Tracy Arm & Sand Bay
Oh my! Are we dreaming or did we really hear the words “killer whales” over the PA at 6:00am? Better go out and see.
And there they were… five orcas off the bow of the National Geographic Sea Bird. These whales feed on marine mammals and we were thrilled to see them on our first morning at sea.
After breakfast we put on all our layers and grabbed our cameras and binoculars to go explore Tracy Arm. The glaciers carved this amazing fjord. It is more than 1200 feet deep. We set out in Zodiacs, weaving through the floating icebergs. The icebergs were various shapes and sizes and appeared to be beautifully sculpted by Mother Nature. Some were a deep blue, the result of being subjected to tremendous pressure.
We spotted harbor seals lying on the icebergs. Some were swimming in the frigid water, alternately diving and then popping their heads above the water to check us out. We watched Arctic terns gracefully flying overhead and then skimming across the water searching for food. Pigeon guillemots were also seen atop of floating ice. As they flew off, we got a good look at their vibrant red feet.
Finally we reached the massive Sawyer glacier, part of the Juneau ice field. And as we sat quietly, taking in this magnificent sight, a part of the glacier “calved” off. The ice dropped into the sea creating a large splash.
After lunch we repositioned to Sand Bay. Some of us chose to go on hikes, walking along a stream and poking into the forest at times. We saw red alder trees, lovely flowers and even some edible plants. We saw evidence of animals like porcupine chew marks on trees. We saw moose and bear tracks and red squirrel middens at the base of Sitka spruce trees.
Kayakers enjoyed paddling around the cove taking in this wild and scenic area. And the icing on the cake was the active humpback whale we spotted after dinner.
