LeConte Fjord and Petersburg
Evidence of fall is all around us. Golds and reds are showing up amongst the greens on shore. Breezes are blowing with just a bit more chill. The season is changing here, but does this mean our experience here is anything less? Hardly! Our explorations this morning in LeConte Fjord could only be described as brilliant. Today was our last day to spend amongst the glaciers of Southeast Alaska; it was as if the glacier knew, somehow, and wanted to see us southward with a spectacular send-off.
Bright morning sun slanted against the steep fjord walls. The Sea Bird inched her way through the icebergs decorating the channel. Evidence of the glacier’s frequent activity surrounded us. Zodiacs and kayaks launched via the jet dock, and we spent the morning zipping and paddling amongst the ice. Awed, we watched massive chunks of ice calve from the glacier’s face, hitting the water far below with a sound known as “white thunder.” Curiously, we exchanged glances with harbor seals hauled out on the icebergs. Reverently, we raised our faces to the sunlight, enjoying the wind on our faces, and relishing the chance to immerse ourselves in this amazing place.
If our arrival at LeConte Glacier was brilliant, our exit from the fjord could be described as nothing less than mystical. Warm air from the bay combined with the ice-chilled air of the fjord, creating a dense fog. Sculptured icebergs materialized magically from the fog’s folds as we cruised slowly past. We traveled through a ghostly graveyard of silver shadows and shining sunrays.
Making way from LeConte Bay for the town of Petersburg, we were joined by Dr. Fred Sharpe, a researcher for the Alaska Whale Foundation. Upon docking in Petersburg, we spent several hours walking around this small fishing community. The late afternoon sun provided optimal light for photography, while the local hardware store, bookstore, and saloon offered still more perspectives of life in Southeast Alaska.
Evidence of fall is all around us. Golds and reds are showing up amongst the greens on shore. Breezes are blowing with just a bit more chill. The season is changing here, but does this mean our experience here is anything less? Hardly! Our explorations this morning in LeConte Fjord could only be described as brilliant. Today was our last day to spend amongst the glaciers of Southeast Alaska; it was as if the glacier knew, somehow, and wanted to see us southward with a spectacular send-off.
Bright morning sun slanted against the steep fjord walls. The Sea Bird inched her way through the icebergs decorating the channel. Evidence of the glacier’s frequent activity surrounded us. Zodiacs and kayaks launched via the jet dock, and we spent the morning zipping and paddling amongst the ice. Awed, we watched massive chunks of ice calve from the glacier’s face, hitting the water far below with a sound known as “white thunder.” Curiously, we exchanged glances with harbor seals hauled out on the icebergs. Reverently, we raised our faces to the sunlight, enjoying the wind on our faces, and relishing the chance to immerse ourselves in this amazing place.
If our arrival at LeConte Glacier was brilliant, our exit from the fjord could be described as nothing less than mystical. Warm air from the bay combined with the ice-chilled air of the fjord, creating a dense fog. Sculptured icebergs materialized magically from the fog’s folds as we cruised slowly past. We traveled through a ghostly graveyard of silver shadows and shining sunrays.
Making way from LeConte Bay for the town of Petersburg, we were joined by Dr. Fred Sharpe, a researcher for the Alaska Whale Foundation. Upon docking in Petersburg, we spent several hours walking around this small fishing community. The late afternoon sun provided optimal light for photography, while the local hardware store, bookstore, and saloon offered still more perspectives of life in Southeast Alaska.
