Endicott Arm is a narrow, scenic fjord that extends 30 miles into the mainland coast and is part of a large, pristine area known as Tracy Arm-Fords Terror wilderness. At the head of the channel sits Dawes Glacier, a river of ice that tumbles down from the Stikine Icecap all the way to the ocean, where icebergs form through the process of calving.

During expedition landing craft tours, we marveled at the spectacular rock walls, myriad waterfalls, and harbor seals getting ready to give birth. Blue ice kept our shutter fingers busy and a visit from the “cocoa boat” was a nice surprise. Regal bald eagles, our national emblem, made appearances throughout the day. It was an amazing start to our expedition.