the pressure waves build and spread towards us.
As daylight faded, we returned to Bartlett Cove. Some walked around the nearby forest and kettle ponds, while others relaxed in the Park Lodge and museum.
Another typical day in South East Alaska.
Another amazing Alaskan adventure! We spent the entire day cruising around the fjords and glaciers of Glacier Bay National Park. Biology, geology and history mingled together as we observed birds, mountain goats, rock formations and ice creations. After breakfast we visited South Marble Island and found Tufted Puffins, Common Murres, and a variety of gulls flying, floating, and feeding. As the island receded into the distance, Marylou Blakeslee, our guest Park Ranger for the day, presented us with background information on the history of the Park, including its significance in the Tlingit culture. Back on deck, naturalist Joe Holliday explained the geology of Gloomy Knob and Composite Island. Two sea lions appeared, their long necks reaching out of the water, but quickly lost interest in the discussion and dove beneath the surface.
Next we maneuvered around ‘jaw-drop point’ to gaze down the long, ice-choked bay leading to Johns Hopkins Glacier. A quick inspection counted 13 different valley, hanging and tidewater glaciers dropping from the 6000 foot cliffs that surrounded us. The sheer scale of the area was impossible to comprehend. Returning to the main fjord, we headed up Tarr inlet to the base of the Margerie and Grand Pacific Glaciers.
What a sight – more than 2 miles of tidewater glacier reaching into the sky. Pale blue seracs bulged from the center of Margerie, overhanging the water. Deep cracks and crevasses fragmented the jagged front. Black-legged Kittiwakes and Glaucus-winged Gulls wheeled through the air or perched on icebergs. We were all filled with anticipation, seeking the majesty and raw power of a glacial calving.
After an hour of listening to groans and thunderclaps, and watching ice slide into the sea, our eyes turned to the southern face of Margerie Glacier. In a matter of seconds, an apartment-building sized fragment of ice plunged into the water. Spontaneous cheers of amazement and energetic applause broke out as we watched the pressure waves build and spread towards us.
As daylight faded, we returned to Bartlett Cove. Some walked around the nearby forest and kettle ponds, while others relaxed in the Park Lodge and museum.
Another typical day in South East Alaska.
