Tracy Arm – Ford’s Terror Wilderness
The National Geographic Sea Bird makes good speed to arrive at Holkham Bay early in the morning of Saturday, May 7th, our last full day aboard. We are treated to blue skies and towering cliffs that plunge into the calm dark water of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness. To welcome us, an imperial bald eagle sits atop a Sitka spruce calmly surveying the serene fjord. Almost on cue, after many clicking of shutters occurs, the great raptor flies off, giving all a perfect chance to capture her in flight. Mere moments later we are treated to what would be the first of many black bear sightings.
Shortly after breakfast, all the Zodiacs are launched to explore the waters directly off the Sawyer and South Sawyer glaciers. Amid the crackle and pop of a vast field of growler bergs sprinkled with intermittent bergy bits and azure-blue icebergs, the Zodiacs cautiously approach the dulcet rumblings of the often-calving Sawyer Glacier. Curious harbor seals poke their heads out of the icy water to spy the strange interlopers we must surely be, and above us pigeon guillemots and arctic terns fly urgently to and fro, foraging. The morning continues to offer high adventure as the sturdy Zodiacs bounce from ‘berg to ‘berg and the sky sheds its clouds and reveals a crisp blue as the sun pours her warmth across our cheeks.
Upon returning to the National Geographic Sea Bird we are treated to a light lunch from the galley, but this was done to save room for the ice cream sundae dessert that followed. The afternoon becomes more spectacular as we investigate tall waterfalls plummeting down 2,000-foot cliff faces. Shortly afterward, an often-heard call of “bear!” is spoken causing a flurry of photographers rushing the fore deck with long lenses and soon-to-be-filled memory cards in anticipation of great wildlife photography opportunities. Bears loiter on the shores, allowing all to capture their ursine awesomeness and admire their dark coats as they forage slow and purposely.
Captain Dave then shows his skill of navigating the National Geographic Sea Bird as he treats us to arms-distance views of waterfalls along the cliff walls. The sun beats down on us and the guests make use of the deck chaise lounges while photo opportunities present themselves at each turn of the winding fjord. These include a mother bear and her cubs, and the obligatory humpback whale. Our last full day was exciting, photo-centric and warm, making it the perfect finale to what was a grand Photo Adventure in Wild Alaska.
