Today National Geographic Sea Bird and its crew came out swinging, kicking off our expedition by cruising into Endicott Arm. After breakfast, we launched our Zodiac fleet and set out for the Dawes Glacier face. As we weaved in and out of brash ice, nosed into waterfalls, and sailed deep into the Endicott Arm, we finally arrived at the brilliant blue sapphire face of the glacier. We inched closer and closer, eyes glued to the mile-wide frozen river, when suddenly, a massive serac calved off the face in what felt like slow motion. A thunderous clap rang out as the falling crystals broke and hit the water below. It was an emotional rush for all, and a treat to experience such a mighty force of nature. As we wrapped up our Zodiac tours and began cruising back towards Holcomb Bay, we soon met a humpbacked friend as well as a few Steller sea lions. We even got a wonderful view of Sum Dum Glacier as we cruised by. The day concluded with feelings of wonder and gratitude from today’s excursions and spirits are full of anticipation for what tomorrow holds.
7/22/2024
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Sitka Sound
Early risers aboard National Geographic Sea Lion were treated to a stellar show of humpback whales this morning as we made our way south down the mountain-studded coast of Baranof Island. The long, lazy swell that lulled us to sleep overnight contrasted spectacularly with the fast breaches, tail slaps, and fluking displays that surrounded us as we rounded Cape Edgecumbe and entered Sitka Sound. Sea otters and fishing boats galore greeted us as we slipped into the calm waters of the sound, bound for Magoun Islands State Marine Park for an afternoon of Zodiac cruising and hiking. The hikers found ample evidence of recent bear presence in the form of fresh scat and tracks, but no bears were to be found. Most of us were quite relieved not to surprise a bear! The Zodiac cruisers were treated to gorgeous intertidal habitats littered with mussels, barnacles, sea stars, and clams. After warming up a bit at lunch, a record thirty-one brave souls jumped into the frigid waters for our polar plunge! As we arrived in Sitka this evening, we admired the snow-capped mountain tops normally shrouded in mist. Steller sea lions cavorting around the dock served as reminders of our adventures.
