Glacier Bay
Our day of exploring Glacier Bay National Park was rich, full and inspiring. Park ranger Richard Becker joined us on board, sharing his knowledge of and love for Glacier Bay.
Directly after breakfast we came to South Marble Island, a haven for Steller sea lions and a variety of sea birds. Growling, snorting and bellowing, the sea lions clustered on the rocks and splashed and cavorted in the water. Around and above these marine mammals, tufted puffins, common murres, black oystercatchers, pigeon guillemots and a variety of other sea birds and gulls came and went from the busy nesting colony.
Ranger Richard gave us a briefing about Glacier Bay and answered many of our questions as we came inside to digest the first of our extraordinary encounters. One thing became obvious; change is the constant here in Glacier Bay. Over the course of the day, guests and staff who had been here over the last twenty or more years reflected on the changes.
Continuing into the West Arm, the heart of Glacier Bay, we kept a wildlife watch as the spectacular scenery graced our eyes. Our anticipation of wildlife sightings was growing. Turning into Tidal Inlet, we searched high and low and spotted two mountain goats on the hillside. Gloomy Knob, a bit farther along, gave us a bonanza of goats. Scattered on the gray cliffs were numerous nannies and kids, often at the edge of a precipice. In the water, harbor seals patrolled, while horned and tufted puffins flew by.
As we approached Tarr Inlet, we slowed dramatically. Quickly and almost silently the word was passed “bears!” Two brown bears were on the beach. One much larger, wandering in and out of the vegetation. The smaller bear exploring the shore, flipping rocks to see what tasty goodies might lay underneath. While it is impossible to know, it appeared that the larger animal was the mother, the smaller her cub. The sow’s aggressive behavior suggested that she was sending her cub out into the world on its own. We were privy to a rarely seen event. All of this before lunch!
Early afternoon found us nearing the Grand Pacific and Margerie glaciers. But wait! Before we made our final approach, another bear, and then another. With more than a dozen bald eagles nearby. Then, two more bears showed up aft of National Geographic Sea Bird.
Tearing ourselves away, we found a fine viewing spot in front of the glaciers and enjoyed the stunning scenery, calving and the accompanying “white thunder.” It was magical.
On our way down bay, John shared his presentation “Tlingit Culture.” We reached Bartlett Cove, near the mouth of Glacier Bay, in time for a late evening stroll.
Our day of exploring Glacier Bay National Park was rich, full and inspiring. Park ranger Richard Becker joined us on board, sharing his knowledge of and love for Glacier Bay.
Directly after breakfast we came to South Marble Island, a haven for Steller sea lions and a variety of sea birds. Growling, snorting and bellowing, the sea lions clustered on the rocks and splashed and cavorted in the water. Around and above these marine mammals, tufted puffins, common murres, black oystercatchers, pigeon guillemots and a variety of other sea birds and gulls came and went from the busy nesting colony.
Ranger Richard gave us a briefing about Glacier Bay and answered many of our questions as we came inside to digest the first of our extraordinary encounters. One thing became obvious; change is the constant here in Glacier Bay. Over the course of the day, guests and staff who had been here over the last twenty or more years reflected on the changes.
Continuing into the West Arm, the heart of Glacier Bay, we kept a wildlife watch as the spectacular scenery graced our eyes. Our anticipation of wildlife sightings was growing. Turning into Tidal Inlet, we searched high and low and spotted two mountain goats on the hillside. Gloomy Knob, a bit farther along, gave us a bonanza of goats. Scattered on the gray cliffs were numerous nannies and kids, often at the edge of a precipice. In the water, harbor seals patrolled, while horned and tufted puffins flew by.
As we approached Tarr Inlet, we slowed dramatically. Quickly and almost silently the word was passed “bears!” Two brown bears were on the beach. One much larger, wandering in and out of the vegetation. The smaller bear exploring the shore, flipping rocks to see what tasty goodies might lay underneath. While it is impossible to know, it appeared that the larger animal was the mother, the smaller her cub. The sow’s aggressive behavior suggested that she was sending her cub out into the world on its own. We were privy to a rarely seen event. All of this before lunch!
Early afternoon found us nearing the Grand Pacific and Margerie glaciers. But wait! Before we made our final approach, another bear, and then another. With more than a dozen bald eagles nearby. Then, two more bears showed up aft of National Geographic Sea Bird.
Tearing ourselves away, we found a fine viewing spot in front of the glaciers and enjoyed the stunning scenery, calving and the accompanying “white thunder.” It was magical.
On our way down bay, John shared his presentation “Tlingit Culture.” We reached Bartlett Cove, near the mouth of Glacier Bay, in time for a late evening stroll.
